With the kids back at school, it may feel like summer’s over, but it’s not too late to transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis. To help you maximize your outdoor living areas, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore®color and design expert, shares tips on how to bring the latest looks to your open-air escape.
Dine al fresco.
Backyard patio areas are most commonly connected to the exterior of your home for easy access, but consider pushing your al fresco dining areas further out into the yard for a unique and ambient experience. “Cooking under the stars is the perfect way to spend time with family and friends while embracing the weather throughout the summer months,” shares Sharon. Barbecues, fire pits and outdoor wood ovens are great options for cooking when entertaining guests, as most of the cooking can be done right there.Create an outdoor oasis.
Adding colorful accessories into your landscape is a simple and cost-effective way to take your backyard to the next level and make it feel like an extension of your home. Whether you choose bright, colorful ornate items or handcrafted outdoor rugs, adding color to your backyard will create a vibrant and inviting retreat. Flower boxes, string lights and cushions are great ways to make a backyard feel like a serene and inviting oasis.Deck design.
Create areas of interest by using both semi-transparent and solid stains on your deck and rails. “I like to apply a natural, lighter stain on the deck, with a darker solid stain to enhance vertical architectural features like the railing,” Sharon says. If your wood is new or in great shape, treat it with a simple translucent or semi-transparent stain like Benjamin Moore® ARBORCOAT® Semi-Transparent Stain to heighten natural wood color. Semi-solid stains are great for covering imperfections, allowing some of the grain and texture of the wood to show through, while solid stains are more like paint and leave an opaque color and texture. “You can test the different translucencies and colors with pint sample cans. It’s always best to try before you buy,” recommends Sharon.JC Licht Makes It Happen
For the proudly particular customer, JC Licht provides 35 Chicagoland locations. Each location is staffed by our in-house experts who will be happy to help you choose supplies, pick the right Benjamin Moore stain or paint, and answer any questions you may have. Stop by your neighborhood store and tell us about your project.Schedule a Home Color Consultation Find Your JC Licht Location
