As winter is finally starting to leave us for another year, now is the time to start planning how to embrace the impending warmer weather.
As most residents of the Okanagan know, it gets pretty hot here in the summer. In fact the warm weather is no small part of the reason many of us live here.
One of the best ways to beat the heat is to simply embrace it, that means getting outside while the sun is shining. And while you could venture out to a crowded beach, why not set yourself up with a backyard oasis?
You don’t need a huge yard to make your outdoor space an extension of your indoor space. Even a smaller patio, if used appropriately, can make use of the limited footprint and be an amazing place to spend time outside.
There are a few necessities for outdoor living. One is shade, and if you don’t have a covered deck or porch, you’ll need a spot that keeps you out of direct sunlight so you don’t get too overheated. You can get umbrellas, or to cover more space a gazebo will keep the sun off you as well. Pergolas are a great option as they don’t have a solid roof, which still lets in the light, but as the sun moves across the sky will still provide some shade. It all depends what your needs and wants are for your outdoor space.
There are mixed feelings about screened-in porches and patios. Some folks love them, while others don’t want to feel boxed in. Phantom Screens provide the best of both worlds. Since they are retractable, you can open them to the elements, or close them to keep the bugs out.
It doesn’t hurt to invest in some good quality outdoor furniture as well. As much as we’d like to believe that we can move an old couch outside and it will work just as well as patio furniture, the elements are extremely hard on indoor furniture and that old couch won’t last very long. So doing a little investigating and finding good sales can help you find the perfect outdoor living set that works best for your space and your needs. Don’t be afraid to pick up cushions in bright colours or fun patterns to brighten the space up as well.
One of the best things to have outside is a fire pit. Whether it’s in-ground, raised, or decorative, there are few summer activities as relaxing as sitting around a fire with a cool drink and some good friends. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long hot summer day.
Contact Phantom Screens Okanagan today and discover your options for a cooler summer!
