Five Ways to Get the Most From Your Outdoor Space | HuffPost

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When you take a step back and look at an outdoor space there are simple designer style tips to make your space truly yours. For an affordable yet impactful way to help transform your outdoor space in to your own personal oasis, we are sharing our top five tips on how to maximize the most of your time outdoors this summer!

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outdoor

The great Canadian outdoors? Get back out there, say Colin and Justin, with simple ideas to make the most of your outdoor space.

As recent Canadian cottage goers we understand that Canadians live for time outdoors. After months on end of subzero temperatures patio season is always well celebrated- whether in our backyards or away at our cottages.

Some spaces may need a larger overhaul while others just need a little touch up or refresher. It will always be up to you to decide what your space needs to make it truly your own and sometimes that can be a daunting thought. If you take in to consideration that there are a world of patterns, a world of colours and a world of selection, it's hard to know just where to begin.

The good news is, it starts with you. When you take a step back and look at an outdoor space there are simple designer style tips to make your space truly yours. For an affordable yet impactful way to help transform your outdoor space in to your own personal oasis, we are sharing our top five tips on how to maximize the most of your time outdoors this summer!

1. Give your outdoor space an identity -- Look at your bare deck or backyard as a blank canvas and give it a practical edge -- install a usable function. For example a lot of cottages have inside spaces that are too small to host. Good news, there is a world waiting for you outside! Try installing a table and chairs to create a seasonal dining room to enjoy with family and friends in the warmer months. Go on -- kick start your very own "patio season" each year!

2. Warm it up -- When the nights start to cool a little, you'll be itching to stay outdoors just a little bit longer. A good way to extend your time outdoors is by opting for an outdoor fireplace, a fire pit or a patio heater. We have a Solus http://www.solusdecor.com gas bowl fire at our cottage and we use it regularly -- even in the depths of winter for a flaming good time in the snow!

3. Don't let bugs bug you... Once dusk hits, so do the mosquitoes. No one wants to be shut away indoors in the warmer weather, especially when you could be roasting marshmallows by the camp-fire or talking with friends on the lawn chairs, so use bug protection to keep mosquitoes at bay. Avoid pools of standing water (overflowing planters etc) that will attract mosquitoes and use a sprayless and odourless repellent like the OFF! Clip-On Mosquito Repellent. This handy repellent turns on in one simple switch to provides head-to-toe protection while enjoying your relaxing outdoor activities.

4. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize... If you can't quite stretch to a whole new look for your patio or deck, then try creating a new look for less with accessories. Stores like Homesense, Winners and Chapters are great for seasonal accessories. Learn to be bold with bright cushions, outdoor throws and pillows. Add candle storm lamps, colourful plastic pitchers, glasses and outdoor accessories to bring joy to an otherwise lifeless space. You KNOW you want to!

5. Planting -- Soften up your deck or patio with some planting. Hanging baskets bursting with colour looks amazing and tall trees in smart planters ooze sophistication. If you don't exactly have a green thumb, then don't say NO...say FAUX! Embrace a little fakery with realistic looking topiary in modern smart planters. Homesense http://www.homesense.ca/en/index.asp carries an amazing range of what we call 'affordable permanent botanicals'.

Summer months are made for outside and no matter where you are spending your relaxing warm weather moments one thing is for sure -- it should be aesthetically beautiful so you can kick back, relax and enjoy to the fullest!

We created a dining area with classic furnishings from Hauser

Enjoy the cooler evenings with a Solus gas fire bowl

Accessories will transform your patio from bland to bold in seconds...

Planting adds life, colour and definition...

MORE ON HUFFPOST:

Best Outdoor Exercises For Spring

Biking(01 of10)

"Regular cycling in your favourite park can be a great alternative to your usual indoor workout on the treadmill, bike or elliptical," says certified strength and conditioning specialist Jo-Ann Houston from GYMGUYZ. Cycling not only improves cardiovascular fitness, but it also burns calories by using the large muscle groups in your legs, especially when climbing those heart-pumping hills, she says. "Bring on the hills baby and don’t forget the helmet!" (credit:shutterstock)

Playground Circuit Training(02 of10)

Yes, you can play in the park like a kid again. "Circuit training is one of the best types of workouts to improve your cardiovascular health, incinerate body fat and build muscle," Houston says. Add your own “play” to your workout with basics like push-ups, pull-ups, squats, lunges and planks using monkey bars, beams, steps, slides, ramps and more. (credit:shutterstock)

Swimming(03 of10)

Swimming spares your joints the high impact stress experienced during running, but it still packs a punch when it comes to cardiovascular intensity, Houston says. "Swimming laps is great for integrating high intensity intervals, too. Alternate 'fast' laps with “recovery laps” for a set number of laps. Be sure to warm up and cool down." Hit an outdoor swimming pool or head to the beach. (credit:shutterstock)

Walking(04 of10)

For those of us who sit all day at work, walking really is a beginner's step. "Walking is as simple as it gets. Find a scenic path, park or shoreline. Put one foot in front of the other, as the song goes," Houston says. Set a goal for the day, the week, and for the month, for example, and gradually increase your time as you get in better shape. Consider adding in short, quick bursts of brisk walking in between a more leisurely pace as you progress with your walking program. (credit:shutterstock)

Stand Up Paddle Board(05 of10)

Nothing challenges your core, balance and overall body strength and endurance like paddle boarding. However, this one isn't for beginners. "Take time to learn the proper technique and then set sail. The wind on the water can you be your best friend ushering you along or merciless trainer as you overcome mother nature’s resistance," Houston says. Either way, this workout can be exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time. (credit:shutterstock)

Get Your Game On(06 of10)

If you think games are just for kids, consider ultimate Frisbee, flag football or a pick-up game of basketball. Choose fast moving games that foster team camaraderie and fun competition, Houston says — just like the good 'ol days. (credit:shutterstock)

Beach Volleyball(07 of10)

We're going to have to wait until the weather gets a little better for this one: jump, spike, dive! "Volleyball on the beach calls for explosive movement, better known in the fitness circles as plyometrics," Houston says. Plyometrics develop strength and power, unlike more traditional forms of exercise. On top of that, sand makes an unstable surface which causes our bodies to work even harder. (credit:shutterstock)

Road Racing(08 of10)

You’ve spent countless hours and covered endless miles on the treadmill, it's time to take your run outside. If you're up for the challenge, consider signing up for a spot on your local road racing team or a half-marathon. "Racing can bring your fitness level to a new level especially when you’re a competitor at heart." (credit:shutterstock)

Hiking(09 of10)

OK, you don't have to hike up a mountain, but hiking can offer the best of training in endurance, power, core conditioning, balance and mindfulness, Houston says. "Throw on a moderately heavy backpack and you’ve got the makings for an awesome resistance workout as you negotiate steep hills, uneven terrain and natural obstacle courses of sticks, stones and more." (credit:shutterstock)

Yoga(10 of10)

Yoga is great indoors, but just imagine how peaceful it will be in your own quiet serenity spot. "Yoga under the sun or on the shore can really help you get your zen on, and enhance your mind body connection." (credit:shutterstock)

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