Even during the cold weather months, spending time outdoors enriches our quality of life. Outdoor sports like skiing and snowboarding are favorites of many Americans, and winter getaways to snowy mountains are always an enjoyable way to spend weekends during the wintry time of year. But for those of us without the time to jet away to Aspen or Denver on the weekend, a backyard will sometimes have to suffice. And not just when it’s cold outside – your outdoor space becomes exponentially more enjoyable once the weather turns warm again. A lot of homeowners fail to take advantage of their backyards, but there is no reason for you to be one of them. There are a lot of ways to make your backyard space exciting and inviting. Here are five ways to redecorate your backyard space and turn it into a quality living space.

BACKYARD REINVENTION #1: Create a party with the flip of a switch.

Want to turn your outdoor space into an always-ready party spot? It’s easier than you think to make that dream into a reality. Start by stringing some white Christmas lights around, and add some paper lanterns if you have them. Instead of going the traditional route of placing a dinner table under the lights, place some smaller end tables around so people can rest their cocktails on them. Add a few chairs and voila! It’s a party.

BACKYARD REINVENTION #2: Get all sporty.

Imagine this: It’s a warm, summer day. You and your guests have just polished off a delicious lunch. You’ve had some wine, a little coffee, and everyone is relaxed and just enjoying the day. With nothing to do and nowhere to go, you suggest a leisurely game of bocce ball. The game was favored by the Romans, who knew a thing or two about enjoying themselves. Already popular in California, there’s no reason East Coasters can’t play too!

BACKYARD REINVENTION #3: It’s time to get cooking.

Backyard barbeques are as American as apple pie. There’s no time like the summer to grill everything – meat, vegetables, fish, you name it. Indulge yourself by installing a few things to make grilling easier and more fun. An outdoor kitchen is actually simpler than it sounds. A countertop to do your prep work, a pantry for some basics, and a set of grilling tools like tongs, will add a ton of convenience. A refrigerator and a sink will cost more, but will make cleaning up a lot easier!

BACKYARD REINVENTION #4: Go retro with a hot tub.

Hot tubs were all the rage in the seventies, and many people still associate them with that time period. But don’t be fooled – hot tubs are back and better than ever. A great way to relax at the end of a long day, or a refreshing way to wake up, hot tubs offer an unparalleled luxuriating experience. When deciding where to place it, think about where you will have the most privacy, and where the sun hits. You’ll also need a floor that can support the weight!

BACKYARD REINVENTION #5: Turn your patio into a hotel lobby.

When you think about hotel lobbies, what do you imagine? Large comfortable couches, big beautiful plants, clean lines, and strong colors are great elements found in hotel lobbies that translate well for outdoor patio spaces. Of course you’ll need outdoor-friendly, weather resistance furniture. Add some potted plants, some cushy pillows, and a large glass vase full of lemons to get started!

About The Author: Stephanie writes about the home improvement world. She likes reviewing sites like Kane Bros. which specialize in  water feature design. In her free time she likes to spend time with her new baby girl and teach her everything there is to know.