Outdoor Living Archives - Bruzzese Home Improvements

Transform Your Outdoor Space Into An Oasis

February 7, 2023February 7, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, lawn and gardenhome improvement, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Is your outdoor space looking a bit dull and drab? Transform it into an oasis of relaxation with a few simple steps. Start by sprucing up your space with some landscaping. Plant some trees and shrubs, lay down some fresh grass, and create pathways with stones and pavers.

Then, add some comfortable furniture for lounging and dining. Adorn your space with cozy pillows and blankets, and light it up with decorative lighting. Finally, don’t forget to add some lifestyle elements like a fire pit, a water feature, or a unique sculpture. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your outdoor space can be transformed into a beautiful oasis.

HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO AN OASIS

1. Think about Your Needs: Consider your lifestyle, how much time you want to spend outdoors, and what activities you’d love to do.

2. Pick the Perfect Spot: Look for a spot in your backyard that gets plenty of sunlight, is relatively flat, and has access to water.

3. Make a plan: Draw a plan of your outdoor space and decide on the features you want to add.

4. Get Creative with Landscaping: Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers to add life and color to your backyard.

5. Install Decorative Lighting: Create a magical atmosphere with outdoor lighting.

6. Add Seating: Place comfortable chairs, benches, or swings in your outdoor space.

7. Add a water feature. Put in a fountain, pond, or birdbath to make a soothing sound.

8. Cool Down the Temperature: Install a residential misting system. The fine mist will keep the temperature down during the summer months,

9. Make it Cozy: Add rugs, cozy pillows, and blankets to make your outdoor space more inviting.

10. Enjoy Your Oasis: Spend time in your outdoor oasis, relax, and soak up the sun!

In conclusion, transforming your outdoor space into an oasis is a great way to add value to your home and create a peaceful retreat. With the right design elements, you can create a relaxing environment that allows you to escape the stress of daily life and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you want to add a water feature, build a fire pit, or create a beautiful garden, there are plenty of ways to make your outdoor space a true oasis. So, start planning and get ready to enjoy your own personal paradise!

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Furniture Sets for You: A Guide

February 7, 2022February 7, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, lawn and gardenhome improvement, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

The outdoor furniture market is valued at more than one billion dollars. And that’s no surprise when you consider how vital your patio furniture is for comfortable home living.

Your outdoor furniture provides the seating for your barbeque parties, dinner parties, spring picnics, and summer cocktail hours. The best outdoor furniture sets are durable but still comfortable and versatile.

If you’re looking for some tips on how to pick the best furniture for your patio, read on!

Weather Conditions

Unless you want to replace your outdoor furniture every year, it’s essential to consider your weather conditions. Is it sunny? Does it rain frequently?

If it’s sunny or you live at elevation, you should pick furniture sets that UV light won’t damage.

Metal is best for these conditions, as plastic and rubber will get damaged by extended periods in the sun. Wood furniture often has a weather-resistant coating, but eventually, this will wear away, and the wood will be exposed and break down.

In addition, the sun can bleach cushion fabric, and rain can cause mold and fungus to grow, so make sure you bring your pillows inside when you’re not using them.

Patio Layout

If you have a large patio, you have more space to play. You can incorporate lounge chairs and even an outdoor sofa.

However, if you have a smaller patio, you’ll have to maximize your space without taking up too much floor area. Consider using a bar table and stools instead of a dining table. This type of seating arrangement won’t take up as much space and will allow you to seat more people.

You can also extend your seating with a swinging bench if you have a tree near the patio.

If you already have some outdoor furniture that you’re looking to replace, think about how your old furniture set worked. Do you wish you had more space? Are there furniture pieces that you didn’t end up using?

The best way to get the most seating for your area is to plan. Consider sketching out a few potential layouts and visualizing how they will serve you. Then, scroll through a site like Welcome Home Outdoors and imagine the pieces in your space.

Consider Storage

If you live in an area with a winter season, consider storing your patio furniture when you can’t use it. This will help prolong its lifespan.

To make storage more manageable, you can choose stackable chairs and collapsable sofas.

Style

Once you’ve got the practical aspects of your furniture covered, it’s time to consider colors and patterns. It’s best if you pick natural colors for your furniture, then accessorize with colorful pillows and rugs. This lets you easily swap out color themes without replacing your whole furniture set.

