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  • How to Host a Wedding in Your Backyard

    At-home weddings are some of the best. They offer a comfortable, intimate, and personal celebration with loved ones.  Additionally, you get more for less, which is a bargain worth considering.

    However, not all backyard weddings are created equally. It takes meticulous planning to turn a backyard into a marital oasis.  After all, this is the couple’s big day and it involves a lot of work to get it done just right. Running around at the last minute simply isn’t an option. Start with this step-by-step guide to hosting a wedding in your backyard and your landscape will be ready when it’s time to say the “I do.”

    Determine the practicality of using your backyard to host a wedding

    The idea of hosting a wedding in your backyard is great. However, it’s important to think long and hard about the viability of your property. Even with the best party planning, if your backyard isn’t cut out for a ceremony, you could run into many roadblocks that may jeopardize the big day.

    The three main things to consider prior to planning a wedding in your backyard are legality, space and cost of hosting a major event on your property.

    Legality

    Depending on the specifics of the wedding and guest list, special permits or site inspections may be required to ensure a legal celebration. It’s important to check with your local fire department, police department and city hall. Some regions have a limit on how many people can be in a home at one time, while others have noise restrictions and/or overnight parking laws which can put a damper on a great celebration.  Be aware of restrictions or city requirements and plan accordingly.

    Space

    Additionally, you need to determine whether you have enough space to accommodate the wedding guests, along with the requirements of seating, feeding and entertaining them. If you plan on having any additional features, such as weather-friendly areas, a dance floor, buffet, band, bar, etc., you’ll need for additional space.

    Cost

    Lastly, you need to think about the various factors that determine the cost of a backyard wedding. Things to consider include the cost of equipment rental (chairs, tables, lighting, stages, tents, etc.), an officiant, catering, drinks, photography, cake, decorations, flowers, wedding favors and music.

    Create the ultimate backyard wedding checklist

    Phew! The hard part of sorting out permits, space and costs are handled. Time to carefully create the ultimate backyard wedding checklist to ensure a flawless celebration. Make your checklist as thorough as possible, with a priority level marked beside each task. You may want to first determine everything that needs to be accomplished, then rewrite the list in order of completion date or priority level for optimal organization.

    As you’re about to see, some tasks can wait until closer to the day whereas others should be completed as soon as possible. Here is an example list of tasks to consider adding into your ultimate backyard wedding checklist:

    Landscape

    • Create a floor plan
    • Check landscape for any inconveniences
    • Level ground if needed
    • Plant flowers

    Equipment

    • Rent a generator to handle electrical needs
    • Rent a dance floor
    • Rent tents, tables and chairs
    • Book sound and lighting
    • Rent one Port-a-Potty for every 30 guests

    Decorations

    • Send out Save the Date cards
    • Send out invitations
    • Purchase or rent decorations (table linens, glassware, dinnerware, napkins, barware, trash cans, etc.)
    • Figure out flower arrangements
    • Purchase centerpieces and aisle runners
    • Purchase party lights and candles

    Personnel

    • Book your officiant
    • Hire an electrician to address electrical needs
    • Hire appropriate crew for parking, catering, entertainment, setup, etc.
    • Book licensed bartenders
    • Hire a DJ or band
    • Book a photographer
    • Schedule hair and makeup

    Miscellaneous

    • Confirm the menu
    • Reach out to your neighbors to inform them of potential noise and traffic
    • Consider wedding insurance
    • Make sure you have your permits
    • Purchase the dress and shoes, and rent the groom’s tuxedo
    • Plan a honeymoon
    • Get your marriage license
    • Purchase bridal party gifts

    Create a timeline of events

    Once you have the finer details of a backyard wedding ironed out, it’s time to create a timeline of events. Determine the things that’ll occur on the big day and make a list. Some things to consider include the ceremony, the first dance, father and daughter dance, toasts, speeches, cake-cutting, bouquet toss, etc. This changes per couple, so include both the bride and groom when creating this list.

    As soon as you have the events sorted out, you can create a timeline for them. Try to specify the exact time you want each event to occur to make sure nothing gets left out. Print the list and give it to everyone who will be helping you keep things on schedule on the big day, from the mother of the bride to the DJ.

  • Backyard Parties Are a Must in the Summer Sunshine: Here are the top 3 picks for a better celebration

    There’s nothing like an outdoor summer party. As the aroma of backyard BBQs and fire pits fill the air, it’s time to start thinking about your next backyard party. Whether you’re celebrating a specific event or life in general, these top three backyard party themes are certain to provide inspiration.

