If your outdoor living area is looking dated and dreary, you are in good company. In many homes, this is a heavily used space that endures considerable wear and tear. It is likewise exposed to the elements year-round. You may also have other challenges to contend with in this space, such as an area that no longer functionally meets your needs. The good news is that you can easily renovate your outdoor living area when you walk through a few steps.

Upgrade Furnishings

Now is the time to assess the condition and functionality of your furnishings. Do your existing furnishings meet your needs for seating, dining and other purposes? Are the cushions and base materials in good condition. After focusing your attention on these points, you can determine if you should upgrade the cushions, refinish the base materials or invest in new furnishings that more closely meet your current needs.

Install Climate Control Features

To maximize the use of your outdoor living area, you need to create a comfortable space that is more practical to use across varied weather conditions. For example, you do not need to be driven indoors on very warm days when your outdoor living area is equipped with a cover, outdoor fans and misters. Likewise, heating elements can help you to extend your use of the space on chillier days. Mosquito nets may be a nice touch and can keep other types of pests out of your space as well.

Dress Up the Perimeter

You, your family and your guests will enjoy using your outdoor living area more thoroughly when the area is aesthetically pleasing. Take a look at the patio as well as the spaces nearby. Consider installing natural stone pavers to eliminate dirt footpaths. Install flower containers, and use outdoor art, water features and more to dress up the perimeter and to create lovely views throughout your yard.

Invest in New Light Fixtures

If you are currently using a single light mounted near your backdoor to illuminate your outdoor living space, now is the right time to make an upgrade. There are many exterior light solutions to consider, such as a string of lights around the perimeter of the area, weatherproof table lamps, tiki torches and more. In many cases, it makes sense to invest in multiple types of lights that can be used for ambiance, tasks and more. Before making any renovations to your outdoor living space, take stock of what you have to work with and your budget. Create an effective plan that tackles as many of your space’s challenges as possible with your given budget.   Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan