There's nothing like time spent in your welcoming backyard on a warm summer day with family and friends. If you've already prepared for backyard/BBQ season, you're ready to enjoy the season! Here are a few additional fresh ideas to bring more life and fun into your backyard this year.

Outdoor Living

Everyone loves bringing the outdoors in with plants, stone and natural elements in the home, but this summer it's all about bringing the inside outdoors. Entertain in style by setting up your patio and backyard in inspired new ways that bring the comforts of your living room into the backyard. Waterproof "rock" speakers, comfortable patio furniture, fun throws and pillows, outdoor-friendly rugs and ambient lighting all help to effortlessly set the scene for your next backyard get-together.

Backyard Style

To give your backyard a put-together look, choose a theme and go with it. Some fun options:

• Rustic vibe (with wood, stone, plants and other natural elements)
• Tropical paradise (think bright colours, a picnic table and a tiki bar)
• Garden party (with flowers, lanterns and pretty strings of lights)
• Nautical vacation (think stripes, blue hues and lake-themed accessories)

Getting Creative

There's so much you can do with your backyard space. Close your eyes and picture yourself sitting in the backyard of your dreams. Get inspired and image the possibilities. A covered porch to offer a cool place to rest in the shade. A patio with beautiful stone. A pizza oven so you can host your own outdoor pizza parties. A bird bath where you can watch the sparrows and chickadees bobbing. Or a garden where you can grow fresh herbs and vegetables. The possibilities are endless!

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