Yes, it’s chilly out. But with only a month or so left until spring, now is the time to start planning for your outdoor space. With more reasons than ever to soak up the fresh air on our properties this year, many homeowners will be investing in the perfect patio and deck set-ups. Whether you’re working with an established space or creating something from scratch, here are a few tips to get your outdoor area ready for spring:

Start with a Clean Up

A lot of dirt can build up over the winter, and a thorough cleaning is the best place to start with your outdoor setup. So often, we don’t think about our outdoor spaces until it’s warm enough to want to use them, and at that point, we don’t always want to make time to give them a deep cleaning. If you have a patio with a tile floor, giving it a good scrub can make it feel like new. If you’re setting up a deck, maybe some staining or painting could help breathe some life back into dull wood. Even if you’re making your own seating area in the middle of your lawn, cleaning up any sticks or debris that may have blown in over the winter will give you a clean slate to work with.

Refresh Linens and Textiles

This is also a good time to think about how you want to furnish your outdoor space. While the furniture itself may benefit from a quick scrub or spay with the hose, it’s important to think about your linens and textiles as well. Do you have pillows that you keep outside for more comfortable lounging? What about blankets for cooler nights? Throwing these all in the wash to refresh them can help create a space that feels light and airy. If you’re wanting to change the style or add some additional elements, browsing for items now means you’ll have just what you want by the time you’re ready to enjoy your space.

Anchor Your Space

Many homeowners want to really define their space and make it feel like an extension of their home. Maybe you lay down tiles or bring in some pebbles to create a patio space in your yard, or maybe you add an outdoor carpet to tie everything together. Surrounding your area with some tiki torches and adding some twinkle lights can also help to define the space.

Keep it Comfortable

The real goal with most outdoor spaces is comfort. Especially this summer, homeowners will want to be strategic with their layout. Maybe you set up your chairs with an appropriate amount of space between them, for example, to make it easy for you and a guest to visit outside. Circles often make for comfortable seating, and adding something like a small fire pit in the center not only helps to space things out a bit, but it’s also a great option if you’re itching to get out there on the first day of spring.

Have you thought about your outdoor setup yet? What are your plans for the spring? Do you imagine spending a lot of time outside at your house? I’d love to hear your thoughts!