The sun is shining. Finally! And nothing’s better than being outside in Maryland after a long cold winter, and a spring that took forever to get warm. Whether you’re starting from scratch on an outdoor area, or breathing fresh air into items you already own, here are seven fun tips to transform your outdoor areas into relaxing, comfortable spots where your family and friends can enjoy the season.

1. Buy New Things But Keep the Old.

No need to buy all new outdoor items and bust your budget. Clean what you have and purchase new items to fill in/replenish what needs to be replaced. Dirty table umbrella? Try cleaning it. If there are stains or faded spots, consider replacing. Seat cushions looking a little tired? Maybe they just need a new cover. If you’re feeling handy, beach towels make great covers for lounge chair cushions—just sew (or Velcro) the ends to keep towels in place.

2. Think Outside the Flower Box

Do you have a spacious area that could be divided into multiple zones, or is it a smaller area that will serve one activity? For bigger areas, consider dividing into a casual relaxation spot with lounge chairs or a sofa with a table for coffee or reading, a sturdy table (with umbrella if no roof) with chairs, an outside bar area with stools, and a grilling area where the chef has plenty of space to work. Outdoor rugs are a great way to divide into multiple zones. Make each space unique to the activity you’ll be doing in that area.

3. Zone Out

To separate those multiple zones, use outdoor rugs for one area, decking for one area, brick for another area, and gravel for another. For instance, a fire pit would work well on a stone surface encircled by furniture and enable you and your guests to enjoy the ambiance of the area. Alternating surfaces help create a visual barrier between the spaces.

4. Great Outdoor Furnishings
Weather is harsh on outside furnishings. Summer sun beats down and fades cushions and summer storms can tatter even the strongest cushions. Teak is very weather resilient as are polypropylene rope, faux wicker, faux rattan, and aluminum. Be sure to check to ensure that cushions and pillows are rated for outdoor use, as they will be more durable to the elements. Another way to keep your pillows and cushions looking new longer is to bring them inside when you know it’s going to storm.

If you need new cushions, Home Sense in Columbia, Maryland has some great options!

5. Use Local and Plant, Plant, Plant

Use color to bring joy and fun to your outdoor area. Find out what grows best in your area’s climate. If possible, purchase from a local farm or nursery. They often grow the plants and flowers themselves, so if the plants are grown near you, they’re already acclimated to your weather. Bring in pots, vases, and hanging baskets to make your area cheerful, using colors that you love. Have kids? Try a sunflower fort! It’s not only gorgeous and colorful, but it also creates a shady hideout spot for little ones. And a packet of seeds is only $1-2.

6. Accessorize and Personalize

Do you love wind chimes? Have you always wanted to create a fairy garden? Bring in fun items that make this area the perfect hangout for your family. Solar lights: hang strings of them, stake them in the ground, or position them in your flower pots. You’ll get an evening glow that’s relaxing and subtle.