Pick the Best Outdoor Furniture Sets Today

With these tips, you should be well on your way to picking the best outdoor furniture sets. With a bit of care and consideration, you’ll make the perfect patio layout and select pieces that will last for a long time.

For more homemaking and lifestyle tips, check out our blog!

6 Tips on Picking Outdoor Lighting for Homeowners

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvementhome improvement, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Picking outdoor lighting can be a tricky thing to get right.

There are many different types of outdoor lights, and it’s important to know what you need before you start shopping. Here are some tips on picking the perfect type of light for your project.

You’ll want to make sure that any outdoor light is durable enough for outside use and won’t break easily in bad weather or if someone accidentally bumps into it. It should also have a long lifespan so that you don’t have to replace it too often.

Read this article now for some tips on how homeowners can pick the right type of outdoor lighting!

1. Know Your Options

There are different types of outdoor lights, but most homeowners choose between landscape lighting and pathway lighting. Many people use both forms in their landscaping projects to get the best results.

There are tons of outdoor lighting options. You can use landscape lights for simple accenting jobs that give off a diffuse glow without necessarily shedding light on an area. Pathway lighting is more direct and can cast light on an area of the garden, walkway, or driveway. Companies like Imperiallm can get your project off to the right start.

2. Determine What You Want to Accomplish

You can use landscape lighting for many different effects, such as illuminating a tree or highlighting a rock formation. Pathway lighting is better for focusing light on a certain area, like a path or a garden.

This is especially true if you’re using it for evening walks.

3. Compare Durability and Lifespan

Outdoor lighting should be able to stand up to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and intense sun exposure.

It should also last for several years without needing replacement often. Many landscape lights are more susceptible to damage than pathway lights because of their diffuse nature; some manufacturers claim that some types of landscape lights will last up to 10 years.

4. Assess Illumination Needs

If you just need a little light in an area, something like a solar garden light may be sufficient. Pathway lighting is usually more effective for illuminating larger areas or specific features in the landscaping design.

It also depends on your outdoor lighting budget, because each type of light varies quite a bit in price.

5. Evaluate Safety

Consider safety when you are choosing outdoor lighting.

You will want to make sure that people can see well when they’re walking along the path or driveway at night, for example. Also, consider shielding any lights directed upwards to prevent them from shining into someone’s window.

6. Think About How You Want the Lights to Look

Different types of landscape lights can provide different results, so choose carefully based on how you want them to look in the landscaping design.

The most common type of landscape lighting is low voltage lighting. Photocells turn it on when it’s dark outside. You will need to have electricity running through your yard to power low-voltage lights.

Get Started With Picking Outdoor Lighting

These 6 tips for picking outdoor lighting should give you a good place to start when picking the perfect outdoor lighting for your landscaping project. Hopefully, you’ll land on the perfect set of lights.

For more tips, check out the rest of the articles on our blog!

How to Design the Perfect Outdoor Space

November 15, 2021November 11, 2021Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDecks & Patios, home improvementhome improvement, home trends, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Are you looking to design yourself an outdoor space, but you don’t know how to start? Look no further!

Designing an outdoor area is difficult, especially if you don’t have much to work with in terms of location.

Don’t be deterred by a currently unattractive outdoor space. There are many things you can add to it to make it the perfect outdoor hangout spot.

Keep reading to find out how you can design the perfect outdoor space for you.

Plenty of Seats

What is the point of a beautiful outdoor space if there is no room for family and friends? Even if you have limited floor space, a stool or sitting hammock will do.

If you don’t make an effort to add seating to your patio design, it’s unlikely that you will use it. You need a comfy spot to kick your feet up during a sunny afternoon.

Also, consider a table or side table. A place to set your drinks or phone will come in handy. It will also make your space more functional if you plan to spend a lot of time there.

Appropriate Lighting

The lighting will make or break an outdoor space. If you are decorating during the full-light hours of summer, you may not be considering the light.

When it becomes night or the seasons’ change, you will not have the same amount of light. You want to be able to see what you’re doing and who you are within your outdoor space.

A set of string lights around your design will give you plenty of light during a nighttime hang out on your patio.

Plenty of Storage to Stay Tidy

If you are someone who likes to keep their gardening equipment and other supplies outside, you do not want it cluttering your outdoor space.

A few weather-proof storage boxes will keep your things hidden away. Investing in storage boxes can also add to your décor or act as a table. Don’t buy just any box.

