Just because your balcony is small doesn’t mean that you should leave it as an empty space.There are lots of things you can do to make it a little more stylish, such as plants, furniture and small decorative touches. Here are a few ideas you can explore:

Small Furniture
Adding small furniture is a smart way to enhance your balcony. It can be just a table and chair. While it may not be ideal for practical use because of its small size, it can certainly still create a homey and cozy feel. Opt for wooden chairs over plastic, and add a small cushion and decorative table cloth for a little more style and personality.

Plants and Flowers
There’s no a better way to decorate your outdoor patio than to add plants and flowers. Try using hanging plants to add some dimension and variety to the space and to bring a softer, more organic feel to the balcony. Another advantage to hanging plants is that they create a little added privacy, as well as shade. You can also make use of the wall of the balcony by having vines and climbing plants run up the walls. Beautifully painted flower pots can also help take your look to the next level.

Artwork
Small statues and paintings can also add some sophistication to your small patio. One or two pieces of stylish art can make a big difference to a small area.

A Stylish Rug
A rug can be another decorative feature of the balcony. There are lots of outdoor designs that are weather resistant and that go well with plants and pots.

Lights
A lamp is a great touch for your patio. It won’t take up much space and it will illuminate the entire space. It will also make a handy addition to the space for anyone hoping to read in the evening. Some lights work better than others, so you should be a little selective about what kind of lamp you use. You can even use candle lights (preferably electric ones) to enhance the patio at night.

Decorative rocks
Rocks can actually be surprisingly decorative to a patio. When they are placed in the right way, they can make a good background. If you want to go further you can have these rocks painted or decorated. They don’t have to be large, of course. You can use small rocks to complement the flowers and plants that are already there.

As more condos are being built and more people are choosing small economical places in the city, it’s more important than ever to get used to small patios. Make the most of your patio by making it your own, settling in, and making it a comfortable place to relax on a sunny afternoon.

Have you ever looked at parts of your home and wondered why they go unused when there are lots of things you could do with that space?

Pause for a moment and consider how you spend your week — do you use it trying to unwind from a tough day at work? If so, then a bar could be a great way to relax in your spare time, making it a worthwhile investment into your home. The best part of having a patio bar is that you’re spending time outdoors, getting fresh air and using your backyard, which for most people are largely underused.

The opposite of a dive bar

Sometimes the bars that you end up going to aren’t very warm and inviting, which really takes away from the experience of having fun on a night out. You are in charge of your patio’s design, so imagine what would make you feel cozy and happy A fire pit is a great addition that will help you stay warm, establish the mood, and impress even the toughest of friends and family. They’re easy to use and only require inexpensive fuel to keep the flame roaring!

Cozy furniture
Outdoor furniture is built to withstand all types of weather, so don’t be afraid to buy seating with fabric as part of the upholstery or pillow treatment! For a more upscale look, choose plastic wicker chairs with high backs and wooden legs, and for rustic appeal, sofas with plush cushions are sure to make it easy to take a quick nap in the sun while lying outside on the patio with a drink (that was mixed in the outdoor bar!) in hand.

Patio enclosures
Patio structures that provide some shelter from the weather come in a variety of options. They can be waterproof to hold back the rain and snow, or open to allow maximum sunlight through during the day. Having a roof over your head means you can read, relax, and even prepare food or drinks regardless of rain or shine.

Green is relaxing
The best garden patio bar combines nature as the perfect backdrop and an outdoor bar stocked with your favourite drinks. Green gardens don’t have to be fancy to be great; there are plenty of plants with interesting shapes and silhouettes to beef up your garden.

Infinity Gardens offers a wide variety of plants to make your garden your perfect paradise! Take a look through our selection for inspiration on your next big garden renovation, and contact us today for more information.

An outdoor fireplace is about the classiest choice for upgrading your patio there is, but there are so many options available that if you took the time to review them all, your head would spin!

It’s important to start with the basics when you’re looking to invest in an outdoor fireplace to help narrow down your choice once it’s time to make your purchase. Let’s go through some of the categories and features of fireplaces on the market to get a broad overview of the best that outdoor fireplaces have to offer!

Looking at the materials
Fireplaces can be made from a variety of sturdy materials to endure the weather, so your main consideration is how it looks. Different materials will leave a different impression, and it’s key to making the right choice.

