With an Outdoor Basketball Court, Columbus Homeowners Get Ready to Play

COLUMBUS, OHIO-Step outside, take a nice, deep breath and take a good look around. Is there anything more than grass in the yard? A decked-out porch, elaborate landscaping or outdoor entertaining area can add a lot of value and enjoyment to virtually any home. Luckily, there are many ways to make an outdoor space brighter, bolder and more fun for families all year round.

Better Homes and Gardens notes several great tips to get started. If there is any kind of back patio or deck, start building on it. It is quite easy to spice it up and get creative. Homeowners can start off small by laying a walkway of pretty pavers or planting lovely landscaping that creates spacial borders out of an open area. Pathways can guide family and guests through the space, and by flanking the path with flowers, plants and shrubs housed in bright, colorful pots of varying shapes and sizes, the walk can become much more inviting.

By including a soft curve into the path's design, homeowners can transform the walkway into one that encourages discovery and exploration, according to the article. Try leading the way to an entertaining area where there are many more inspiring ideas to add in.

An outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a wonderful centerpiece in any outdoor space and is especially enjoyable when nighttime temperatures drop. There is nothing better than gathering loved ones by a fire. Just as captivating is a waterfall, fountain or, best yet, an outdoor basketball court. Columbus homeowners love spending time outside enjoying family sports, and a basketball court is a fantastic way to keep the family having fun together.

Surrounding a main centerpiece with a diverse mix of benches, chairs and stools is the next step, according to the article. Mixing styles creates a relaxed, lived-in feel for the space. Plus, it is very easy to change that feel by adding new accent pillows, a different pattern on slipcovers or a colorful umbrella shade, and those simple touches can turn the space from floral and fun to sleek and sexy.

Another good way to mix things up is with accent pieces, including mounted outdoor artwork, yard sculptures or statues, or wall-mounted candleholders. Landscape lighting should not be overlooked. Festive stringed lights, seductive wall sconces or playful paper lamps are fantastic ways to add style to the space.

A beautiful view is another important factor in enjoying an outdoor space, and sometimes removing trees is in order. If water is anywhere nearby, whether it's a small fish pond or a large lake, a clear view is a must. Just looking out on the water can bring tranquility and relaxation to busy homeowners, and it is a tried and tested way to get into a great mood.

Now it's time to have some fun. Just a few hundred dollars can help create an outdoor kitchen complete with a barbeque and accessories to keep the food flowing at any get together. A quick trip to the flea market can provide everything needed to create a simple outdoor bar. Any old furniture piece-a desk, dresser, cabinet or table-can be punched up with fresh paint and hardware and turned into a cool, rustic bar. Now the invigorated space is perfect for entertaining, so it's time to call friends and invite them to the party.

When designing an inviting outdoor space or locating reputable, licensed greenhouse builders, Columbus homeowners can trust TenList to link them with the right experts for their needs. It is fast and easy to find the perfect match every time using TenList's comprehensive directory of contractors for home improvement jobs of every size. Visit www.tenlist.com today.