We’re discussing all of the ways we prep our backyard for Fall and how we extend outdoor season well into the chillier months.
Like it or not, fall has fallen! The leaves are turning golden, it’s getting darker earlier and overnight lows are in the perfect zone for windows-open-sleeping weather. We love to embrace fall as crispy temps roll in and spooky season kicks off, so we’re really hitting our stride. We love being outside this time of year and we’re doing everything we can to extend patio season as long as possible Here are our top 3 ingredients to keep things comfortable and fun as the temperatures dip!
In This Post
1| Add Light
To keep a warm cozy glow around our backyard we’ve added a number of light sources over the years. We have wall sconces mounted on the house and garage, solar lights along the fence (the same as in the backyard at Tree House) and even landscape lights integrated into our raised planter boxes for a casual glow. This spring we even added overhead cafe lights for uniform warmth throughout the whole space. We’ve found that keeping everything on dimmers and/or indirect really helps keep things bright enough without being distracting.
If electrical work isn’t in your plans, or your space doesn’t receive enough light for solar to work well, we’ve had great luck with these little rechargeable LED table lamps. They add a bit of functionality to a snack table and cast a nice warm glow. Outdoor lighting has come a long way and there’s a budget-friendly option for every space.
2| Add Heat
Adding a fire element to any space will 100% increase the vibes. The key to having fun outdoors is staying comfortable and nothing warms up a chilly evening like a roaring fire. In Michigan, we love an authentic wood-burning bonfire, but here in Chicago, space constraints call for the safety and ease of natural gas.
We converted our Mid-Century Preway fireplace to burn natural gas to keep things safe and cozy. The high-heat powder coat has developed a lovely patina over time and it warms up the space literally and visually.
3| Add Creature Comforts
On top of heat and light, bringing the indoors out will also help create the coziest space possible. We utilize an outdoor coffee table, upholstered furniture, and a TV to create a true outdoor living room. (Don’t forget the glow-in-the-dark remote cover!) We also bring out a basket full of vintage blankets, candles, incense and all the drinks and snacks you can imagine to ensure that we’re not wanting for anything out back. Top tier audio for music and video streaming is also mandatory! We love the Sonos Move or Move 2 because they sound great and can be linked to almost any bluetooth source including our TV.
Get The Look
Whether your backyard is urban, suburban or rural, adding light, heat and creature comforts can help create an outdoor space that you’ll never want to leave! Below, we’ve rounded up all of our favorite accessories from our Chicago backyard in one convenient place. We’re including a wood-burning Chimnea that’s similar to our MCM fireplace in case an off-the-shelf option works better for you than the custom route.
1. carson wall sconce | 2. garden lights set | 3. wood burning chiminea | 4. amazon fire tv + weatherproof cover + wall mount | 5. sonos move | 6. outdoor loveseat | 7. outdoor lumbar pillow | 8. outdoor square pillow | 9. wool plaid throw | 10. outdoor side table | 11. outdoor waterproof lamp | 12. tote basket | 13. outdoor area rug | 14. red plaid throw | 15. polywood coffee table | 16. mosquito repellent incense sticks
Looking for more outdoor inspo? Here’s our favorite outdoor dinnerware, our 3 day Tree House yard makeover, our DIY patio, our DIY patio table, and our natural front yard makeover.
We are in Chicago too – are you able to leave that TV outside all winter with that cover or do you have to bring it inside once temps get too cold? Love your set up.
Thanks Amy! We put it up in the spring and bring it inside to our utility room once temperatures start to dip below freezing. Keeping it covered when not in use has kept it looking and working brand new. The wire ‘picture frame’ style mount also makes it very easy to put up and take down without tools. Hope this helps!
Love your backyard. Where do you store all your blankets and cushions when they’re not outside?
Thanks! Cushions stay on the upholstered outdoor furniture all year round, but get covered through the worst couple months of winter. Some blankets get stored in a small deck box at the top of the stairs near the back door. Additional blankets live in the big basket that we bring in and out as needed.
Such a lovely spot. Do you know where you got your patio chairs? They look like the ones at a local restaurant I love but cannot find. Thanks.
Hi! They’re the Manna outdoor chairs from Article. We’ve had them for a few years and they’ve held up beautifully in our harsh Chicago climate!