Although it is possible to refinish your fireplace, it’s better to simply make the right decision in the first place! Here are a few important factors to keep in mind:

• Red brick brings a warm colour to the surroundings, and it’s a classic choice when it comes to fixtures that get really hot, such as fireplaces and ovens;
• Stucco is cheap and leaves a unique finish in a variety of colours, with the brightest hues in yellow or blue;
• Stone looks expensive, and its appearance reflects its cost.

Gas or wood?
There are two typical ways of fueling chimneys. Gas fireplaces are more predictable, quick to start up, and less finicky, while wood chimneys are authentic. There is nothing like the smell of burning wood from a fireplace, and you can even do classic things like roast marshmallows or chestnuts over the open fire.

You can even install the necessary hardware to turn the hearth into a cooking fireplace where you can roast meals in the traditional style of food preparation.

Sizes and shapes
For outdoor fireplaces, you largely aren’t as restricted by space as much as you would be if you were adding an indoor fireplace. As such, there are many options when it comes to the external design, ranging from height to the shape of its silhouette to choosing detailed architectural work.

Your outdoor fireplace can be used throughout the year, and you might even find yourself using it more than your indoor fireplace. Adding this fixture to your yard is a great way to spend more time outdoors, especially since for most people, backyards are underused!

Outdoor fireplaces, patio furniture, and patio enclosures are some of the ways to spruce up your yard. For other, greener ideas, consider sprucing up the garden with new plants. Come take a look at what we have in store for your next outdoor project!

When flipping through your favourite interior design magazine, you’ll find great inspiration for your home. What the stack of lovely magazines on your coffee table can’t help you with is turning that inspiration into a complete transformation of your space. In this article, we’ll discuss affordable makeovers that will upgrade the look of your back yard in simple, do-able steps!

Gazebos for beauty and function
Gazebos can cost anywhere from under $100 to a few thousand dollars, which gives you a wide range of options when it comes to accommodating your budget. Gazebos are made in a variety of styles:

• large or small
• wooden, metal, or plastic structure
• glass or fabric roofs
• foldable or permanent

They not only add visual interest to your yard, it helps you enjoy the outdoors in rain or shine.

Tip: the key to making the most of a gazebo is ensuring that it’s not too small or too large for your patio.

Night lighting for ambience
Being outdoors shouldn’t be restricted to when the sun is up, which makes porch lighting a priority over some other decorations in your yard. There are even more options when it comes to setting up lighting!

Using string lights suitable for the outdoors gives an ad hoc, quirky but romantic feeling to your patio, whereas professionally installed in-ground or ensconced lighting makes it more permanent and less susceptible to damage in bad weather. Outdoor lighting ranges from less than $50 to several hundreds of dollars, with a large selection at your local home hardware store.

Tip: opt for lights with solar panels to reduce energy use.

Barefoot on the patio
There is nothing like feeling organic materials on your skin, so if your patio is not safe or comfortable enough to walk on barefoot, you might consider renovating the flooring. The most affordable options are clay tile or leftover concrete and brick. If your budget allows, the better the quality of the flooring, the more luxurious your patio will seem. An expensive stone isn’t everyone’s style — in fact, reclaimed wood is another amazing option that will give a perfectly rustic charm to the area.

There are endless creative ways to make your patio a favourite spot for you and your friends. Regardless of how much effort you put into your patio, it won’t be half as enjoyable if the yard is lackluster. Gardening is a very easy and rewarding hobby to get into, so contact our experts if you have any questions about lawn care or a garden makeovers!

If you’re thinking of building your own patio (or hiring a professional to do it), you may be wondering what type of materials to use. Wood is durable, sustainable, and stands up to the elements. Although we may only use our patios during the summer months, wood stays intact during the winter so it doesn’t need to be replaced after every season. There are many woods available for patio building, but there are six in particular that are best suited for this type of construction.

1. Mahogany

This is a tropical hardwood that ages incredibly well. Mahogany is resistant to rot and pests that like to make a meal out of patio wood. As it ages, mahogany takes on a silvery hue but still preserves its natural beauty. It is both durable and easy to maintain.

