Outdoor Living Ideas

8 Things to Know Before Buying a House with a Pool

swimming pool maintenance and backyard fun

A personal in-ground pool is an enticing idea. Whenever you want to swim, you only have to step out the back door. Meanwhile, your kids will have an accessible activity away from their devices and screens. 

How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen

outdoor kitchen built under a custom pavilion

Investing in building an outdoor kitchen will allow you to create memories with loved ones and get even more enjoyment from your home. What’s more, an outdoor kitchen can also add value to your home, make it more attractive to future buyers, and expand your living and storage areas. 

If you have a penchant for good company, great food, and big ideas, an outdoor kitchen could be your next big project.

10 Best Backyard Wedding Decor Ideas

A view down the wedding aisle of a backyard wedding includes decorated chairs on the side and an archway at the end.

Most wedding venues have limited dates. You have to book months — if not years — in advance. However, there is one venue that is always available: your backyard. Many people enjoy celebrating backyard weddings because they’re budget-friendly, offer flexibility for setting up and taking down decorations, and are perfect for accommodating small groups of people. Your guests can relax in a casual environment or you can make your outdoor living space look like a more formal venue..

Outdoor Bar Ideas: What to Consider When Planning an Outdoor Bar Area

Outdoor Bar Ideas Collage

With so many outdoor bar ideas out there, it can be tough to narrow down your ideal backyard entertainment area. Google is a great place to start, and Pinterest is packed with unique bar options, but it’s easy to become overwhelmed when you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

How To Turn Your Pool House Into a Guest House

A collage of photos featuring a pool house with finished bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen

A pool house is a multi-tasking addition to your house. Not only can you store toys and maintenance equipment in a pool house, but you can also use it to change and shower instead of dripping chlorinated water throughout your house. A pool house is an ideal option if you enjoy throwing backyard parties because guests won’t need to enter the main home. 

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Your Backyard

So many appliance choices when working with a limited budget can make building an outdoor kitchen seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. 

Outdoor kitchens are a passion of Homestead Sales Rep Steven Lapp, so we recently sought his hot take on these increasingly popular backyard entertainment additions. We hope his five favorite outdoor kitchen features below provide some inspiration for your newest project.

6 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for Your Backyard

Summer days can get sweltering hot, but some summer nights may make you want to turn up the heat. There’s a fireplace for that. Adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit can really set the mood. 

But with all the different options, how do you pick the right outdoor fireplace for your home?

Once you decide whether you want a gas or wood-burning fireplace, it’s time to decide on style. 

Fireplace Ideas for Your Backyard

Heat up your outdoor entertainment space with any of these backyard fireplace ideas.

Eco-friendly Backyard Upgrades

Collage of Backyard ideas including a compost bin, solar lights, a garden and a rain barrel.

The world is increasingly aware of the need to be eco-friendly. This means reducing reliance on fossil fuels, recycling and composting where possible, as well as limiting your impact on the environment. In fact, according to a recent Nielsen report, 48% of Americans would change their purchasing habits to minimize environmental effects and embrace a sustainable lifestyle.

Does a Swimming Pool Add Value to Your Rental Property?

Potted plants adorn a swimming pool with a slide in a fenced-in backyard.

Rental property owners need features that will attract residents. Swimming pools are one option if you want to stand out from your competitors. 

Analysis by Zillow's rental search engine, HotPads.com, found that pools not only attract more residents, but people are willing to pay higher rent for them. The study, which included data from 50 major American metro areas, found that renters were willing to pay 4.5% more (that’s $70 per month, on average) for a place with swimming facilities. 

Family-Friendly Pool Games and Activities To Help You Stay Active

Four smiling family members in a pool float side-by-side on a pool noodle wearing sunglasses and posing for a picture.

Summer is a time for family, fitness, and fun. Some may spend the break from school indulging in lazy days in front of the television, but for many of us, the warmer weather invites us outdoors. It’s important to find a balance and encourage your entire family to get outside an be active. One of the best ways to accomplish this during the simmering summer days is to plunge into the cool water of a swimming pool.

5 Ways to Cool Your Pool House

Pool House with Origin Bi-Fold Doors & 3 Sets of French Doors

Adding a pool house to your poolside makes for a great relaxation and entertainment space for your backyard. It allows you to use your backyard is a ton of new ways, even if the day isn't quite perfect for actual swimming. With an enclosed or sheltered pool house, you still have a great hangout spot to relax, have a few drinks, enjoy some shade, etc.