There’s no end of TV shows dedicated to property renovation, but all too often they just concentrate on what’s on the inside. What about what’s outdoors? Australians have a strong affinity with the great outdoors, so it should come as no surprise that the backyard often represents a focal point for many potential home buyers.

Whether you are fortunate enough to enjoy a modest backyard or prefer the simplicity of a smaller courtyard, there are plenty of ways to maximise the space available.

Inside and outside design – Choosing materials, textures and colours that complement or match your interior design is a sure fire way to connect the backyard to your home. This does not mean you have to pull up the entire yard; rather, you need to effectively manage what you already have. If you are new to the renovation game, sticking to natural lighting is your safest bet. Use dim colours wherever your garden is light and light colours wherever your backyard is dim.

Using the space – Add some flare to your backyard with striking features such as fountains, pebbles or landscaping stones. A water feature will add a splash of class to any backyard, while pebbles and stone landscaping will add some extra colour and texture to your outdoor living space.

Keep in mind the layout and design of the backyard when selecting a feature item always choose objects that make the most of the space you have.

Jazz up the garden – Spruce up the yard with some vibrant plants and bushes. The types you select should, again, be determined by the layout and design of your backyard. However, if you find that space is a concern, a raised garden bed will let you fit more plants into a smaller area. Potted plants require little to no space and are a worthy addition to all yards. When choosing plants, keep in mind how much sunlight your backyard receives during the day as nothing looks worse than a neglected garden.

Outdoor living – After you’ve spent many hours improving the garden and lighting up the yard, it makes sense to create an area where you can sit back and enjoy your hard work. Unfortunately, outdoor living areas don’t come cheap, but there are ways to avoid the financial strain. Large umbrellas can provide shade and shelter at one quarter of the cost of a gazebo. Moreover, stylish outdoor furniture can be found at most local hardware/gardening stores so be sure to shop around and grab yourself a bargain. If you’re looking to spruce up the backyard with some solid landscaping, keep in mind they you may be able to draw on some of the equity built up in your home to finance the improvements, rather than using cold hard cash, credit cards or personal loans.

Source: www.lendingservicesvictoria.com.au

Blitzing your backyard