11 Projects to Make Your Home the Ultimate Summer Destination

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, there's no better time to kickstart a new project. Whether you're craving a cozy outdoor retreat, dreaming of a culinary oasis or looking to refresh your interiors with a breezy makeover, we’ve got you covered.

From simple upgrades to more ambitious projects, these ideas can transform every moment into a blissful staycation. Here are 11 ways to make the most of the warmer months without ever leaving the comfort of your home.

1. Grow an Herb Garden

Imagine the convenience of plucking fresh basil, mint, rosemary and thyme straight from your kitchen whenever you need to infuse your dishes with vibrant flavors. Whether you choose reclaimed wood for a rustic touch or sleek metal for a modern look, it’s easy to customize your herb garden to match your home’s style.

If DIY isn't your forte, ready-made herb garden kits come in various sizes to fit any space. All you have to do is assemble the kit according to the instructions and fill it with nutrient-rich soil before planting your favorite herbs.

2. Craft a Fire Pit

Want to create a cozy gathering spot to spend time with your loved ones? For a DIY approach to a fire pit using bricks, start by choosing a suitable location in your backyard away from overhanging trees or structures.

Then, dig out the grass where the firepit will be and arrange the bricks around the perimeter. Secure the bricks with mortar for stability. These preparation steps will help prevent the fire from spreading.

For a hassle-free option, you can also invest in a pre-made fire pit kit from a home improvement store. These kits have all the necessary components, including the bowl, base and spark screen. Follow the instructions for assembly, and you'll have a fire pit ready to enjoy in no time.

3. Install Fresh Siding

Are you looking for ideas to boost your home’s curb appeal? Consider installing new siding to upgrade your home’s exterior. Choose from various siding materials, such as steel, vinyl, fiber cement or wood, to achieve your desired look.

Whether you opt for a classic clapboard style or a modern vertical design, fresh siding creates a welcoming impression for all passersby.

4. Paint an Accent Wall

An accent wall is a simple yet ultra-effective way to infuse personality into any room. A bold color adds drama and visual interest, instantly transforming your space into a dynamic focal point.

From rich jewel tones to vibrant primary colors, a freshly painted accent wall is a canvas for self-expression and creativity.

5. Expand Your Outdoor Space

Want to optimize the functionality of your backyard oasis? Expand your deck to give you more room for outdoor furniture, plants, cooking equipment, storage and more!

By creating a more usable deck space, homeowners have more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it's hosting gatherings, potting herbs and flowers or simply unwinding in the fresh air, an expanded outdoor space can significantly enhance daily life.

6. Add Visual Interest To Your Walkway

To add a unique touch to your outdoor space, arrange pavers or stepping stones in a way that creates visual interest. In the image above, several square pavers are arranged to border the rectangular deck pool, complementing the geometric shape of the entire outdoor design.

You can even personalize stepping stones for your yard or garden. Using a concrete mold, arrange mosaic tiles, stones or glass gems to create patterns, designs or even personal messages to match your style. Then, pour concrete on top of your design to secure the tiles, stones or gems into place.

7. Refresh Cabinet Hardware

Updating your cabinet hardware is a simple way to breathe new life into your kitchen without undergoing a major renovation.

Sleek and minimalist designs seamlessly integrate into contemporary spaces, while ornate and intricate styles add elegance to traditional settings. To coordinate with your existing fixtures, be sure to consider the finish of the hardware, such as brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze or polished chrome.

8. Design Your Dream Landscape

Whether starting from scratch or rejuvenating your existing landscape, careful planning is key to achieving stunning results.

First, establish what look you want for your landscaping. If you want a bright, colorful outdoor design, utilize flowers like pansies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips or zinnias. Or, if you want a more green-centric outdoor oasis, use plants like boxwoods, ferns, philodendrons or fescue. Remember to consider your climate when picking plants to ensure they will thrive in your area.

Then, decide if you want to pot the plants, place them into the ground or have a little bit of both. If you want to pot your plants, choose pots that will complement the look of your backyard aesthetic.

If you’re planning to plant directly into the ground, set the plants where you think you’ll want them to get a visual representation of what the end result looks like — this allows you to adjust the arrangement and spacing before you actually plant them.

9. Create a Cozy Outdoor Sanctuary

Add functionality to your outdoor space with a DIY sunshade or pergola. For a simple and budget-friendly option, consider installing a sunshade made of UV-resistant fabric. This versatile material can easily be attached to structures such as a deck, pergola or fence.

Building a pergola is a great option if you want to create a more permanent structure. Choose high-quality lumber or composite materials suitable for outdoor use. Design the pergola to complement your home's architecture, whether sleek and modern or rustic and traditional.

10. Build a Bird Feeder

Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or new to DIY projects, it’s easy to customize a bird feeder to suit your style. Countless plans are available online, from simple tray feeders to elaborate multi-level birdhouses.

Consider the types of birds you want to attract and their feeding habits to choose the right design. For example, if you want to see more cardinals, you can put sunflower seeds in your feeder. Or, if you prefer blue jays, you can fill your feeder with shelled peanuts.

11. Install an Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen instantly transforms your backyard into a functional extension of your home, giving you the perfect setting for cooking, dining and socializing.

When planning your kitchen, consider the size and shape of your backyard and your budget. Are you looking for a compact kitchenette with basic amenities, or are you dreaming of a luxe outdoor oasis complete with a full-size grill, sink, refrigerator and bar seating?

Once you have a clear vision, work with a professional to create a plan that incorporates all the elements of your kitchen. This might include a built-in grill or smoker, countertops for food prep, storage cabinets and seating areas. Your al fresco kitchen will become the heart of your home, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Upgrade Your Home Retreat With Alsco®

Ready to turn your home into a relaxing retreat? At Alsco, we offer solutions to elevate your projects to the next level. Our range of low-maintenance aluminum building products, from soffit panels to roofing accessories, work together to create dramatic curb appeal so you can spend more time enjoying your home instead of worrying about maintenance.

With Alsco by your side, you'll be well-equipped to turn your home into the ultimate staycation destination. Explore our products to find the perfect options for every project.