In the past, the backyard was an area only utilized for barbecuing and outdoor activities for children.  In recent years, it has evolved into an entertaining, comfortable extension of the home that adults can enjoy too.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects have become increasingly popular not only as a cheaper alternative to purchasing the ready-made product, but as a family weekend activity, a way to gain new knowledge and skills and experiencing the satisfaction of having created something. Nothing like creating your own conversation piece to get the conversation flowing and maybe your new found knowledge could become a barter-able trade.

The fire pit is one of the hottest items this season that consumers are adding to their outdoor inventory, according to a study conducted by Hardware Retailer in 2015. Fire pits are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they provide the opportunity for homeowners to enjoy their backyards year-round in some areas. From roasting s’mores to serving as a natural bug repellent, fire pits are the must-have item for your backyard in 2016.

Another detail that adds visual significance and beauty to your backyard is an arbor or pergola to accent a walkway or particular area. By adding a climbing plant such as wisteria, or even grapevines to emulate the Italian culture of the pergola, this item can provide shade as well as emphasize a specific area of your yard without confining it. Adding fabric to the pergola can also add a more relaxed or even beachy feel to the space if it is placed over a sitting or dining area.

An additional trendy feature for the ultimate backyard would be an outdoor kitchen. Whether it is a glorified grill or a full-scale bar and kitchen, this is a key component to bringing the inside, outside. Grills have always been essential to backyard use, but by adding more preparation space to ready a meal start-to-finish outside, it means less time away from guests and continuing the entertainment.

One of the most tempting aspects of adding these items to your yard is the DIY component. If you search Pinterest for DIY fire pit, pergola or even outdoor kitchen, thousands of results populate with sub categories for “cheap” and “easy”. The general idea behind this blending of the inside and outside spaces is to make the yard a more comfortable space for entertaining so all parts of the home are being utilized.

If DIY isn’t your thing, most retailers sell fire pits and pergolas and many contractors can provide estimates to create an outdoor kitchen. So, get to building. Spring will be here before you know it, and the perfect fire pit weather is right now!

If your backyard isn’t quite ready for entertaining let Atlanta Real Estate Forum help you out with a brand new home to entertain and enjoy spending time with family and friends. For more information on Atlanta real estate and beautiful new homes visit, www.atlantarealestateforum.com.