     Beach party

    Any summer backyard party that involves water is sure to be a hit. The good news is that you don’t have to live by the shore to take advantage of this party theme; just get a little creative.

    Entertainment

    If you have a swimming pool, that’s great. They’re always a great addition to a summer party, offering hours of fun, relaxation and a place for your guests to cool off throughout the day. However, a swimming pool isn’t a necessity for hosting a backyard beach party. Grab some water guns, water balloons and sprinklers, or lay out a long slip-n-slide. Even adult guests will be channeling their inner child as they splash around with the younger partygoers.

    Food

    Even without any water-related entertainment, you can still host a sea-inspired backyard party because it’s all about the menu. Swap out the usual burgers and hot dogs for salmon, scallops and seafood skewers. Trade in the vegetable platter for a shrimp platter; serve summer cocktails decorated with tiny umbrellas and roll out coolers full of ice cold beverages.

    Decorations

    Anything that has to do with the sea is a go-ahead. Just be sure to stick with a common color scheme.

    Hawaiian luau party

    A Hawaiian luau is perfect for summer. The Aloha State is the epitome of fun in the sun, and you can recreate a similar appeal within your backyard sans an expensive plane ticket.

    Food

    A traditional Hawaiian luau involves a celebration with lots of food. Start planning your backyard party by crafting the menu. Cook up some classic Hawaiian recipes such as pineapple and poi.

    Decorations

    Use vibrant flowers to light up the space, stage surfboards across the yard, string tiki lights from tree to tree, opt for tropical prints for all your fabrics, and use coconuts and pineapples as centerpieces. Voila! Your backyard is complete.

    Entertainment

    If you want to take your backyard party decorating skills (and entertainment) a notch higher, use your guests! Ask everyone on your guest list to wear their best Hawaiian outfit and hand out raffia grass skirts and leis as each guest arrives. Turn up the music, host a hula hoop contest and your party will be one people won’t forget. Aloha!

     Outdoor camp night party

    Schedule your party to start a little later in the day and extend it into the night. One of the best things about the summer season is exploring the great outdoors and everything it has to offer. From the star-speckled nights to fields glowing with fireflies, plus campfires, marshmallows and ghost stories, an outdoor camp night is a must.

    Decorations

    Since this party’s theme will extend into the darker hours, the most important feature is the lighting. It’s crucial to have enough lighting for your guests to safely navigate your backyard. However, you don’t want so much light that it takes away from the appeal of the night sky. String some lights along a fence and from tree to tree, and line the walkways with solar powered path lights for the perfect amount of ambiance.

    Food

    Planning a camp night party is incredibly easy, which is why it’s one of the best backyard party ideas for summer. All you need are some hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, salads, and condiments to feed your guests.

    Entertainment

    Create a s’mores bar, complete with all the necessities to make this staple campfire treat, and arrange camping chairs around the fire pit. Let the flicker of the flame and the scent of the burning wood provide all the entertainment you need for an awesome backyard party – everyone loves a campfire.

     

    Hosting a backyard party this summer doesn’t have to break the bank. Be creative and have fun!

  • Top 5 Home Improvements That Increase Your Home’s Value

    With all the home improvement ideas out there, discovering the ones that’ll increase your return on investment can be difficult. The bathroom and kitchen are the hubs of the home and improving these will instantly add value to your property. These two areas are always an excellent place to start your home improvements. However, if your kitchen and bathroom already look great and are in excellent condition, there’s no reason to disturb their aesthetics. Instead, implement these five budget-friendly home improvements throughout your home to boost your home’s value.

    Hardwood flooring

    Updating the floors is one of the best home improvements you can do to increase your home’s value. However, you don’t have to tear apart the entire house to receive these benefits. Instead, focus on larger and/or weathered areas to highlight your home improvements. Replacing old carpet or tile with modern options, such as hardwood or mosaics, will bring an immediate rise in property value.

    • Refinish hardwood floors for a cost-effective home improvement

    Update fixtures

    Some of the best home improvements can be done throughout your entire house without having to tear or rip anything apart. Old fixtures can be found in every room, including light fixtures, door handles, faucets, and cabinet knobs.  Although small, if the fixtures are worn and dated, they can negatively affect the entire appeal of your home. It’s a small, yet incredibly effective update.