2. Redwood

This wood is soft and turns grey as it ages. Redwood is rot-resistant but needs to be sealed at least once a year to avoid blackening. However, that does not mean that redwood won’t last. It is a very dependable wood that ages well.

3. Cedar

Cedar is a very common material used in the construction of patios. It ages well and stands up to moisture, heat, rain, sun, and cold. Cedar requires little maintenance and can last as long as your home does.

4. Ipé

This bug and rot resistant wood is gaining popularity because of it’s beauty and heavy weight. Ipé is so dense that it is as difficult to burn as concrete. The only issue with this type of wood is that is considered “designer wood” and can be quite pricy.

5. Acacia

Acacia trees grow everywhere, so much so, that they are considered an invasive species. This wood is easy to find and ages nicely. Acacia stands up to the elements, especially water, and when treated, will rarely discolour and preserve its golden brown hue.

6. Cypress

This type of wood is stable, barely shrinks or swells, and doesn’t require a tonne of maintenance. Cedar doesn’t rot easily and holds its own against insects. As it ages, cedar turns a silver grey, but like Ipé, is a little pricier than the other wood options.

The wood you choose should be cultivated responsibly. If you are purchasing it yourself, ask the clerk at the lumber yard where the wood comes from and how it was harvested from the tree. Most woods bear proper certification that show that they were not taken from protected areas like national parks or rainforests.

For more information about patio wood, or to have Infinity Gardens build one for you, contact us. We’ll do all the work so you can enjoy a gorgeous wooden patio that lasts a long time.

If you’re planning on selling your home, there are certain things you can do to increase its resale value. Even if you’re simply looking to do some renovations, it’s never a bad idea to add a few special touches to your property. When most people think of resale value home tweaks, they often concentrate on the inside of the house; however, it is the backyard that can give your property a good financial boost.

If you’re not sure where to begin, try one of these five property value increases:

1. Fences

Adding fencing along your property provides security and creates boundaries. Fences make your house more secure and have the added bonus of keeping out pesky animals that will eat and dig up your grass and garden. Fencing, unless it is chainlink, adds value to your home, but remember that you will need to check with your city’s bylaws to see what height is acceptable.

2. Retaining Walls

These special walls add colour and texture to your backyard. They can double as walkways and offer stability to a deck or patio. Retaining walls also offer an option to get rid of useless backyard space and limit erosion caused by water runoff.

3. Patios and Decks

Decks and patios create an extra room, except instead of being inside, this room is outside of the house. Patios and decks add space to barbecue, and provide a place to entertain and hang out. With wood and stones, you can add a long-lasting deck or patio to your property that can increase its value by up to 80%.

4. Proper Irrigation

When it comes to backyards, many people ignore irrigation. There’s only so much that rain can do to keep your lawn and garden hydrated. Installing a proper irrigation system adds value to your home and keeps your lawn and gardens looking fresh, so when your property is shown to potential buyers, they’ll be impressed by your gorgeous, lush lawn.

5. Landscaping

Total yard makeovers are a great value add for any property. Landscaping can even increase the total square footage of your home and make a smaller property appear bigger.

Although it may be tempting, do not add a pool. They are not cost-effective and actually decrease your property’s value. Unless you live in a climate that allows for year-round swimming – which our Canadian weather does not – adding a pool doesn’t make sense.

When it comes to construction and home renovations, it’s always best to use the services of a professional. For more information and resale value ideas, contact us. Let Infinity Gardens provide your home with the right add-ons to start a bidding war over your property.

Being able to separate yourself from the constant buzz of the city is good for both mind and body. Whether it’s going out and enjoying a lazy weekend on the lake or spending quiet time alone in the woods, no matter the destination or the amount of time, cottages give you the ability to unwind and let loose.

There are a number of key necessities that no cottage owner should be without if they’re looking to add a little luxury to their woodlands lifestyle.

Outdoor Kitchen

During the warm summer months, there’s no better way to spend time with one another than being outside and sharing a meal. By having an outdoor kitchen, no one has to be separated from the group because they’re busy inside cooking. Consider a built in grille, area for cutting and preparing food, and finally a table and chairs for serving. The entire setup will provide countless hours of fun.

