The economy may have forever changed how people look at luxury.
Trips to resorts and other out-of-town attractions aren’t out of the question, but as seen and heard at this year’s Greater Tulsa Home Garden Show, more people are looking toward home as their vacation destination. From outdoor kitchens to pools and hot tubs, decorative landscaping, kitchen updates and bathroom remodels, “people are investing in their homes,” said Scott Gideon, this year’s show chairman.
The theme of this year’s event is “Find Your Oasis,” and for Gideon, he’ll tell you quickly, his oasis is his backyard.
That oasis is often an expansion of your property’s livable space, past the four walls of the house and into the yard.
“People aren’t traveling like they used to,” said Matt Cobb of Oklahoma Landscape. “They want to create a place where their kids can bring their friends over.”
Cobb said for the family on a budget, or one interested in building on their oasis one feature at a time, starting with an outdoor kitchen may be a good idea.
But “there are so many possibilities,” Cobb said.
Even starting with a focus on your yard is a good place, he said, adding that yard health is Oklahoma Landscape’s big focus this year.
A pretty yard means more curb appeal, no weeds, a safe place for kids and pets, and even a good talking point for the neighbors, Cobb said.
Your oasis can be as simple as a well-kept yard, colorful with a flower garden, resort-inspired with waterfalls and a pool or hot tub, or cookout-friendly with an outdoor kitchen. Your oasis could also be upgrades for your indoor kitchen or a remodel of your home’s bathrooms.
Lawn and garden
Fragrant flowers are among the ideas to consider for your garden. As are native plants that can be just as eye-catching as exotics but can tolerate Oklahoma’s heat and even drought conditions better than non-natives. Gardening with heirloom seeds is another practice that will be popular this growing season. Such seeds haven’t been genetically altered; they’ve been saved from one crop of plants to the next.
Patioscapes
With more people looking to their own homes for a relaxing break, making an investment in developing a patioscape may mean savings down the line. It can take little time and money to turn the backyard into the family vacation destination. Cobb said the possibilities available to people wanting to extend their home’s livable space to the outdoors are many. Water features, pools, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces, bars, and lounging areas are among the options – and landscape lighting can give your yard and outdoor living space a dramatic new look.
Kitchen and bathroom upgrades
At this year’s Home Garden Show, there was no shortage of kitchen cabinetry installers to consider. And it’s no wonder: Remodeling kitchen areas, including refacing cabinets, updating countertops and backsplashes, and bringing in high-efficiency and cutting edge appliances, will not only make a homeowner feel like a reality-TV chef while cooking up dinner, but it will also increase the value of the home. Granite countertops in a variety of natural tones make a big splash at the Home Garden Show, but be on the lookout for quartz composite, which requires little maintenance and is highly durable. The bathroom is another money maker, as well as a place to bring in some luxury with new countertops and fixtures and even a new coat of paint for an updated look.
Original Print Headline: Escape to your backyard
Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com
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