    • Replace old fixtures with modern options to receive an immediate increase in your home’s value

    Revamp old cabinets

    Another home improvement tip for one of the most important rooms in the house is to revamp old cabinets. This doesn’t have to be restricted just to the kitchen. If the cabinets in your bathroom or even dressers in the bedrooms are worn, give them a paint job or re-stain them. It’s a quick fix that is also affordable and will increase the value of your home.

    • Re-stain or repaint cabinets, drawers and dressers

    Enhance curb appeal

    The exterior of your home should not be forgotten when executing home improvements to increase the value. When you decide to list your home, it’s the first thing prospective buyers will see. It takes a second for an initial impression to be made and you want to ensure your curb appeal entices offers instead of repelling them.

    Invest in some new plants, flowers and maintain your front lawn. Analyze the exterior of the home and tackle any repairs that contribute to the overall curb appeal, such as a cracked driveway, crooked fence, chipped paint, etc.

    • By addressing the curb appeal, you’ll bring in more offers at a higher value.

    Make it energy efficient

    Prospective buyers are interesting in buying a home that’s affordable beyond the mortgage. Cold drafts coming through the windows, poor electrical, outdated fixtures and incandescent lights will drive buyers away due to the extra cost of living.

    Spend time to upgrade various features of your home to embrace an energy efficient lifestyle. Trade out incandescent lights for LED, reseal windows, replace old weather stripping, and fix the leaking tap. Instantly, prospective buyers will see your home as being more affordable than the others.

    Focus on these five elements that prospective buyers favor when purchasing a new home.

  • 5 Labor Day Party Ideas

    Celebrating the end of summer is bittersweet. Make sure to say goodbye with a splash. Explore these awesome Labor Day party ideas to keep you fired up throughout the colder seasons.

    Make it a day event
    Labor Day is all about soaking up the sun with loved ones. Chances are your party guests will consist of family and friends of all age groups. To keep the ambiance of the party just right (and to avoid toddler meltdowns), host your party during the day. Depending on the ages of the littlest partygoers, choose a start time in mid-afternoon and wrap it up around dusk. This gives everyone an ample amount of time to soak up the sun and mingle. Parents can arrive a little late or leave a bit early to suit the needs of their little ones.

    Forgo burgers in favor of finger foods
    Take the stress and mess out of the day with an open approach to food. The traditional backyard barbecue menu is always a safe bet, but try to change things up a little bit. After all, you only get one Labor Day a year, and you should make this one count by embracing a hassle-free menu. Finger foods are an excellent option for all palates, both young and old. Serve summer-fresh salads, veggies and dip.  Juicy seasonal fruits and finger sandwiches are great alternatives as well.

    Create a Labor Day playlist
    Your Labor Day party isn’t complete without music. Plug your smartphone into a loudspeaker and hit shuffle. Get creative and spend a little time creating the perfect mix of smash hits to say farewell to the summer season. If you don’t want to create a custom playlist, there are several music streaming services that offer ready-made playlists. Spotify, Pandora and Apple Music are three popular options that contain a vast array of music choices and playlists. Select a playlist that suits the mood and you’re ready to go.

    Incorporate fun in the sun and in the shade
    September’s weather can be unpredictable. Even if the weather forecast aligns with the Labor Day celebrations, you want your guests to be able to enjoy themselves and the shade.  Set up board games on patio tables under big umbrellas, and create a lounge area for the adults to relax. Dedicate areas, whether indoors or outdoors, for kids to escape the heat, too. Chances are, they’ll be too busy playing with water balloons and sprinklers anyway, but having this option available for everyone will give you extra hosting points.

    Make it a costume party
    It doesn’t have to be Halloween to host a costume party. Labor Day is an excellent time to assign a dress code to your party theme to celebrate everyone’s career achievements. However, some of your friends and family members may be eager to get out of their work clothes on Labor Day weekend. So, encourage your guests to dress specific to a career other than their own. This is an excellent way to take ‘work’ out of the day while also allowing your guests to reveal something new about one another.

    Labor Day parties are the perfect way to wrap up the summer with your closest friends and family. With these Labor Day party ideas, you’ll be taking your hosting experience to entirely new levels. You may just have the best party of the season.

  • Get Cozy Without Breaking a Sweat

    Summer is the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and to create rituals to bond with loved ones as well as nature. These are the very principles of the Danish word hygge, which roughly translates to cozy. While this might be a word more often associated with winter, when roaring fireplaces can be a singular holiday wish, summer is the perfect time to redefine cozy with a more casual vibe. Discover how to hygge during the warmer months for a season you will always treasure.

