Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Florida Network Realty
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Fire Pits, Fountains, Festivities: How to Jazz Up Your Backyard

by Dianne Drinkwater 04/18/2021

Image by Andy Giraud from Pixabay

Your backyard is just as much a part of your property as your kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms. And yet, you may not spend very much time enjoying the space when all is said and done. If you want to give yourself a reason to get out in the fresh air, you may have to invest in a few luxury items that will make the Great Outdoors worthwhile. 

Just Add Water 

The trickling of water can bring a sense of peace to residents and visitors alike. Displaying it near a dining table can make a meal, snack, or glass of wine that much more enjoyable, especially at the end of a difficult day. Look for fountains that fit the home's overall style. A more modern home may look better with a fountain of intricate stonework than a traditional two-tiered contraption.

You can also consider adding a rain garden to the yard (an indented area that collects runoff from the roof or driveway). Rain gardens are great for the environment and they're perfect for planting colorful flowers and attractive beautiful butterflies.

The Drama of Fire 

Permanent fire pits can be installed in the yard to add more character as well as functionality. These pits can be used year-round, giving warmth to chilly nights and even providing a chance to roast anything from hot dogs to marshmallows. (A fire pit should be placed away from the home, ideally on a patch of concrete or stone pavement.)

You can also purchase a quality grill, one with countertop and fridge space for more gourmet cook-outs. Even amateur home cooks can add a little flair to their burgers, sausages and chicken by giving everything just the right amount of char. 

Lights Above 

Industrial lighting strung over the backyard can give it an outdoor bistro vibe that's perfect for quiet nights and big gatherings alike. It's equally fitting for winter holidays as it is for summer festivities. Use ambient lighting throughout the main areas and task lighting to illuminate the paths and deck of the yard. 

Adding a cluster of lights above an outdoor bar can also be a way to create extra stations on your property. From the fire pit to the cooking station to the bar, you create a flow to the outdoors that will keep everyone having a great time. 

No matter how you spruce up your back yard, remember that there's no harm in investing in the area. If you're only using a small fraction of your property, you're missing out on everything you've worked so hard to build.  

About the Author
Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida. 

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson. 

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you? 

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you. 

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market? 

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater