As the old song goes, “It’s summertime and living is easy…” It’s even easier (and a bit more pleasant) if you have a porch. Aside from increasing your home’s charm factor, this amenity offers you an outdoor space where you can relax or entertain depending on the day and your preferences.

But just because you’ve got one that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re making the most of it. If your porch isn’t living up to its full potential, perhaps you just need a little inspiration.

Check out these covetable spots that explain why porch envy is a popular hashtag. Go ahead, pour a tall glass of lemonade, you’re going to want to sit and savor this one.

Peace and quiet

This bohemian chic porch looks warm and inviting yet pretty chill at the same time. That chair swing could quickly become your favorite summertime hangout. You’ve gotta love this ivy wall for the privacy it provides.

Outdoor dining room

If just the thought of al fresco dining makes you hungry and you’ve got the room, adding a table and chairs will transform your porch into the best outdoor café in town. You won’t want to dine indoors again until your food gets cold. Very cold.

Evening elegance

Porches aren’t only popular during the daylight hours. With the help of lights and candles, you can enjoy this space well past dusk. Fluffy blankets and pillows make it warm and welcoming even when temperatures drop. Battery-operated candles eliminate fire-hazard concerns and add a cozy feel on the windiest days.

Swing time

Swings and porches are a match made in heaven. Talk about the ultimate in luxury, this bed swing practically screams, “Nap time!”. A lamp brings a touch of the indoors outside and allows you to read or play board games long after the sun sets.

Host a crowd

The right set-up offers you ample seating, so rather than hide out inside all day, you and your guests can enjoy fresh air in a serene setting. If you can’t fit a dining table, a smaller one will work well for hors d’oeuvres and light snacks.

Small but stunning

Pressed for space? You don’t have to sacrifice style. Plants and an outdoor area rug pretty up even the most petite places.

Simple yet chic

This porch proves you don’t need a lot of decoration to create an inviting space. A lush plant paired with a plush carpet take this area from plain to perfect pretty quickly.

Rock ‘n’ roll

Rocking chairs have always found a welcome home on a porch. They’re synonymous with good storytelling and the simplicity that most strive for all summer long.

The good stuff

Up your comfort factor by bringing indoor furniture outside. Ceiling fans keep those balmy breezes circulating while draperies offer privacy and style.

Floored

If you want to add a pop of color without painting your house, focus on the floor. Choose a hue that complements your home and your furnishings and watch the space come to life.

Winter inspiration

Long after the warm weather ends, you can still savor those perfect porch moments by adding the element of fire. Swap out your lemonade for S’mores and you’re all set.

Dreaming about a pool? From natural pools to resort-style pools that make you feel like you’re vacationing at home, here are ten pools for you to ooh and ahh over. Each one takes their surrounding environment into account – and they’re all 100% daydream-worthy.

1. Who needs Cabo when your backyard looks like this?!

2. Using natural materials like and LOTS of greenery seems to be the key to a hideaway of your own like this one…

3. This beats the lap pool at the gym a thousand times over, doesn’t it?

5. Look at this modern natural pool – it’s elegant and energizing while still looking right at home in nature.

6. You’ll never go wrong with a beach theme, and this zero-entry pool has that sandy sanctuary thing nailed.

7. Another cool thing about building your own pool? You can trick it out however you like. This pool brings the phrase, “staycation” to a whole other level.

8. There are so many different styles to work with. This pond-and-waterfall inspired pool will look appropriate in just about any backyard.

9.  Pools aren’t just for the kiddos! Sophisticated design elements make them just as pleasing for the grown-ups to enjoy, too.

10. This fully natural pool blends right in with its natural surroundings.

Whichever style you choose, how sweet would it be to have a full-blown oasis in your backyard?!

Join forces with Diez & Sigg Properties and Silver Oak Funding to help save the lives of thousands of animals at this year’s Doggy Dash Event, benefiting the Sacramento SPCA.  The health and safety of our community continues to be a top priority so this year’s event is a VIRTUAL experience! Just because we won’t be walking side by side, doesn’t mean we can’t still walk together to save more lives!  On June 27, walk around your neighborhood with your pup, hit a local park or trail, or get creative at home with your pooch. The Sacramento SPCA will be kicking off the walk LIVE on Facebook and you will be able to share your photos, videos and participate in activities throughout the day! You will still see some of their famous Bark in the Park games and contests to participate in right at home! They will be tracking all the fun using the hashtag: #DASHRELEASHED Ways You Can Contribute: If you would like a Doggy Dash T-shirt, you can register under our team as an individual. Click here to view our team page. Click on this direct link to register as an individual under our team. NEW T-SHIRT DEADLINE: June 5 is the LAST day to guarantee your shirt size!  Your registration fee will make a difference for the animals who continue to need our help during the COVID-19 crisis.

A backyard is a place of sanctuary and recreation. Whether you want to relax, play in a pool, or have a barbecue with friends, there are many ways to enhance your backyard experience. Here are a few items you can add to your home’s outdoor space to make it even more enjoyable.

