Especially in the northeast, from New York City to Boston and beyond, the summer swings in with an invigorating vibrance. As the weather warms, the last place you want to be is inside. Beer gardens and patios open up, rooftop restaurants show their appeal, and your outdoor space becomes a refuge. But it’s a new year, and thus, a new summer, so sprucing up your space is vital. Here are five easy ways to freshen up your outdoor space:

Add Some Color

This may seem like an obvious tip, but far too many people define their outdoor space with muted earth-tones and the like. There’s nothing wrong with earth-tones, but outdoor spaces should be bright and vibrant, and adding stark shots of color is a great way to liven up an area. Don’t be afraid to take some chances, outdoor spaces should be more fun and whimsical than indoor ones.

Plants, Plants and More Plants

Along the same lines, adding plants and flowers to a space can really transform it. Not only does the addition of some natural beauty look great, but it just feels right. Toss some fuchsias or some lillies into the mix and you’ll marvel at what a difference it makes. Adding some plants and flowers can turn a drab space into a natural sanctuary designed for some unencumbered rest and relaxation.

Incorporate an Outdoor Bar

Speaking of resting and relaxation, a cocktail can help with both. And, as we previously mentioned, on a beautiful day, the last place you want to be is inside, even if it’s just for a few minutes to grab some drinks. Building or purchasing an outdoor bar can turn your space into a destination on it’s own, rather than a nice extension of your home9 different plans for building outdoor bars to fit any space, and all of the big furniture sites have a vast array of options as well.

String Lights

This one is remarkably simple, but it can make a huge difference. While there is nothing wrong with lantern-style lighting, or high-hats, the lighting set-up we are the biggest fans of are string lights. They’re cheap, they provide an ideal amount of light, and they make the whole space feel more quaint than the other options. We adore the globe string lights in particular, as they add a level of laid-back elegance to an area. Swapping out some out-dated lighting with some string lights can change the whole aesthetic.

Let The Games Begin!

Regardless of how large or small your outdoor space is, there’s always games that can be played. Personally, we love Giant Jenga it has all the fun of the smaller version, but it’s more interactive and engaging, and it looks great all set up. If you have enough space, Kan Jam, corn hole and ladder golf are all party favorites. Beyond that, bolstering the board game collection is always a good idea. Incorporating games helps the space feel more interactive overall, which is always a good thing. So stock up and let the games begin!