During the colder months of the year, you may not usually think about spending time in your yard or on your patio. After all, most outdoor spaces are designed for use in the summertime for barbecues, pool parties, and other warm-weather festivities.

But what if you want to take advantage of your outside area during other times of the year? Your yard doesn’t have to go unused for months just because it’s cold out. In fact, you can design your outdoor space to be the perfect wintertime oasis with just a few simple updates to your landscape design.

Try these five innovative ways to enjoy your outdoor space all year long:

1. Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting

Lighting plays a key role in the ambiance and vibe of your outdoor space, and it’s vital for safety when the sun sets. In the winter months, nights are longer, making proper lighting even more crucial.

Install outdoor landscape lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Use pathway lights to illuminate walkways and enhance safety during the darker winter evenings. Add up lights to highlight the beauty of your bare trees and add visual interest to your yard.

2. Incorporate Winter Plants

Spending time in your outdoor sitting area may not seem as tempting if you don’t have any beautiful flowers or plants to look at. Some common plants used in landscape design may look stunning in spring, but by wintertime, they look completely different.

This is why including plants with winter interest is important if you want to be able to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest all year. Include shrubs with berries and colorful bark including red twig dogwoods to maintain a visually appealing garden throughout the season.

3. Add a Pavilion for Shelter

Cold weather is one of the biggest deterrents for homeowners who want to be able to enjoy their yard all year. Lower temperatures are often accompanied by wind, which can make a frigid day feel even colder. Build a pavilion or invest in a sturdy outdoor structure to provide shelter from the elements. This allows you to enjoy your outdoor space even when it’s raining or snowing.  Additions to a pavilion can be custom roller shades to block the unwanted wind when necessary and consider installing an infrared heater to make the space cozy.

4. Add a Fire Pit for Warmth

If you’re worried about being cold when you’re spending time outdoors this winter, a fire pit is the way to go. Fire pits are versatile and can be included in your outdoor space in all kinds of ways.

Install a hardscape firepit as a central gathering point. This provides warmth and a focal point for socializing during cold winter nights. Opt for a design that complements your outdoor space and consider adding built-in seating such as a sitting wall around the firepit for a cozy setup.

There are 2 types of fire pit that you can choose from – wood burning or gas. The choice between a wood-burning fire pit and a gas fire pit depends on various factors, including personal preferences, convenience, and the intended use. Wood-burning fire pits are often preferred for the authentic and rustic ambiance they create. Gas fire pits are generally more convenient to use. With a simple turn of a knob, you can have an instant flame.

Not only are fire pits a great way to keep warm outdoors during the colder months, but they are also useful for fun wintertime activities like roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.

5. Invest in Cozy Seating and Accessories

Even if you have all the proper heating and lighting set up in your outdoor space, the finishing touches are what will make you want to spend time out there despite the chill in the air.

There are many ways to make your patio feel cozy and inviting. Invest in weather-resistant outdoor furniture designed for winter use. Look for materials like teak, aluminum, or all-weather wicker. Include cozy accessories like outdoor cushions, blankets, and outdoor rugs to make your seating areas comfortable and inviting.

Make the Most of Your Landscape Design with Garrett Churchill

With the right upgrades, a year-round outdoor space is well within your reach, especially when you design it with the help of our experienced team. Reach out today to learn more and get a quote.