     Rattan
    Rattan is a summer classic. Its timeless appeal makes one yearn for a summer space where, depending on the design, a breeze flows through openings and makes guests more comfortable. Rattan is traditionally used in outdoor spaces for its durability, however, designers have banded together for a rattan resurgence that will make Summer 2017 a cooler one in terms of style. When getting cozy this summer, add linens as throws for a textural contrast. Don’t think rattan can only be used for furniture; the wood can also be used in lighting, such as pendant fixtures elegantly hanging from pergolas or patios, to maximize that summer glow.

    Outdoor dining
    Summer nights were meant to be enjoyed outdoors with a cooling breeze and fiery setting sun. Invite family and friends to an unforgettable outdoor meal. Add elements of the warmer months to your table. Flowers that are fresh from the garden make ideal centerpieces. Tealights are also a must to make an outdoor space cozier. Garden stones add unexpected elements to table décor. Encourage conversation by allowing the sounds of summer to take center stage rather than playing music.

    Lounge
    A summer nap is elevated to iconic status when taken outdoors. Make sure that your outdoor space is clean and free of bugs before creating a VIP area for an afternoon or the season. Think from the ground up. Lay down a jute rug and add faux fur throw pillows to create a pleasing textural contrast.  Try to add as much color as possible to your new space. If you already have rattan furniture, a simple rearrangement, moving the seats closer together and adding accents, could work as well.

     Lighting
    Cast a spell on summer with enchanting, affordable lights. Lanterns are quite popular for the season. Hang whichever size you please on trees or patio rails. Illuminate midnight garden paths as well with this accessory. Tealights are another great way to light your outdoor space. Place them on dining areas next to succulents for a chic centerpiece, or use seashells for a nautical angle. Place a tealight in a mason jar that is halfway filled with sand if little hands are a concern. For a backyard that looks like it has been blessed by faeries, wrap twinkle lights around trees.

    Firepits
    The hottest trend of Summer 2017 works best away from heavy traffic areas, where a crackling flame can be a safety concern. Another top consideration should be the view. Even a vertical garden or lush patch of perennials can provide an escape from the ordinary. Once the view is established, the most comfortable chairs possible should be placed around the pit. Keep in mind that the fire pit will be the new focal point of your backyard. All you need for a magical night is marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers.

    What do you think about hygge during the summer? So hot or too hot? Let us know in the comments below.

  • The 2017 Color Review

    January gets all the attention for being the start of a new year. However, a bit past the halfway mark is the real litmus test on how 2017 is really doing in terms of design.  Color has exploded this year and one only has to take a look at the latest trends to see how. Below is a quick rundown of which colors are now making up the spectrum of style.

    Turn your back on black

    The black and white color scheme is beloved in Europe. In America, black matte was all the rage in 2016. Kitchen appliances and home interiors had to be in the midnight hue to be considered chic. One effect of this trend was that rooms painted black appeared to be more compact than they were. This year had the official ‘let’s just be friends’ chat with this monochromatic palette and started a long-term affair with the exploration of other color.

    Green with style

    After a few controversial choices, Pantone nailed 2017’s Color of the Year. Greenery is inspired by nature and playfully retro. This lush shade welcomes a tropical breeze into every room. It may not be a coincidence that palm tree and leaf motifs have blown up in popularity. Explore shades from bright lime to rich forest greens. Be subtle and use this hue in accents, such as glasses or mugs in the kitchen. Go bolder with living room rugs or with an accent wall in the entryway.

    Camel is a tall drink

    This warm brown tone is one of the latest neutrals.  Many designers use this rustic hue to add a quiet richness to any room. Its power comes from its timeless adaptability. A great color combination is to soothe a strong color like red or indigo with camel, adding in a gold accent to bring depth. Leather and varying wood stains are popular ways to boost the refined neutral in a room. Try the hue in dressing areas to provide a great backdrop. Chic camel outdoor cushions play off wood elements.

    The Bronze Age returns

    Metallics have been having a moment for a while. They go well with lighter or darker hues in any décor. Brass, inspired by the resurgence of 1980s décor, has given way to stunning rose gold that has in turn been taken over by bronze. This warming metal is classic and works well with almost any decorating style as it plays a bit more on the neutral side. Try the metallic out with decorative bowls in the kitchen or outdoor dining spaces. Vases and lamps are great accent options.