Hammock

There are few places that speak of peace and solitude more than a hammock resting quietly between a pair of trees. If there are not any trees available, there are plenty of options that include posts or setups that do not require being attached to any existing foliage. If you plan to visit your cottage with your special someone, look for the extra wide options to include them in your relaxation.

Furniture

Spending time outside of your cottage is always enjoyable, but there are times when Mother Nature won’t let you. Picking furniture then is important as a backup for those nasty days. Try to find pieces that add rustic charm while still being comfortable for everyday use. Look inside antique stores or try refurbishing old dressers and couches to give them that old world feel.

Music

Listening to the sounds of nature is nice, but if the chirp of crickets and the sounds of water lapping against the dock don’t suit you, consider putting in a batch of speakers for your outdoor amusement. Being able to play music in the background of your dinner or while playing outside with friends will perfectly set the surroundings.

Beverage Dispenser

Having a beverage dispenser available will help hydrate your guests without forcing them to move through your cottage, and hydration should be a priority on hot summer days. They can be simple glass containers or colorful ceramics with intricate designs; either option allows you to customize the atmosphere of your cottage and make it truly your own.

Patio

There’s no better place to hang out and enjoy every part of your luxury cottage then on your masterfully built patio. A simple design meant to match the surrounding woods or a stunning stone masterpiece that will leave people speechless will enhance your entire experience while in cottage country. No matter what choice you make, the patio will become a main area for everyone to spend time and enjoy each other’s company. You can improve your patio further with additions like outdoor fireplaces or designer yard work.

Windows

The area surrounding your cottage is as important as the cottage itself. When you’ve finally selected your ideal location, you need to be able to enjoy it as much as possible. Line your cottage with plenty of windows so that you will be able to view your new surroundings from almost any angle.

For more ideas on how you can create the perfect cottage atmosphere, contact our team today!

There are many aspects to selling a home that have to be addressed if you don’t want it to sit for long. The first, and arguably most important, is your home’s curb appeal. It’s the first impression that potential buyers will have, and if it’s no good then you can expect it to be difficult to get your home to sell.

Luckily there are some relatively simple changes you can make to your home to increase interest and generate a higher value!

Fence in Your Home

A good way to frame your home is by having a fence put in. Whether you decided to go with the classic white picket fence or choose to give yourself some more privacy with a large wooden one, you’ll be showcasing your yard in an easy and elegant way.

Having a gate along with the fence also gives off the feeling of security. Fences are the classic yard look for a reason, and will pop out to potential buyers. Take your surroundings into account when having the fence put in so that it matches well with the neighborhood and exterior décor of your home.

Add Outdoor Art

Adding art to your yard is an excellent way to quickly improve the look of your home. Be on the lookout for pieces that will complement the look of your home. Fountains, sculptures, metal art pieces, or even wind chimes are all excellent ways to make your curb appeal more memorable.

Clean up Your Yard

This is an obvious step that can be overlooked because of its simplicity, but making sure that your yard looks well kept will do wonders for the buyer’s confidence in the house. Pull weeds, take care of overgrown shrubs, look out for dead plants, and store any tools or toys.

Put in Some Lights

When looking to purchase a home, there are many aspects of your new residence that buyers take in account. For example, how does the home look at night? Is there enough light to be able to walk to the front door safely? Put in a few light fixtures for your home to both accentuate the property. If you don’t feel like wiring a series of lights together, choosing individual solar path lights is both a cheap and effective alternative.

Touchup Old Paintjobs

A dull or chipped paint job can make your house look lifeless and unappealing. Deciding to paint your entire exterior is a big job, both in expense in time, but is extremely helpful in improving curb appeal. If you can’t swing the whole house, focus on smaller jobs like trim or window sills. Pick a bright color so that the work has a strong impact on the buyer, and leaves them wanting more.

Improve Your Garden

This is one of the most underutilized, but most impactful, changes you can make to the appearance of your home. People love seeing flowers flourish and plants thriving in their garden. Consciously it allows them to better appreciate the aesthetics of the home, and subconsciously it allows people to imagine the possibilities of living things- both plants and people- that could be to come.

Spend some time to make sure that everything is alive and healthy, then add a little extra to it. Hire a professional to take care of the job so you know you’re getting the most of your gardens potential. Look to companies like Infinity Gardens for ideas on how to upgrade your garden and yard!