Adding a stylish outdoor living space is undoubtably a significant investment. We get to see the return on that investment every day as homeowners increase the value of their lifestyle by creating a space to take time out for the important things in life. Here’s a list of 50 great reasons to add Outdoor Style to YOUR backyard:
If you think your backyard living could use an Outdoor Style upgrade, we’d love to talk with you. Contact us for a free consultation at (281) 265-1994 or send us a message via our website.
As our focus turns toward fathers this month, we want to stop and honor the men in our lives. Whether he’s a grill master, a fire starter, the team’s biggest fan, a connoisseur of beers, a gadget guy or a just hard-working man, we all have one thing in common: a love for taking it outdoors and relaxing in a beautiful space. We chose this collection of gift ideas for him to give him even more enjoyment in his own back yard.
Why we love it: This is a bottle opener that knows it’s simply awesome. Its ingenious design allows you to pop bottle tops without bending the caps. And the built-in magnet holds the bottle cap, keeping it from bouncing and rolling on the patio. It’s designed to last. Take a look at their Kickstarter video and you’ll see a glimpse of their passion for slowing down and capturing the moments with family and friends, one popped bottle at a time.
Why we love it: If he’s a fire starter, this gadget will turn him into an outdoor confection superhero, serving up six perfectly toasted, ooey-gooey s’mores at once. It’s delicious and efficient!
Why we love it: If he’s a baseball-lover, he’ll feel like he hit a home run stepping out onto Home Plate on his patio. Warning: he may try to start the wave or slide into the back door.
Why we love it: Lifeproof makes a case that is water proof, dirt proof and shock proof, which eliminates most of the hazards of taking his iPhone out on the patio. The case is waterproof up to 6.5 feet for up to 30 minutes. When paired with the Lifeproof LifeJacket, it floats! Now he can play Candy Crush and Angry Birds while relaxing poolside. (Requires Lifeproof Case.)
Why we love it:This handmade beer tote was made from reclaimed redwood beams. Since it’s water-proof and weather proof, it is a perfect candidate for taking out back. It’s nostalgic design reminds us of the slower pace of days gone by.
Why we love it: You can’t go wrong when you combine delicious chocolate with his favorite team. He can indulge while watching the big game on the patio. If collegiate ball is his thing, you can customize for his favorite University with the My M&M’s tool. Don’t worry, we checked! They have both maroon AND orange to keep you Aggies and Longhorns at peace.
Why we love it: L.L. Bean says this hammock has been a customer favorite for over 30 years. No doubt! There is a certain type of relaxation that only happens in a hammock. It’s almost as if a nap is a requirement. He works hard. He deserves it!
Why we love it: First of all, this 34″ wall sign is custom made right here in Texas. Personalize it with his family name, his favorite team, his hometown or anything he loves (up to 16 characters). It is designed to last for years outside, so it’s a great way for him to declare his outdoor space as his own.
Why we love it: These ingenious little charms will hold tight to steaks as he flips and moves them around the grill, making dinner a little less like a game of shells and more of a sure thing. It is important business when it comes to how you like your steaks prepared! On a serious note, this is a great tool for marking pieces prepared for special health or allergy needs.
Why we love it: He can add his signature style to the dishes he prepares with the satisfying sizzle of the rockin’ dad design. It’s almost like he’s signing your steak, “Prepared with love forever, Dad.”
Why we love it: Not only is this soft suede set a perfect compliment to the Rockin’ Dad Branding Iron, it is protective against the hazards of grilling. Personalize it with a custom branded monogram with his initials or up to three letters. It’s an apron set fit for the King of the Grill!
Do you ever wonder what outdoor decoration experts buy for their own homes? So do we! We asked the bloggers at Outdoor Living Blog to answer a few questions about their favorite products and personal style so that we could share their tips with you. Read their answers below to learn about their recommendations for cleaning patio furniture, eco-friendly products, and DIY patio decorations.
Texas Custom Patios (TCP): What are your favorite new patio products this year?
Outdoor Living Blog (OLB): I love the growing availability of outdoor kitchen products. The number of grilling options alone has increased a lot over the past few years. There are charcoal, electric, and gas grills to fit almost any budget now – and lots of appliances. Another fantastic new patio trend is the patio day bed. They are so comfy, and a great, relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors.
TCP: Your blog has a lot of tips for being more eco-friendly. If someone wants to start making their yard more eco-friendly, what’s the first thing they should do?
OLB: Go solar! I think this is by far the easiest step to becoming more eco-friendly. There are so many great solar products now; there are solar fountains, solar lighting and even solar wind chimes. The best part is that these eco-friendly products will save you money on your electricity bills!
TCP: It’s spring cleaning time. Do you have any tips for keeping patio furniture clean?
OLB: The great thing about patio furniture is that most of it can be easily cleaned with a wet rag and a little soap. To keep your furniture protected from the harshest elements, patio furniture covers are a great option. To keep your cushions and pillows looking like new, be sure to put them away when they are not in use. Outdoor storage benches or chests are a great place to hide and protect them.
TCP: What’s the most useful item you’ve ever bought for your patio/backyard?
OLB: The best investment I made for my yard was the grill. There is nothing worse then having to heat up the oven on a warm summer day. It’s great to just fire up the grill and enjoy the outdoors. Some people find the menu options for a grill limiting, but the possibilities really are endless. You can grill vegetables, fruit, pizza, and even desserts! (Read about their favorites here.)
TCP: You have a lot of DIY projects on your blog. What’s the best beginner project for someone who wants to make patio decorations?
OLB: I think the easiest, most fabulous DIY project I have found is from In My Own Style. Using a tuna can, old paint stick and a glass vase, you can create an amazing (and cheap) outdoor torch.
TCP: How have you decorated your own backyard/patio? What’s your personal style like?
OLB: My backyard is still a work in progress. But my ultimate goal is to create a tranquil sanctuary.
I absolutely love the outdoors. That being said, I’m not what you call an “outdoorsy” person. I want my backyard to feel like an extension of my home, not like a campground. I want casual, relaxing furniture like patio sofas and chaise lounges. I would also love to have overstuffed cushions, toss pillows and a large, colorful outdoor rug. My dream yard would also have a large, wood pergola with soft, flowing outdoor curtains on all sides.
Our experience with Texas Custom Patios was exceptional from start to finish. They were professional, knowledgeable, and our satisfaction with the project was their top priority. Our new patio has truly expanded our living space. We would recommend Texas Custom Patios to anyone!