Are your yard and patio bare, but you lack the budget to decorate them? You might be surprised to learn that you can dress up your home’s exterior on a shoestring. Simple, affordable additions can take your outdoor space from drab to fab for as little as a few dollars. Here are four ways to affordably decorate your patio and yard.
Porch Swing
Nothing adds charm and comfort to your outdoor space like a porch swing, and it’s also one of the most affordable patio additions you can make. Porch swings retail for as low as $100, but you can get crafty and make your own for even less. Installing your swing is easy to do with a few simple tools and a little know-how, but a professional can do the job for a small fee if DIY isn’t your thing.
Stamped Concrete
Do you want a brick, slate or cobblestone walkway but don’t have the money to shell out for one? Consider using a concrete stamp to get the same look at a fraction of the cost. Stamping turns simple, affordable concrete into something that looks much more expensive. You can hire a decorative concrete crew to install your walkway or purchase the stamps and do it yourself. If you mess up, all you have to do is smooth out the wet concrete and try again.
Colored Mulch
If you want to add a pop of color to your yard without breaking your budget, consider using colored mulch to provide a vivid backdrop for your plants. This bright alternative to plain old brown mulch derives its color from non-toxic dyes like iron oxides and carbon. Use dark black mulch to make pastel flowers stand out or provide contrast to your green lawn with red mulch.
Hanging Plants
Plants in hanging baskets are not only beautiful and affordable but also easy to care for. The best hanging plants are those that droop over the sides as they grow and keep their colorful, fragrant flowers for a long time. You can hang your baskets from your porch ceiling or from hangers on poles. Bring your hanging plants indoors in the winter or during high winds to protect them from the elements.
If you can afford a small splurge on your patio and yard, consider spending your funds on one or two quality pieces instead of cluttering your space with less expensive items. Pair simple decorations with one quality piece for an overall clean, contemporary look.