Enjoy an At-Home Long Weekend with These Ideas and Projects

What do you do with a long weekend? Some choose to spend their time relaxing, either on a beach (if the weather cooperates), in their backyard, or on the couch binging the latest show all their colleagues are talking about. Others want to take full advantage of the day by getting things done around the house, or prepping their space for a stellar summer. 

We’ve compiled some of our REALTOR.ca Living Room articles to help you enjoy your long weekend around the home—no matter what that looks like for you. 

Upgrade your home’s curb appeal

There’s never a bad time to spruce up the exterior of your home. Even if you’re not planning on moving anytime soon, it’s important to keep your home’s curb appeal up to date so that when it does come time to sell, you’ll likely have less work to do. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a well-kept home exterior? 

Add some curb appeal to your home by doing things like:

• strategically planting flowers to not only bring colour to your yard, but also hide any gaps in your garden;

• sealing any cracks in your driveway for a smooth, visually appealing surface;

• pruning large trees and having a professional remove any branches that may be in danger of breaking off; and

• add lights to the front of your home, patio, and walkway to make the space more inviting. 

Looking for more curb appeal tips? Check out these REALTOR.ca Living Room blogs:

• Curb Appeal on a Budget: Spring Refresh

• Curb Appeal on a Budget: Landscaping Made Easy

• 18 Plants That Bring the Spring Curb Appeal

Set up some DIY lawn games for you and the family

If you’re lucky enough to have the yard space, lawn games can be a great way to unplug and connect with family and friends. There are plenty of backyard games you can create on your own, without having to go out and buy numerous game sets. 

Embrace the (hopefully!) warm weather, and set up games like:

• tic-tac-toe using rocks, rope, and paint;

• lawn bowling with recycled bottles, sand, and weatherproof paint;

• ring toss with rope, glass bottles, and two wooden crates;

• “yardzee” which turns the classic dice game into an outdoor activity; and

• the ever-popular cornhole.

READ MORE: DIY Lawn Games to Enjoy With Your Family

Start a backyard greenhouse 

Fresh fruits and veggies from the garden are almost unbeatable when it comes to providing summer bliss. But if your property is prone to rodents, insects, or other animals that like to nibble away at the garden, then consider installing a greenhouse (if you have the space) so you can keep your plants safe! Plus, you’ll be able to grow for more months out of the year. 

These are some plants to consider adding to your greenhouse: 

• Zucchini 

• Spinach

• Tomatoes

• Lettuce

• Cucumbers

• Carrots

• Spring onions

• Strawberries

• Many herb varieties

READ MORE: How to Start a Greenhouse This Summer

Improve your space on a budget

As seasons change, we can get the itch to revamp our homes and try to spruce things up or make them a bit more exciting. However, those upgrades typically come with a major price tag, so finding ways to improve your space on a budget is always welcome. 

Luckily, there are some ways you can add a bit of flair and upgrades to your home for under $100. You can do things like:

• organize your front entrance;

• create an accent wall with peel-and-stick wallpaper or paint;

• upgrade your kitchen lighting;

• add a plant wall to your office space;

• make DIY curtains; or

• find ways to organize your kitchen.  

READ MORE: 6 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do for Less Than $100

Create a backyard oasis

Many people see the May long weekend as the unofficial kickoff to summer, so why not get your backyard ready for all those outdoor dinners, parties, and late-night conversations with friends? Create an oasis where you can unwind, relax, and enjoy the summer sun. 

Here are some ways you can get your space set up:

• Create a backyard movie night kit, with all the supplies you need for a personal drive-in movie (but without the cars).

• Reduce and deter the amount of bugs that will inevitably emerge during the summer months with strategic landscaping and natural remedies.

• Invest in patio furniture that feels like an extension of your home, rather than a piece of flimsy plastic.

• Build a DIY fire pit, gazebo, or pergola, or opt for some DIY décor to help personalize your yard.
  

No backyard? No worries! You can still transform your condo or apartment balcony and patio for a relaxing summer. 

Ready to get your yard in tip-top summer shape? Check out these REALTOR.ca Living Room blogs:

• Six DIY Backyard Projects that Can Be Done Over a Weekend

• The Ins and Outs of Outdoor Furniture

• Creating a Backyard Space That You Won’t Want to Leave

• Bug Control: 11 Ways to Take Back Your Yard

• Setting Up a Backyard Movie Night

Whether you embark on a DIY project or opt for a room revamp, you can make the most of your long weekend without leaving home! 

SOURCE: Enjoy an At-Home Long Weekend with These Ideas and Projects