Go Big And Go Home: Work, school and play in your own backyard

Aug 24, 2020

These days getting outside is more important than ever as many kids are starting school at home and their parents continue working from home. With help from Lowe’s, customers can create fun and functional spaces for both work and play. 

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Whether you want to take some virtual calls at a desk on your patio, host a movie night in your backyard during a staycation, or even create a play space for recess for the kids, Lowe’s Senior Trend Analyst Callie Homan says there’s a huge spike in overall spending on outdoor spaces that looks to continue well into the fall.

“People are spending all their time at home so it can be nice to break up the routine a bit and get outside in the middle of the day - especially when it comes to the fall when it’s so comfortable to sit outside.”

Work It!

For people who are typically in an office environment and accustomed to being behind a desk, working from home can offer some more options. “If they’re using a laptop, they can sit anywhere: in the backyard, on a porch or patio and really enjoy the crisp fall days. Working outdoors can help give you a sense of well-being, rather than staying indoors all day long,” Homan says. Lowe’s has everything you need to set up your space, from extension cords to lighting and of course, outdoor furniture.

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Create a Structured Work Station:

For those who need a more structured space, you can set up a solid wood table and chairs with a tilting umbrella to help provide some shade from the sun. Add an outdoor rug so that you can kick off your shoes and help brighten up the space. Don’t forget to grab some extension cords to make sure your laptops stay powered up and a Yeti cup to keep your coffee hot all day.

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Create a Flexible Work Station:

Some people may work better in a more relaxed space. If that’s the case and you’re looking for a little inspiration, try more comfortable outdoor seating like a hammock with a stand, a chaise lounge or the popular “egg chair” a rattan metal swivel chair with cushions. Homan says, “If you want to cozy up in that or the hammock, it’s great…assuming you don’t have to be on any zoom calls!” Add pillows for a pop of color and some added comfort.

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School’s In!

No doubt the kids will start going stir crazy sitting in front of the computer inside all day. Why not set up an outdoor space for class at home? They’ll love the change of scenery and this perfect kid-sized table with benches and an umbrella or this mini chaise lounge set with shade. If you want to throw in some “recess” options, try this soccer net with a set of soccer balls or go big and invest in a playset they’ll love. 

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The Great Escape (Staycation/Camping in the backyard) 

So many people have had to cancel all kinds of plans this year. Vacations, weddings, birthday celebrations family reunions…instead, many are enjoying staycations in their own backyards and spending some of the money they’ve saved on sprucing thigs up.. Homan says “You could really go out all with your staycation. You can set up camping, do some grilling and at night you can enjoy some s’mores and set up a tent filled with cozy blankets and pillows.”

Before setting up your tent and settling in for the night, make it a movie night with this giant screen. Cozy up around this wood-burning firepit and don’t forget this s’mores kit that includes everything you need for the perfect backyard treat.  

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Homan says, “Everybody has lost something in this time- a birthday party or trip you were excited about…people have even lost family members, so a staycation can definitely be a way to uplift people and help get through some of the losses and a beautiful outdoor space can also help with the work life balance so many are struggling with in these work from home times.” 

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