Think about the color scheme and vibe of your patio before buying them. You can make them blend in with your furniture or stand out with a pop of color.

Keeping tidy is essential for outdoor areas. They can quickly fill with leaves, bird poop, and dirt. Always keep a broom handy and wipe off your furniture regularly.

Protection From the Elements

Being outside means subjecting yourself to the elements. If you don’t plan on regularly applying sunscreen to keep from burning, you may consider buying a shade to protect you.

If mosquito control is a concern of yours, you may want round bed canopies to cover your furniture. Mosquitos can ruin an outdoor experience for several days or months.

When the area you live in experiences cold winters, you may invest in a space heater. A heater can be strong enough to keep your entire space warm while you watch frost form on the grass.

Create Your Outdoor Space

Your outdoor space should reflect your home design while also being functional. These design tips will allow you to get a start on your space so you can enjoy it in the next season.

If you enjoyed this article, you should check out the rest of our page for more design ideas.

Backyard Renovations: 4 Reasons Why a Pool Would Rule

February 27, 2019Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, Swimming Poolshome improvement, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

You may be considering adding a pool to your backyard. While this is a major renovation, it may be worth the time and investment to have your very own pool. Having a pool in your backyard can have benefit for not only you and the kids in your home, but also friends, family, and neighbors.

But just what are these benefits? Let’s look at the top four reasons why a pool would rule.

Great for Physical Health

You don’t have to swim laps to see the physical benefit of having a pool. In fact, just lazily swimming around, doing a few dives, and floating around on a raft not only keep you active but also allow you time under the sun. It’s important that you wear sunscreen when outside, but even with sunscreen you are exposed to the healthy rays of the sun. Most of us get the majority of our Vitamin D through sun exposure.

Great for Mental Health

Whether you’ve spent all day at the office, at school, or even taking care of the house, taking a mental health break is important. With a pool in your own backyard, this becomes much easier. Whether you want to lounge in a chair by the pool, perhaps under some shade, or whether you feel like doing a cannonball into the deep end, relaxing and enjoying your backyard makes it easier for you to take a mental-health break.

Perfect for Quality Time with the Family

If you’re finding it hard to get both kids and adults in one place all at the same time with no electronics around, investing in a swimming pool may be the answer. It’s hard to say no when someone invites you to go for a swim. Plus, due to the nature of a swimming pool, everyone will have to leave their phones and tablets inside. This means this time spent in or by the pool as a family can be a great way to not only bond but also to open up a conversation about everyone’s day, which can bring you closer together as a family.

Ideal for Socializing

You and your family may not be the only ones to benefit from a backyard swimming pool. Your kids can throw pool parties with their friends from school, and your backyard may be the coolest spot in town for a block party. What’s more, birthday parties, anniversaries, and even weddings may just find their way into your backyard. Be the life of the neighborhood with your very own swimming pool and create lasting relationships with those close to you.

Even considering all these great reasons for having a swimming pool, you may be worried that pool construction may be costly in both funds and time. However, finding the right contractor to install your new pool during your backyard renovation can make sure you have the backyard of your dreams, and that you see all these benefits and more.

How to Make a Private Oasis in Your Own Backyard

February 11, 2019January 31, 2019Bruzzese Home ImprovementsHome Improvement Tips, infographichome improvement, infographic, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

If you’ve ever desired more space in your home, you’re not alone. That’s why so many people add on to their residences, or why the remodeling industry continues to enjoy such busy and flush times. But there’s a different way to approach coming up with a new and better space in which to retreat and find calm and a sense of serenity, and that’s to extend your living space into your outdoor space with a backyard oasis.

That might sound fussy and complicated and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be any of those things. Creating a backyard oasis needs to start with goals and a plan, and it may be worth it to come up with something formal with a landscape architect. Yes, you’ll have to spend money, but you’ll also be able to spread out and stage your project if you choose. Ready to learn more? This graphic can help.

Click to Enlarge Image

Add a More Lavish Appeal to Your Backyard with These 4 Must-Have Features

May 30, 2018May 18, 2018Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDIY Projects, lawn and gardenbackyard, DIY projects, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Turning a bland backyard into an outdoor oasis doesn’t need to be an expensive or time-consuming process. For many homeowners, a few simple upgrades and additions will make all the difference. Here is a look at four must-have features that are going to transform your yard.

