New year, new budget! Still, you might want to give your yard a cheap(er) facelift in 2023. Here are some ideas to work with things that you may already have around the house.
Idea #1: Create Ambiance with String Lights
Christmas lights can be used year-round! String lights are a classic choice for outdoor lighting, and for good reason! They’re incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. They can be strung up around porch railings or patio umbrellas, draped across trees or bushes, or even wrapped around pillars or posts. Whether you want something festive for summer BBQs, romantic for evening dinners on the patio, or beautiful twinkles reflecting on the winter snow, there are endless possibilities for illuminating your outdoor space. If you want more outdoor lighting ideas, myself and other outdoor experts share outdoor lighting ideas for GardeningEtc!
Idea #2: Spruce up Your Driveway and Front Yard
Your driveway and yard are the first thing you visitors see when they come to your home. Give your driveway and front yard a new lease on life by pressure washing them and giving them a thorough cleaning. With winter comes the extra layer of salt and dirt when roads are plowed and prepared for snow. Choose concrete and environmentally friendly ice melt for your own sidewalks and driveway to increase the longevity of the surfaces.
Idea #3: Enjoy Your Patio or Porch All Year Long
Just because the temperatures outside have dropped doesn’t mean you have to stop using your outdoor space! With a little bit of creative thinking, you can easily enjoy your patio or porch all year long. From fire pits to heated furniture, there are plenty of ways to stay warm while still enjoying the fresh air. You can move around furniture you already have, get an outdoor heat lamp, or safely move your firepit closer to the house. My brother recently gifted us an outdoor fire pit, and we cannot wait to cozy up to it this winter!
I hope these ideas inspire you to refresh your outdoor spaces, no matter your budget! Have a happy New Year.
Pragya Mishra is the Founder and Principal of Artscapes, LLC, a Northern Virginia-based landscape architecture firm that specializes in designing outdoor transformations that bring you joy. With 22 years of professional experience, she works closely with each client and her network of top-tier contractors to make each project vision a reality. Follow Artscapes on Instagram @artscapes_living and see examples of past projects on her website, www.artscapesliving.com.