1. As if beanbags couldn’t get any cooler. Now there are some that float.

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2. What happens when a picnic table and a Transformer fall in love?

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3. Kids love zippin around the yard. Goes great with a tree house.

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4. Yard a bit small? Try out a microbar.

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5. A daybed lounger with storage is a great way to combine comfort and convenience. It’s a DIY project.

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6. Ping pong in the pool is the way to get your summer game on.

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7. Have wild kids? Here’s a trampoline you can feel safe with.

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8. If you want kids to rave over your projections screen, grab one that is Disney themed.

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9. Canopy chairs add style to seating.

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10. Want an aviary or chicken coop? Tired of the same old designs? Going geodesic is the way.

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11. Here’s a hideaway loveseat with shading.

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12. A trampoline tent is the perfect combo for children (big and small) that want to camp out in the yard.

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13. Add an extra element to your yard with a man made stream.

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14. A Scandinavian backyard gazebo gives you maximum view with maximum coverage.

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15. The “Cocoon” is a like a hammock that doubles as a tent.

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16. Make a fire pit more comfy with a four way swing set.

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17. Want the warm lighting of a fire, but not the heat? A glass encased fire pit is perfect for those warm Summer nights.

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18. Accent any good barbecue with cooler tables.

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19. Sometimes you just need to sleep outdoors in comfort. A cushy tent will do you right.

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20. Inflatable twister gives all the fun, without the bruised knees.

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21. Love the sound of rain? A copper rain shower will keep you relaxed on the sunniest of days.

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22. Speaking of sunniest days, this hammock solution works great in backyards without a canopy of trees to shade you.

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23. A pool shower. Because there are never enough ways to get wet when it’s hot outside.

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24. Communal hammocks are a great way to relax together after the backyard games.

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If you own an older home, at some point, you might want to remodel or update your property. But if you’re thinking about putting your home on the market—and want to make sure your remodel adds value and makes your property more appealing to buyers—there are certain elements that are best left alone.

A recent article from realtor.com outlined the key architectural elements that should be left alone during your home renovation, including:

• Molding. There are few things that add more character to a property than crown molding—so if you’re lucky enough to own a property that has maintained the original molding, you’re definitely going to want to keep it.
• Exposed brick. Exposed brick walls are a unique feature that add texture and life to a room—and can be a major sell for potential buyers.
• Built-ins. If your home has built-ins—including shelving or window seats—you’ll definitely want to leave them home during a remodel. Not only do they add charm to the property, but they also provide an added layer of functionality (whether that’s as additional storage or additional seating).

There’s just something special about dining al fresco. When you eat outside, food just tastes better somehow! Whether you’re at a nice restaurant or hosting a cookout, the atmosphere of fresh air and sunshine (or even better – stars at night!) adds a fun element to just about any meal.

Grilling is great, but you can’t eat hot dogs and hamburgers all the time. What if you could cook outside more often? Well, with an outdoor kitchen, you can. If you set yourself up right, you might wind up liking your outdoor kitchen even more than your indoor cookery! Here are some suggestions for a beautiful, functional kitchen, and a list of must-have items that can take you from shabby backyard hibachi to outdoor cooking paradise.

Just be careful – if you build a dream outdoor kitchen like this, you may become the most popular house in the neighborhood…

Guidelines For A Dream Outdoor Kitchen

Make The Most Of Available Space

Not everyone has a sprawling estate with a bountiful backyard area. That’s ok, though, because there are many kitchen styles that are perfect for smaller spaces. Galley style kitchens and L-shaped kitchen layouts can give you all the cookin’ area you need – even if you’re working with a not-so-huge patio area.

Remember The Work Triangle

The work triangle is a design principle that governs the best layout of a kitchen. You might not be able to follow all the guidelines, but you should at least keep them in mind when deciding where to place your fridge, sink, and cooktop or grill. After all, you don’t want to be bumping elbows and tripping over your feet all the time – where’s the fun in that?

Flatter The Exterior Of The Home

Even though your outdoor kitchen will feel like a completely separate piece of paradise, it is still part of your home. Make sure that your new kitchen adds to the overall look of the home. There’s nothing worse than a funky add-on.

Build With The Right Materials

When it comes time to choose the finishes for your outdoor kitchen, you might be tempted to use all-natural materials like marble or slate. Remember, though – this kitchen has to withstand whatever the elements can throw at it, so not all materials are suitable. Look for materials that are durable AND beautiful so your outdoor kitchen will look great for years to come.

For example, if you want a solid surface with the look of a white marble (and none of the staining issues!), check out Silestone’s Calacatta Gold. It has the look and feel you’re going for but it will withstand the weather (and a spilled drink or two) much better.

Build It For Fun!

If you’ve ever designed or built your main kitchen, you probably put a lot of thought into what would be best for resale value. Will future buyers like this backsplash? Is it better to add a farmhouse sink or a traditional two bowl?

You don’t have to worry about that with your outdoor kitchen. This kitchen is a happy extra – not a necessity – so you can have fun with your choices and throw in little extras. Build it for you and your family so you can enjoy every minute spent in your own backyard.