    Clashing is smashing

    Color clashing must be done only as you see fit. However, the rule seems to be the bolder and brighter the better – always. It does not end with colors; opposing textures and patterns can be fun to play with as well. Faux fur throws and jute rugs add rich texture to any room. Likewise, softer pastels work stunningly with the latest batch of geometrics as a balance between masculine and feminine.

    Don’t blush at the latest “it” neutral

    Millennial pink was the social media darling of last year for good reason. By design, neutrals must flow with other colors in a space without taking away too much attention.  While pink may not be traditionally thought of as a neutral, blushing tones work well as the new “it” neutral. Blushes are so hot right now as their warm undertones complement traditional neutrals of grays, browns and creams. Add softness to a room with a blush side chair or be unexpected by using this hue for light fixtures.

     

    Forget black and bland neutrals – let this year be the year your home gets an infusion of color.

  • Tips and Tricks to Stage a Home on a Budget

    Staging a home can be the key to selling your home. However, it can sometimes not be ideal for every budget. The good news is that with a few small purchases, a little elbow grease and some simple adjustments, you can revitalize your real estate property while also increasing the home’s value.

    RevitalizeOld Furniture
    Purchasing new furniture can be an excellent option for staging a home. Unfortunately, it isn’t always the most affordable one. Instead, revamp worn furniture pieces with new slipcovers or a fresh coat of paint. If you are able to purchase new furniture to stage a home, focus on pieces that will define how the space can be used. Oddly shaped rooms, interior pillars and hallways can always use a little pick-me-up to show prospective homebuyers the potential of the area. Grab some corner tables, tall floor lamps and hanging plants to show off the full square footage.

    Replace Old Hardware with Modern Updates
    Old hardware can be a dead giveaway that a home is in dire need of renovations. Prospective buyers may assume the entire house hasn’t been maintained, updated or repaired. Although hardware is a small detail within the home, it can make a huge impact on its entire appearance. Banish outdated hardware and replace it with modern versions. Everything from cabinet handles, doorknobs, light switches, sink fixtures and even showerheads can make a powerful statement when brand new.

    Make Small Rooms Appear Larger with High Ceilings
    Increasing the value of a home can be as simple as creating an illusion. Add in strong vertical lines with home décor items to help elongate the walls in areas that have low ceilings. You can also hang floor-to-ceiling drapery to create the illusion of taller ceilings, or hang drapery well past the vertical portions of the window frame to make the room appear larger.

    Utilize Comforting Vignettes
    While the key to staging a home is getting rid of the clutter, setting up homey vignettes can help prospective buyers picture themselves living in the space. Think about the characteristics that make a house a home and add them into the space. A fresh bouquet of flowers or a bowl of juicy, seasonal fruits can liven up the space while also giving the home a pleasant aroma. You can also stage the dining room table so prospective buyers can imagine themselves enjoying future meals. These small personal touches are enough to create the appearance of a desirable home.

    Staging a home doesn’t have to come with a daunting price. These simple adjustments can revitalize any space for a fraction of the cost of a complete staging.

  • Refreshing Ways to Spruce Up Your Home with These DIY Ideas

    There comes a time when a home can be too perfect, too staged and too purchased. In order to balance the interior, you need some DIY crafts. Finding a personable piece of furniture, artwork or décor item to bring character into your home is only a click away. Try your hand at these DIY ideas; there’s nothing like a unique piece of interior.

    More Than a Wood Coffee Table

    Custom woodworking has never been so popular as it is now. People are collecting twigs, branches, logs and trunks to turn them into DIY displays. One of the chicest styles of wood furniture that’ll instantly spruce up your home is a wood coffee table. Cut a slice off a trunk, glaze it or stain it to your liking, screw in some legs, and you have a modern-day masterpiece.

  • The Dyeing Trend – Fun Ways to Tie Dye Home Accessories

    The tie dye trend is back for more stylish fun! This time, these vibrant splashes of color aren’t just taking over your wardrobe with 90s-inspired shirts and bicycle shorts. Instead, interior design enthusiasts have found creative ways to revitalize home accessories with tie dye. If your home décor needs a bit of pizzazz, you’ll certainly want to consider these colorful designs.

    Shower in Style
    Start every morning off with a splash of color. It’s incredibly easy to tie dye fabric, including your shower curtain. Grab a bucket of your favorite hues and dip it in for a stylish start to a great day.

