May 14

May 14 With Events at a Standstill, Here's How to Turn Your Outdoor Space into an LA Summer Oasis

With the announcement of The Hollywood Bowl cancelling their summer concert series and an extended "shelter at home" for the rest of Summer, Angelenos took an added hit to our summer plans. With safety in mind, the best way to celebrate the warmer months ahead is do DIY your own summer oasis.

We caught up with a few local experts for tips to get ready for more time at home in the weeks ahead.

If you're on a budget, there are some easy upgrades that can help transform your balcony, patio or backyard space. We turned to Raf Howery, CEO of Kukun, a platform for home remodeling and renovation. While a full renovation of your outdoor space may not be possible during lockdown, there are still simple ways to create an oasis by doing it yourself. He suggests, “To help relax, you may consider purchasing a quiet water fountain or planting fragrant flowers where you can sit in the evening and enjoy your meals outdoors. You can also redecorate by adding red mulch for a warmer feel around your patio or spray painting (metal or wood) patio furniture with rich modern tones such as orange, purple, red or yellow.

If you have wicker furniture, use wild cushion colors to brighten things up! Consider ordering a ping pong table, basketball hoop or backgammon set if you have a backyard where you can play with your kids or close friends and laugh together. Utilize the space to watch live music, movies under the stars and more." It's all about making the space you have fit the lifestyle you want to stay sane without the array of concerts and events to fill our time.

Yawar Charlie, best known as celeb realtor for CNBC’s “Listing Impossible” agrees on keeping lifestyle at the forefront. "An area of collateral damage during this pandemic has been the closure of the gym. Without a regular place for people to physically exercise and socialize, a lot of people are going back to the roots and spending time outside. Patio and backyard workouts are at an all-time high! I’m seeing more and more people create an outdoor gym because it achieves two things, sheltering in place and physical fitness.” An outdoor gym can be as simple as yoga mats, balance balls, and free weights for a smaller area or a full set up of machinery for those with larger outdoor spaces. You can take classes alone or do a virtual class with instructors or friends. Many apps are currently offering 30 days or more free!

Of course the #1 spot to be at homem will be poolside! If you do have a pool, you may want to consider upgrading to the latest trend - glass fencing- which can be budget friendly, increase property ROI, improve aesthetic and most importantly, drastically increase pool safety. Jordan Goodman, the CEO of Aquaview, the leader in glass pool fencing and glass railings, says the easiest way to elevate your backyard space and increase design aesthetic and water safety is to switch to glass fencing.

The glass panels are custom cut for every job and can be cut into any size and shape, allowing them to be configured to fit any layout. “Parents are looking to help ensure their children’s safety any way they can, especially during this pandemic. Our custom glass pool fences can make the swimming season significantly safer while offering an attractive enhancement to your home." Glass fencing is easy to clean, eliminates obstructed views, and will make your backyard the place to be during the warm months ahead. So grab a floaty and soak up the sun!

Lastly, don't forget to get outdoors! While we may not be able to lounge by the ocean or travel as freely as we'd like this Summer, we can still take advantage of what is nearby. Many local parks and beaches are now open for physical activities like surfing, hiking, and walks. Go it alone for some you-time or get a group together for a virtual stroll!