As this season of renewal blooms, our homes call out for attention for a refresh and some sprucing up.

All areas of a home need an occasional revamp and that includes the backyard. This spring, why not think beyond just doing the usual tasks to get your backyard ready for the warmer weather?

In addition to spring backyard maintenance essentials like raking leaves and debris, getting your gardens ready, and working on the lawn, put some effort into changing up your backyard’s decor, too.

Try these spring backyard decor ideas

Spring is an ideal time to improve an outdoor space by reimagining and upgrading its decor to make it more comfortable for your family. Making the right changes also boosts your curb appeal, which isn’t just limited to a home’s front exterior.

Backyards offer a wealth of design possibilities to express your personality and create the perfect aesthetic. From making a minor modification like using mulch more decoratively to installing a backyard-transforming outdoor kitchen, there are many ways to approach a backyard decor refresh.

The first thing you’ll want to do is assess your backyard’s strengths and weaknesses to identify areas for improvement. Do certain areas underwhelm in the looks department? Could the whole space benefit by having a more cohesive design or colour scheme?

Use these spring backyard decor ideas to make some noticeable improvements to your home’s exterior space.

1. Spruce up your patio

Some colourful foliage, nice furniture, and a simple outdoor kitchen setup elevate the look of this patio.

For any space’s decor to stand out, an attractive foundation is essential. If you have a patio, for example, the impact of any decorative elements you add to it will be significantly diminished if the patio surface itself doesn’t look great.

Although patios need less maintenance than decks, they still require a little attention following the harsh Canadian winter. To clean green mould, algae, dirt, and other types of surface debris from a concrete, paver stone, brick, or flagstone patio, a pressure washer is effective.

Using a hose with a gentle cleaner and a stiff bristle brush is also fine, but be mindful of the cleaning solutions you use on your patio. Bleach, vinegar, and other common household liquids are commonly used to clean patios. Some of them, along with harsher cleaners, will likely be harmful to nearby plants, flowers, and garden vegetables, however.

When you have a patio, weeds (literally) come with the territory, so you’ll probably need to deal with them in the spring as well. Once again, reconsider using store-bought weed-killer products. They may be effective, but most of them aren’t enviro-friendly. And the less exposure your kids and pets have to such hazardous chemicals, the better.

The best weed removal solution is to do things the old-fashioned way – get down on your hands and knees with a weeding tool and pull the weeds out at the root. This method is more effective at eliminating weeds on a long-term basis compared to other non-chemical weed removal methods like killing them with boiling water.

Most types of patio surfaces should be resealed every two to five years. Resealing helps repel water, slows down the erosion process, helps maintain surface colour, and can add an attractive high-gloss surface finish. Plenty of enviro-friendly patio sealer products are available to buy.

To update a brick or paver stone patio’s look, inject some artistic flair by incorporating coloured bricks or pavers to create visual interest. You can also try creating your own unique patterns with the building materials to give your patio decor a personalized touch.

2. Refresh your deck

Like installing a patio, a deck addition has long been a reliable way to increase a home’s value. Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report calculates the return on investment (ROI) for home improvement projects. Their latest report estimates that deck additions deliver an impressive 82.9% ROI. To ensure the maximum investment return and to keep them looking nice, decks do need regular maintenance, however.

Decks made with composite materials are more low-maintenance compared to wood decking. Composite decking cleans up quickly with some water, a little soap, and a soft bristle brush. A pressure washer can also be used at a low PSI setting.

Wood decks require a bigger time commitment every one to three years for sanding, sealing, and staining to maximize their longevity and preserve their visual appeal. All of that work will be worth it, though. Once that final coat of fresh paint or stain has dried, a properly restored wood deck can look brand new again!

One way to add to a deck’s decor is to have a railing system installed on it. Deck railing gives a deck a completely new look and there are a wide variety of materials and styles available, including:

• wood
• iron
• aluminum
• composite materials
• glass

Here’s another backyard design idea you may not have considered: having both a deck and a patio. More homeowners are getting patio and deck combinations to maximize their backyard space. Typically, they’ll already have a patio and will add an elevated deck that utilizes the available vertical space at the back of their home.

3. Have an outdoor kitchen installed

The natural elements of a wood gazebo, stone patio, and surrounding greenery are paired with the modern aesthetic of an outdoor kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and stylish cabinetry. The pops of red on the grill and side burner control panels add a striking contrast.

Backyard upgrades have become a bigger priority in recent years as we look for ways to extend the living space of our homes. Outdoor kitchen additions are an ideal way to make better use of a backyard and they’ve exploded in popularity.

Not only do they expand the usefulness of a home by providing a second cooking space, but outdoor kitchens also offer an abundance of design options to change a backyard’s decor.

A professionally-designed outdoor kitchen has a major impact on a backyard’s aesthetic by changing its layout and adding fresh elements like:

• a built-in grill
• storage cabinets
• appliances
• countertops
• new lighting

Premium outdoor kitchen products have high aesthetic standards, whether it’s with professional-grade grills, luxurious countertops, or cabinets that rival the aesthetic quality of high-end indoor kitchen cabinets.

We mentioned adding pops of colour to a backyard and even a grill can be used to do this. Considering how virtually all grills come in two colours (stainless steel and black), you may be asking how that’s possible. Premium grill manufacturer Hestan offers a way to create a unique outdoor cooking space look. Hestan grills feature dynamic colour accent panels that come in a range of custom designer colours to complement your backyard decor.

4. Reconfigure your garden setup

One way to rejuvenate a backyard’s look is to reimagine how your gardens are set up. Instead of having several traditional in-ground gardens, reconfigure where your plants, gardens, and veggies grow by incorporating more planters, hanging baskets, and raised garden boxes.