Hang Patio Misters

If you live in a particularly hot climate, then you should consider installing outdoor misters. You do have the option of permanently attaching misters to posts and awnings, but removable misters require much less work. In addition to being more affordable, removable misters are also much easier to clean. Outdoor misters should be thoroughly sanitized with vinegar or another cleaning agent once every few weeks to prevent germs from spreading.

Replace Your Old Patio Furniture

Most traditional patio furniture isn’t built with comfort in mind. Replacing old plastic and metal chairs with swings and hammocks is a great way to take your yard to the next level. Very few things are as relaxing as swinging in a hammock on a quiet summer night. If you don’t have any large trees on your property, then you might want to build a standalone pergola. These structures are relatively inexpensive and will last for years with the proper sealant.

Create an Outdoor Kitchen

Those who love to entertain guests need to have an outdoor cooking area. No one wants to leave their guests outside while cooking in a stuffy kitchen. A simple outdoor cooking space requires nothing more than a few comfortable seats, an ice chest, and a BBQ. For a more luxurious feel, you can install a fireplace to provide warmth in the winter and built-in refrigerator for drinks. With the proper setup, you will be able to keep your guests entertained while preparing a meal.

Install an Invisible Sound System

Your next BBQ or outdoor party won’t be complete without a good playlist. Multiple companies are now making outdoor sound systems that are designed to blend into natural landscape features. Some speakers can be hidden in lights while others look just like bushes or rocks. Many of these systems are controlled with a smartphone or tablet, but you can also hook them up to a traditional amplifier or stereo.

While most of these projects don’t require any special permits, you should always double-check all local statutes before working on your property. You must also contact your local utility companies before digging in your backyard so that you don’t hit any pipes or lines. Cracking a sewage line is an expensive and unpleasant problem that no homeowner wants to deal with.

How to Turn Your Garden into the Envy of the Neighborhood

March 26, 2018October 31, 2022Bruzzese Home Improvementslawn and gardenlandscaping, lawn, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Keeping a great garden can be lots of fun, as well as a way to make your home look better from the outside. If you grow vegetables, it can also be a great source of fresh, nutritious foods for you and your family. Here are some of the best tips for turning your garden into the envy of everyone else in your neighborhood.

Start with Great Soil

If you want plants to grow well, you need to start with rich soil that will provide them with plenty of nutrients. Organic topsoil, sold by the bag at many hardware stores, can give your garden the start it needs to grow healthy plants. If you want to make your soil even richer, you can consider incorporating manure or compost for extra nitrogen. Mix these additives into the soil that’s already in your yard, and you’ll have a great foundation for your garden.

Choose the Right Seeds

If you want the perfect garden, you need to be selective with your seeds. Not only should you choose plants that will look and grow well together, but you should also consider whether or not the seeds you’re getting are good for your particular climate zone. If you plan to grow vegetables, consider the yield of each hybrid variety in order to get the most out of your garden.

Optimize Your Irrigation and Drainage

Everyone knows that plants need water to grow, but getting the exact amount of water right can be a little tricky. A good solution is to install an automatic irrigation system that will water your plants at specific times and for specific periods to ensure that they’re getting exactly what they need. You should also install a good garden drainage system, since plants can be harmed by water sitting on their roots for too long.

Rotate Seasonally

One thing that will easily make your garden stand apart from your neighbors’ is rotating the plants you have in it with the seasons. If you’re growing a flower garden, this means planting annuals for spring, summer and autumn. With vegetable gardens, you have even more latitude to rotate, as you can start with crops such as peas that mature early, then plant autumn harvest crops like squashes. Tomatoes, peppers, green beans, lettuce and broccoli can fill out your vegetable garden, as they’ll produce consistent harvests throughout the summer.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can create a great garden that will be the envy of all of your neighbors. Keep in mind, though, that keeping a great garden will still require plenty of work on your part.

Home Helps: Top Benefits of Choosing to Hardscape Rather Than Landscape

March 7, 2018December 20, 2023Bruzzese Home Improvementshome improvement, lawn and gardenhome improvement, lawn, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

Constantly taking care of your landscaping can be a hassle. You may find yourself spending all of your free time weeding and maintaining your yard. Here are some benefits to hardscape over landscape.

Decreased Water Consumption

In areas where there are water restrictions, hardscape can save on dead and dying yards. You won’t have to look out at your yard and shake your head. It can also save on your water bill each month. This increased savings can even help you to pay for the project. Then, you can feel as though you’ve done your part in conserving water. It can also provide a fire break around your home. This can give you an increased sense of security.