    Brighten up Dull Lampshades
    Lampshades are often forgotten. They’re dusty, dull and dreary and can cast a shadow on the interior of your home. Brighten up your rooms with a dip into tie dye.

    Dine on Some Tie Dye
    This interior design trend can add a splash of unique tones to more than just fabrics. You’ll need some additional materials, but your kitchen accessories can also delight in fun twirls of color.

    Throw a Splash into Your Interior
    The best thing about the tie dye trend is that all fabrics can soak in swirls of color. Toss your throw pillow covers into a bucket of tie dye to add a splash of style to your interior.

    Transform Wicker Baskets
    Wicker baskets are great to have within the household. They’re excellent storage options for everything from linens and throws to keys and clutter. However, wicker doesn’t necessarily radiate style. Transform your wicker storage into pieces of practical art with a bit of tie dye.

    Create a Princess-Worthy Masterpiece
    If your bedroom canopy isn’t making you feel like royalty, summon tie dye fabric. This is a craft you can do as a family to create style and make memories.

    Hide Stains
    It’s not really time to toss that old, stained rug. You just need some tie dye to let swirls of color soak into the fabric. You’ll have a new area rug without a massive price tag.

    Treat Seasonal Decorations
    It’s time to channel your inner creativity to introduce this unique style into the holiday seasons. Add tie dye to cornhusks for Thanksgiving or dip a holiday wreath in red and green for winter.

    Revitalize Drapery
    Add a trendy touch to your drapery with tie dye fabric. Ombre tie dye designs have already been a hot topic for hair and clothing. It’s about time the interior design industry indulged.

    Revive Old Kitchen Fabrics
    If your home accessories are dull, dip them into some tie dye. This unique DIY interior craft is a way to revitalize old home décor items while turning them into a modern masterpiece.

    Revitalize your entire home with a simple dip of color.

  • Top Landscaping Designs of 2017

    As we come into the summer of 2017, it’s time to start thinking about top landscaping designs. Whether you intend on putting your home on the market or simply want to increase the curb appeal for your enjoyment and possible opportunities, this is the season to do it. Grab your gardening gloves; your landscape is about to take on a life of its own.

    Gardening with a purpose
    The biggest landscaping design trend of 2017 is all about gardening with a purpose. As such, many homeowners are trading in their ornamental flower beds for edible landscapes. While blooming flowers aren’t being forgotten altogether, fresh vegetable and herb gardens are taking precedence over other plants in 2017. Gardening with a purpose comes with many benefits. You can grow your fruits, vegetables and herbs organically without having to pay an increased price.

    Eco-friendly and native landscapes
    The world has taken a turn towards sustainable living. People no longer want to eat processed foods, drink out of plastic bottles or have any damaging substances within their garden. As such, many homeowners are implementing sustainable, eco-friendly materials for their landscape designs to extend their natural lifestyle to the exterior of their home.  Additionally, homeowners want native species that control the environmental conditions. ‘Naturescaping’ is the process of growing native plants to attract local birds, garden-friendly insects and bees to enhance the overall appeal of landscaping.

    Completely custom outdoor living spaces
    Backyards are taking on a life of their own as homeowners extend their living space into the great outdoors in 2017. Outdoor living spaces have been a growing landscape design trend over the last couple of years.  Instead of putting out some patio furniture, many are opting for fully customized areas that are equipped with all the amenities they need to relax, entertain and dine. From outdoor kitchens to Zen gardens, backyards are now an extension of the home.

    Illuminated landscape designs
    With the rise of outdoor living spaces, there has been a significant increase in illuminated landscapes. Now that homeowners can do everything they need to do, many are opting to install luxurious exterior lights to illuminate the functionality of their landscapes. Solar powered path lights and LED lighting fixtures are at the top of landscaping trends as they coincide with the eco-friendly efforts of 2017.

    Landscapes that conserve water
    Many regions in the United States have struggled with droughts in 2017. As such, the continuous changes in the environment have caused many states to impose water regulations, which directly impacts avid gardeners across the nation. Fortunately, many homeowners have found a solution. Instead of trading in their green thumb, they’re now incorporating water conservation within their landscape design. Simple changes such as using a drip irrigation system or a container of rainwater instead of a sprinkler can make a dramatic impact on your landscape when there is a drought.

    There’s no denying that 2017 landscape designs are more eco-friendly than we have ever seen before. From natural materials to locally-sourced plants, native species and water conservation, outdoor living areas provide many benefits that go beyond what meets the eye.