Coldwell Banker Realty
Debbie Goldberg, Coldwell Banker RealtyPhone: (203) 506-5846
Email: [email protected]

3 DIY Ways to Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space

by Debbie Goldberg 08/30/2020

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

If you’re looking to add curb appeal or want to create a pleasant outdoor environment to enjoy your leisure time, investing in a good DIY project can help you to spruce up your outdoor space.

1. Install a Window Ledge

A window ledge is a versatile project because it can serve a variety of purposes. You can create an outdoor bar (or breakfast counter) by placing stools underneath it. Or, you can use it to hold flowers, herbs or decorative items.

  • Purchase sturdy lumber to suit your purpose (larger for counter space, smaller if using as a decorative shelf), along with wood brackets.
  • Paint the wood with quality paint to withstand against outdoor elements.
  • Firmly secure the brackets to your outdoor wall (remember to leave enough space under your windowsill to fit the shelf).
  • Place your shelf on the brackets and screw it on.

The beauty of this DIY project is you can customize it however you want. It can be installed for practical purposes or to simply add some cosmetic flair to your home’s exterior.

2. Build a Ladder Garden

If you want to start a garden but unsure you’re ready to tackle a full-fledged one or are short on space, you can begin your green adventure by building a ladder garden. To start, all you need is an old wooden ladder, wood and paint.

  • Measure, cut and position your boards to create battens and shelves. (Good Housekeeping has some excellent tips of the what and the how to do this.)
  • Secure slatted shelves to every other rung of the ladder (to leave room for your plants to grow).
  • Trim shelves to remove excess wood.
  • Paint the ladder and shelves with exterior wood paint.

Once you’re done, simply add your planters. Think of items you have that can be upcycled to serve as planters to really create a distinctive look—galvanized metal tubs, terracotta pots, old tin cans and vintage wood crates are all great options.

3. Create Hanging Planters

Outdoor areas, such as porches and decks, often could benefit from some greenery or a splash of color. A great DIY project is to create a hanging planter. All you’ll need is a metal colander, twine, glue and paint (optional).

  • Choose a rust-resistant paint for your colander and let dry (optional step).
  • Tightly wrap each colander handle with a half-yard of twine each. Be sure to leave enough twine on both ends of the handles to use for hanging your planter. Secure each piece of twine by knotting and gluing.
  • Repeat on opposite side of the colander.
  • Bring all four pieces of twine together and tie a knot at the top to use for hanging.
  • Place coffee filters at the bottom of the colander before filling with soil.

What’s great about this easy project is you can use old colanders, new colanders or vintage ones found at thrift stores. It’s a unique and attractive way to add some “wow” factor to your outdoor space.

Many people don’t want or can’t afford to give their yard a complete landscape overhaul. However, by adding a few nice DIY touches, you can easily increase the appeal of your outdoor space.

About the Author
Author

Debbie Goldberg

I'm a full time Realtor with over 30 years of experience yet young enough to embrace today's ever-changing scope of marketing and technology. Having grown up in Connecticut and moved many times (too many to count!) I can empathize with today's buyers and sellers. Strictly maintaining ethical standards and being a fierce advocate on behalf of my clients are things I take very seriously. As a buyer, you can expect me to listen to and evaluate your real estate wants and needs. I can assist in explaining relevant forms, agreements, and closing procedures. I will guide you through the process of finding the right home, negotiating your offer, adhering to all contract dates and terms as well as final walk through and closing procedures. As a seller, I will listen to and evaluate your goals, needs, and timing in order to properly price your home to get the maximum exposure needed to attract the right buyers. In addition to negotiating on your behalf, I will make sure we communicate throughout the entire process as we navigate the contract terms, finance and inspection contingencies, as well as all closing procedures. I was born in Japan, grew up in Hamden and lived in New York, Ohio and Southern California before settling down in New Haven county to raise two kids, two dogs and a cat. I'm passionate about good food and love to bake. Some of my free time has been spent volunteering at Temple Beth Sholom, a synagogue where my family has been members for over 40 years. I also spend time at Tower One/Tower East, an assisted living center in New Haven where my mother-in-law now resides. 30 years of helping buyers and sellers achieve their goals has given me the peace of mind to know that what I do everyday matters. If you are thinking of buying or selling please keep me in mind.