Less Erosion Issues

Hardscape that is done well still drains into the soil. The benefit is that during heavy downpours, you won’t have to worry about your yard becoming a bog. Proper hardscape has a solid foundation that won’t erode underneath itself. If you live on a hillside, this can be a big cause for concern. Retaining walls can help to protect your investment. Some walls can even help to prevent landslide issues of your home and property.

Increased Yard Usability

Hardscape can allow you to create an outdoor living space. You can host parties in this increased space. Another benefit is that it can increase the value of your property. It can be an accent piece for your yard. Quality hardscape can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. This may drive up the sale price of your home if you decided to sell. It can even be a good place for the kids to play. Then, you won’t have to worry about them tracking dirt in from outside.

Reduced Time for Maintenance

Depending on the extent that you decide to hardscape your yard, you can cut down on the maintenance significantly. This doesn’t mean that you need to give up all of your plants. Keeping a few planting areas will still allow you to maintain some greenery. The benefit is that you can have more free time on the weekends to do other things. Hardscape that is done well can last for a lifetime. The key is to prepare the area with the proper materials, such as gravel from Purdy Topsoil & Gravel, before you take on the project.

There are lots of potential benefits to adding hardscape to your yard. Just make sure to do it right so that it can provide lasting beauty to your home.

Steel Sheds: The Principal Advantages

November 20, 2017November 1, 2017Bruzzese Home ImprovementsDIY Projects, Home Improvement Tips, Home Organization Tipshome improvement, home trends, Outdoor LivingLeave a comment

When it comes to sheds, you need to think about durability. These convenient exterior objects can be used to store yard equipment and other household items, so they have to be weather-proof. Above all others, wooden and metal sheds are the most popular and feasible choices, but steel sheds might be just the thing you need. If you are interested to find out why you should invest your money in a steel structure, here are the principal advantages of steel sheds.

Reliability of steel structures

Many people equate steel structures to gargantuan skyscrapers and large-scale building projects, but steel can also be used as a reliable basis for small and unassuming structures such as sheds. It makes an appealing building option since it is durable, sustainable and affordable. From wall support to framing and roofing, steel is just as versatile a building material as wood, and when it comes to framing, steel beams are even lighter than timber. It can be used to build quickly and it can be recycled.

Easy to maneuver

Did you know a full timber shed will cost more than a steel shed? Apart from that, bulky logs can be quite a hassle to move around or reposition. Steel sheds are built from a variety of “moving parts” which are delivered in numerous packages. These packages are almost universally flat-packed, so even your kids can help out with moving them around and placing them in positions you see fit.

Low maintenance

The advantages of steel structures are indisputable, but the most popular selling point is low maintenance. When each of us thinks about building a shed in the backyard, we all subconsciously start thinking about what version of this will require the least spring cleaning sessions. Thankfully, the galvanized layer protects against the elements and it is generally easy to clean off any dirt with a bit of fire hose action – which leads us directly to the next advantage.

Fast assembly

Owing to very practical packaging, the assembly of these steel sheds is a relatively brisk task. In fact, if you have some building experience you can probably assemble the shed on your own. However, to avoid potential injuries you should probably hire professionals to finish this project for you. If you need a larger shed that will serve as a multi-purpose structure (a garage, workshop, storage facility, chill zone – you name it), certain companies, as the experts behind Wallandra, will not only ensure that you choose the adequate structure, but also assemble it every step of the way.

Fire and water hazards

The first advice you’ll hear when you opt to build a shed is – keep it at a safe distance from your main house. It is not an uncommon sight to see sheds set ablaze and they can be a real fire hazard. Thankfully, metal is very fire-resistant and galvanized steel would have to be exposed to extremely high temperatures to melt down. As far as water goes, if the issue of rust is taken care of with galvanization, you are pretty much set. There are over 3,500 grades of steel out there, and that is one of many interesting facts about this material. Additionally, steel can soak in water and rot will not settle in like in the case of timber. Also, mold problems are a lot less frequent and easy to manage.

If you have built your household from the ground up and plan to (ideally) spend the rest of your life on this property, you have to build exterior structures for keeps. Sometimes, this might mean you will have to reach deep into your pocket, but it is guaranteed to pay off. With a steel shed in your backyard, you will save money on unpredictable and frequent fixer-uppers which could end up costing more than the original structure.

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