Sep 20 2007
Learn How to Turn Any Back Yard into the Ultimate Outdoor Living Experience

Even as the seasons begin to change homeowners are eager to make their outdoor living areas as inviting as the inside of their homes in time for fal, before visiting the local home and garden center or hiring a professional to create a backyard paradise, consider taking the DIY approach.
Here are some tips on how to get started:
* Consider doing less instead of trying to spread a budget over a lot of elements. Focus on one aspect of the backyard that will help to create the atmosphere that is just right.
* Get a design in mind before beginning any project, then prioritize — go in order of implementation. Start with a patio (because it adds the most value and has the most impact), then landscaping and lighting.
* Work with the environment you have and use native plants because they are less expensive to maintain.
* Buy quality, even if it means buying less.
Below are some additional tips to help a homeowner create a backyard escape!
Ready…Set…Decorate!
One of the most important — yet often overlooked — aspects of creating an aesthetically pleasing outdoor living area is landscape lighting. Malibu landscape lighting is one of the largest brands offering the most complete line of fixtures and accessories to enhance the overall outdoor living experience, and to create a true backyard oasis.
Some of the latest products from them to hit the market this spring include the American Country Garden Light, which comes with a cast metal dual riser and an oil rubbed bronze finish, and the Contemporary Garden Light, with sleek styling and a textured black finish, giving a fashionable touch to modern-day gardens and outdoor areas.
There are endless options for adding style and warmth to an outdoor space including the Zen Garden Light and the Rustic Handmade Garden Light, which features a cast metal shade with an antique copper finish and a metal riser with a unique twist. Don’t be afraid to add individuality and style with the Eclectic Garden Light, which features a metal fixture in a textured black finish with a rounded shade offering durability and sophistication.
Eco-Chic Entertaining
Malibu solar accent lighting provides a distinctive way to give any home a welcoming feeling. Do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts are guaranteed to find just what they are looking for while maintaining an energy efficient home, and reducing their overall environmental footprint. The French Country Walk Light features a glass globe painted with curling vine accents and cast metal fixtures in a variety of rust-free finishes, for soft, ambient light, perfect for entertaining friends and family.
East meets West with the Asian influenced Mission Walk Light featuring a square shade with a frosted glass that is perfect for creating a calm and relaxing space. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, the light is made of cast metal with a black finish. The new fixtures are available in a variety of finishes and price ranges to satisfy every style and budget.
Malibu offers the most complete line of fashionable fixtures and accessories to enhance curb appeal. All Malibu lights can be installed by the DIY’er and some can be installed in 60 minutes or less. For more information and for design and installation tips to help achieve a professional look, visit www.malibulights.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent