Here’s a secret to instantly expand the usable square footage of your home: Think of your outdoor spaces as rooms. While you obviously won’t be relaxing outside with a cocktail in December or January, spring weather is peeking through the clouds, and now is the perfect time to reevaluate your outdoor areas for livable spaces. From dining and relaxing to gardening and playing, your backyard or patio presents additional warm weather options for everyday living.
Try your hand at gardening this year with a mini meadow (page 12), vegetable garden (page 120) or even an indoor herb garden (page 10). Take your entertaining outdoors (pages 24 and 116), create a getaway for yourself in the backyard shed (page 124) and bring the budding world inside with fresh bouquets (page 22) and flower-inspired art (page 48). Of course, don’t forget to brighten up your interiors for spring (pages 38 and 84) and get ready for Easter (page 8).