Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors. However, if you spend most of your time indoors, you may not take full advantage of your backyard. There are several ways to take advantage of your outdoor space without sacrificing comfort. Here are 4 ways to bring the summer inside.
Keep Your Body Cool With Ceiling Fans
If you’re trying to keep your body cool indoors, installing ceiling fans is a great way to do just that. Ceiling fans are great because they increase the amount of air that circulates throughout the room. This makes the air feel cooler, allowing the thermostat to be raised a few degrees. However, you have to be sure that you’re operating them in the correct direction.
When choosing ceiling fans for your home, consider the direction of the blades. In summer, you should set them to spin counterclockwise, so that the air will be pushed downward. In the winter, you should reverse the rotation so that you can maximize the cooling effect. Also, place extra large cream colored rugs on the floor so that you can roll or sleep on it during the scorching summer. When choosing an area rug to layer, you have many options, you can go with a traditional one in a neutral color or a more dramatic one in bright colors.
Invest in an outdoor fireplace or pit
A backyard fireplace can easily become one of your favorite hangout spots. If you want to make it even more welcoming, consider installing a grill or outdoor kitchen near the firebox. You might also want to install some cozy seating nearby. Depending on your landscape, you can have greenery expand around the fireplace or even grow on top of it. Make sure to prune the plants to only the extent that they are necessary to the fire.
A fire pit also offers the benefit of reduced environmental impact. The smoke produced by the fire is filtered out so that it does not irritate the environment. The best pits even have a heat shield to protect the surrounding landscape from being charred. You can find fire pits that range in size from small to large. Some even include a grill, so you can cook outside in no time!
Invest In A Pergola Or Gazebo For Shade
A pergola or gazebo is a multi-purpose outdoor structure that can help you stay cool and comfortable on warm days. They can also help shade your plants and creepers. In addition to being functional, pergolas can increase the value of your property. These structures can also increase the amount of space you have outside.
Pergolas and gazebos can be made of various materials. Most commonly, wood is used. You can choose between hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods are more expensive, but they are more durable and add value to your home. Softwoods can be stained to give them a custom look. Cedar wood is another popular choice because of its aroma and durability. Timber, on the other hand, gives your pergola a more organic look.
Wear Sunscreen
While summer isn’t over yet, you should still use sunscreen every day. Apply it at least every three hours, and don’t forget to cover up with a hat and shirt. You can also use a water-resistant version of sunscreen. Especially when you’re spending time in the water or sweating in the sun, it’s vital to use sunscreen.
Although it might seem like winter weather isn’t as harsh as summer, it’s still important to wear sunscreen. The sun’s UV rays can still cause damage to your skin, even in the wintertime. Snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the UV rays, doubling their impact. Because the sun is still visible, you’ll need to use sunscreen with a high SPF.
Invest In A Swimming Pool
Adding a swimming pool to your home can add value to your home, especially if you live in an area where the summer months are hot. Whether you live in a tropical region or somewhere with a temperate climate, investing in a pool can be a great way to bring summer indoors. But before you make the decision to purchase a swimming pool, consider the type, size, and location of your pool. Then, make sure you’re aware of the costs associated with owning a swimming pool.
Depending on your property, swimming pools come in many designs. You can choose a design that suits your home and your family’s lifestyle. For instance, you can invest in a pool that is surrounded by beautiful plants and other landscaping. Or, you can choose a design that is a bit more functional, but still looks good.
Read Together As A Family
Bringing the fun of the outdoors inside with a family read-a-loud is a fun way to spend quality time together. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a good book, and there are many summer read-alouds that everyone will love. These stories are fun and wholesome, and are perfect for all ages. Kids will love these books’ quirky characters, summer adventures, and suspense. You can take your kids to the yard and spread comfortable medium sized bedsheets on the ground and spend quality time reading. This also helps increase bonds among families.
Set a regular time each day, whether it’s before bedtime, during lunch, or first thing in the morning. You can also establish a specific place to read together, such as on Sunday afternoons or first thing in the morning. And don’t forget to include your older children, too!
Conclusion
The summer season is a great time to enjoy the great outdoors. However, if you spend most of your time indoors, you might not be making the most of your backyard. Luckily, above are several ways to bring the outdoors inside.
