As sunny summer days give way to mild autumn nights and trips to the beach transform into time spent around the bonfire, many will start making memories closer to home. The cooler nights of the fall lend perfectly to late nights in the backyard enjoying all the season has to offer.

A popular backyard decor choice is to install a fire pit as it is both functional and classy. Beyond its ability to fight off the late night chill, it can also be a fun way to prepare dinner and desserts. Meanwhile, a well-designed fire pit area can bring a sense of comfort and relaxation to your outdoor space.

"There are several ways [to construct your fire pit area]," says George's & Sons Construction Inc.'s Diana Tamay. "You can use pavers or create a rocky area and put the fire pit in the center. Then depending on the person, you could put stone [seating] if you want a hard place to sit or buy soft chairs to go around it."

If you're looking to get the most out of your yard during the fall months, your landscaping choices should be intentionally designed to highlight the best of the season, taking inspiration from Mother Nature. To achieve that classic, warm fall feeling you'll need to manage a beautiful blend of warm tones within your landscape.

"We try to focus on ecological planting," says Jonathan DeLone, president and lead designer of DeLone Design. "Obviously the acer rubrum [the red maple tree] is a beautiful tree. New England aster is a beautiful flower, and it's in full bloom September through October. It's rather large in the landscape as well – the native species is about four-to-five feet. And then witch hazel, of course. It's just a beautiful, beautiful, blooming native shrub."

Selecting native plants not only benefits the local ecosystem but ensures your plants have the best chance of survival to continue that characteristic charm into future years.

In addition to determining what to plant, it's perhaps equally important to consider where to plant.

"Seasonality should be considered in every landscape," says DeLone. "I try to design my plantings by thinking about the time of year a plant is valuable and the distance it is from where you're going to be viewing it. So I might consider putting fall plantings and winter interest plants closer to the home to be viewed from the house [or patio space]."

The best place to view the changing fall leaves and thoughtful landscaping is from your own backyard. With crisp nights and temperate days, time spent sitting outside is time well spent, but alongside the beautiful views fall also brings along some unenjoyable weather. Incorporating an awning into your deck or outdoor space allows you to enjoy all the outside views while remaining shielded from the elements.

"In fall, temperatures drop, and rain may be more frequent. An awning with an adjustable pitch can provide cover, allowing you to enjoy the crisp air without getting rained on. You can even adjust the awning to one side to let rainwater run off efficiently," says Josh Eberly, director of marketing of Marygrove Awnings. "This makes for a cozy fall setting where you can host gatherings or relax while watching the leaves change color."

Accessories like wind sensors, built-in LED lighting and mobile control can further make this a place of relaxation by offering adequate lighting long after fall's early sunsets and peace of mind knowing your awning has the means to adapt to changes in the weather.

"[You can] keep the space cozy by adding blankets, outdoor heaters or fire pits to create a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for fall gatherings," says Eberly.

Once you've designed the perfect aesthetically-pleasing backyard space, it's time to consider what you want to do within those confines.

Games are a great way to come together over a bit of friendly competition while still remaining an activity compatible with discussions and connection. Many outdoor games can be packed away and stored for safekeeping during the colder months, allowing them to be enjoyed for years to come.

From darts and board games to outdoor shuffleboard and billiards, there's plenty of options to get your guests out of the house and into some pleasant, fresh air.

"Games in general bring people together with fun," says Audra Delconte, owner of Royal Billiards. "Autumn brings along the perfect weather for outdoor pickleball in the driveway or cornhole."

It can be hard to give up that summer feeling, but you might not have to give it all up all at once. Hot tubs work great to bring that relaxation into the autumn season. In fact, the fall is often seen as the best time to enjoy one.

"The best time to use a hot tub is in the fall," says DelConte. "There are such pretty surroundings with the trees starting to change colors and the warm water starts to feel all the better as the air gets a little cooler."

The hot tub can also be a great way to release some of the tension in your body and mind as back-to-school season is in full gear and the holidays are approaching.

A solid culmination of thoughtful landscaping, tasteful hardscaping, purposeful lighting, entertainment and a way to relax can create the ultimate fall hangout spot. With plenty of views, seating and things to do, your family and friends can make cherished memories without having to leave the house.

This outdoor setting is also useful as a way to avoid crowding amongst busy holiday parties and can keep guests away from high-traffic areas like the kitchen as you prepare your holiday meals. Utilizing an outdoor living space as an extension of the kitchen is perfect for homes that see frequent gatherings, as anyone cooking is still able to socialize with guests. After all, the kitchen is akin to the heart of a home.

In addition to cultivating the perfect backyard experience, it may also be time to take a look at repairing or replacing the driveway. Waiting too long can result in a lack of available materials and an expansion of any current damage.

"Right now, what I see a lot of people doing is fixing the driveways because when the snow comes, it's usually hard to repair and [the cold] can cause more damage," says Tamay. "We're also sealing [driveways this time of the year]. Sealing your driveway helps to prevent cracks from expanding when headed into the colder winter months."

The temperate days of fall present the perfect opportunity and conditions to make these sorts of repairs or just add to the ambience and aesthetic of your outdoor living space to ensure you can take full advantage of the season. With folks spending increased time outdoors further into the year, now is the time to make the necessary improvements to bring both beauty and functionality to your home.

Resources
DeLone Landscape Design
Phoenixville, Pa.
(610) 745-4688
DeloneDesign.com

George's & Sons Construction Inc.
West Orange, N.J.
(973) 414-6190
GeorgesSonsConst.com

Marygrove Awnings
Cherry Hill, N.J.
(800) 442-9646
Marygrove.com

Royal Billiard & Recreation
Colmar, Pa.
(215) 997-7777
RoyalBilliard.com

Published (and copyrighted) in Luxury Living Special Edition,
published by House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 10 (August 2024)
For more info on House & Home magazine, click here.
To subscribe to House & Home magazine, click here.
To advertise in House & Home magazine, call 610-272-3120.