Must-Haves For Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen (and a few nice-to-haves, too)

Grill

There’s no outdoor kitchen without a way to cook, right? You definitely need a built-in gas grill as the focal point of your new outdoor kitchen. These bad boys range in price greatly so you can easily find one that suits your wants and your needs.

Sink

There’s nothing worse than trying to open the door with sticky hands, so you’ll want to have a sink outside, too. You can go with a traditional stainless steel sink, or spring for something a little nicer like the Blanco Silgranit sinks. They’re heat resistant and scratch resistant and best of all, you couldn’t stain one of them if you tried.

TV

Whether you’ve got friends or family around you, or you’re the lone chef at the grill, it’s fun to watch the game, HGTV, or whatever you’re currently binge-watching while you cook, right? Slap a TV in a covered area and you’ll have entertainment through even the longest BBQ-smoking session.

Speakers

Ok, ok, if you’re not into watching TV, that’s cool, but you’ve gotta have tunes! Install speakers outside or get a portable Bluetooth speaker like this one. With the right app, you can be an outdoor chef AND an instant DJ at the same time.

Bottle Opener

Summer days spent outside aren’t the same without a bubbly beverage. Keep yourself hydrated with your favorite brew, soft drink, or sparkling water – you can open them quickly and easily with a built-in bottle opener, rather than fumble around one that always seems to disappear.

Firepit

Sunny days turn into cooler nights, and you still won’t want to go inside and leave the fun of your dream outdoor kitchen. Add a firepit and you’ll have a great place to sit and chat AND best of all, you can make smores over your open fire, too.

Seating

While we’re on the topic, you need several comfy places to sit. Build in a bartop to your outdoor kitchen and add a row of barstools so you can make conversation while you cook. Put some Adirondack chairs around your new firepit, and of course, dot some lounge chairs nearby, too. Your guests may want to take an after-meal nap after they’ve had your outdoor cuisine, so make it easy for them to get comfortable. You can put your feet up and relax there, too.

Shade

A source of shade is crucial to the success or failure of your outdoor kitchen. Protect yourself from the beating sun or an unexpected bout of rain with a built-in patio cover, or just add a bit of shade with a pergola or heavy-duty sunshade. Since this is your dream outdoor kitchen we’re talking about here, you could even go tropical and add a palapa style roof. Whichever route you choose, just make sure you can keep cool out there. Outdoor living is no fun without a little protection.

Counter or Table Tops

Once you’ve got some chairs and a nice shady place, you need a place to set your wine glass or plate of ‘cue. Get one big picnic table and add some smaller tabletops. One idea that works really well is ceramic garden stools – they function as tables or chairs depending on your needs, and they’re totally weather resistant, too. (They come in many colors, too, so they’ll look great in just about any environment.)

Trash Can

You don’t want people traipsing in and out of the house with food scraps and half-empty cans, so make life easy for them and you. Place a trash can and a recycling bin outside. Sure, there’s one more bag to empty, but you’ll get a lot fewer flies in the house this way, and a lot less mess, too.

Small Fridge

When you’re chillin’ in your new outdoor kitchen, and you need a fresh drink, you’ve got two options. One, send a kid or well-trained pet to get you another drink, or two – reach into the nearby fridge and grab one yourself. It’s just easier and more dependable to get yourself a fridge…

Drinks Cooler Insert

Ok, it’s party time and you want to look like the world’s greatest host in your new outdoor kitchen. VOILA – this one little add-on will make a huge impact on all your guests. The best part? It won’t even cost a fortune. Get a cooler insert cut into your countertop during the planning phase, and come party time, you just have to fill it with ice and nestle all the drinks people could want into it. It looks WAY nicer than that blue Igloo you’ve been rolling outside, and it works just as well.

Outlets

There are many things you might want an outlet for…a margarita machine perhaps?! When you’re building your dream kitchen, get a few outlets at counter height. You (and your guests) will be happy not having to go in and out of the house every time you want another margarita.

Porch Swing

There’s something about being outside and lazing about that makes people want to move back and forth. Add some rocking chairs or a porch swing and keep the party moving – literally.

Smoker or Wood Fired Oven

A grill is great for so many things, but if you’re seriously into barbecue, you need a smoker. Period. Leave a spot for a Big Green Egg or go for the gold with a full-sized offset smoker. Not into the brisket and sausage thing? Install a wood-fired pizza oven instead. Is there anything in life that’s better than fresh pizza? Yup…fresh pizza made in your outdoor kitchen!

Lighting and Mood Lighting

When the sun is setting and you don’t want the party to end, you need lighting. Get practical and install outdoor ceiling fans with light kits, or make the whole place look magical with loads and loads of string lights. For the ultimate outdoor kitchen, do both.

There you have it – all the goods you need for a dream outdoor kitchen. Start planning your kitchen now so you’ll have everything in place for next season. But, before you do, you may want to consider asking your local real estate agent to help you figure out if it what you plan to do will bring you a good return on investment, or whether it may make sense to modify your plans, or even find a house that already has an outdoor kitchen for you to simply move in and enjoy!