Using them will change the layout of a backyard, partly because they help create more defined zones. A lot of the value of using these different planting methods is the decorative freedom they provide. Planters, in particular, offer lots of decorative functionality because there are so many styles and colours available at your local home improvement stores and even more from online retailers.

Wooden raised garden boxes/beds give a backyard a warmer, more natural feel compared to metal garden boxes. Avoid building with pressure-treated wood because the chemical additives are bad for anything being grown in the bed. These are the best types of wood to use for a raised garden bed:

• redwood
• cedar
• pine
• juniper
• Douglas fir
• white oak

There are two more benefits of growing things in your backyard off the ground: you’ll have fewer weeds to deal with and tending to your plants, flowers, and vegetables will be easier on your back and knees.

5. Upgrade your outdoor living space

The design of this outdoor kitchen and living space heavily incorporates the natural look of wood, which thoughtfully mirrors the home’s exterior aesthetic.

If you had to pick one room in the house where the decor gets the most attention, it’s probably the living room. So why not add a second living room to your home that gives you even more freedom to express your style and personality?

An outdoor kitchen is a worthwhile investment because there’s nothing like cooking outside and spending time with your friends and family when the weather is nice. To make your time outdoors even more enjoyable, consider pairing an outdoor kitchen with a dining and living area.

Investing in a complete outdoor kitchen and living space is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make to improve your family’s home living quality.

During the design process, you can go in a couple of different directions. One of them is to create an outdoor space that functions as a seamless extension of the indoor living space, right down to the decor that is chosen for the exterior area. Another option is to give an outdoor living area its own stylistic identity that complements the design elements around it.

When you’re setting up an outdoor living room, you can put your decorative stamp on the space in many ways. There are a bounty of options with just the patio furniture alone, considering the range of materials available (including aluminum, composite, wood, wicker, plastic, and wrought iron).

A couple more decorative features to consider for an outdoor space are ceiling fans and a fire pit. Stylish ceiling fans add an elegant touch and useful functionality to keep the space cooler, provide lighting, and help remove cooking smoke. An outdoor fire pit or table makes a backyard feel cozier and brings some welcome warmth on those chilly evenings.

6. Add a water feature

There are some compelling reasons to consider adding a water feature to an outdoor space. Let’s start with the aesthetic upgrade they bring by adding visual interest and beauty to a backyard.

Whether it’s an elaborate pond with aquatic plants and fish, a wall or statue fountain, or a simple bird bath, the right water feature(s) can become the focal point of your backyard and enhance its overall appeal.

Water features bring a sense of serenity and relaxation to your backyard. The sound of running water has a calming effect, which can reduce stress, foster a more peaceful atmosphere, and help transform the backyard into the oasis you’ve always wanted.

One of the less-considered benefits of water features is their ability to mask the type of ambient noise you’d rather not hear while you’re spending time outside. Instead of hearing unwanted background sounds like vehicles and loud neighbours, you’ll get to enjoy your backyard with the gentle trickle of a fountain or the calming burble of a waterfall as your soundtrack.

7. Add more backyard colour

Contrast the neutral colours of a backyard landscape by adding more vibrant colours with flowers.

Most of the foundational elements found in backyards such as decks, patios, fences, walkways, and a home’s exterior have neutral colours like black, brown, beige, and grey. Many of the items we use in our backyards tend to have neutral colours as well, including patio furniture and grills.

Lots of backyards could use a primary colour infusion to change their outdoor decor from drab to fab and there are several ways to do this.

One of the best backyard decor ideas is to change up the textiles you use on your deck or patio. It’s also a very quick and inexpensive way to refresh your outside decor.

Adding more colourful patio furniture cushions, throw pillows, and outdoor rugs will change an outdoor living space’s aesthetic and make it feel more inviting. If you have an outdoor dining set, try using a tablecloth, placemats, and even dishware that adds more colour to your space. And with the many types of patio accessory colours and styles available to buy, you can let your creativity run wild!

Planting more flowers, plants, and other types of greenery is a natural way to revamp the aesthetic of your backyard spaces with more colour, texture, and a living touch.

It doesn’t take many flowers or plants to make a big difference, either. A modest amount of strategically planted additions from the garden centre that add some pops of colour can be quite effective. Choose resilient, low-maintenance plants and flowers that can thrive in the shade, don’t require a lot of watering, and won’t attract too many pests.

8. Improve your backyard lighting

The impact of lighting on any living area is often underestimated. Proper lighting is a crucial element of interior design…and “outerior” design as well.

Here are a few reasons to make good backyard lighting a priority:

• you can showcase any backyard decor upgrades you’ve made, along with architectural and landscaping features
• warm lighting boosts ambiance and creates a more welcoming environment
• you extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the evening
• strategic lighting affects our depth perception and can make a backyard feel more spacious
• task lighting helps with outdoor meal preparation and cooking
• good lighting enhances safety by illuminating pathways, stairs, and potential hazards

Incorporating different types of lighting adds versatility and flexibility to a backyard’s design. Once again, you have an endless number of choices for outdoor lighting, including outdoor lamps, spotlights, railing lights, step lights, spotlights, string lights, wall lights, and lanterns.

9. Mulch it up

One of the easier spring backyard decor ideas you can use is to put down more mulch around trees and shrubs, as well as in your gardens.

Mulch adds an attractive finishing touch to a backyard and comes in various colours to enhance the area’s overall aesthetic, especially if you use certain mulch colours to contrast effectively with their surroundings. Mulch usage is also another way to add texture to a backyard landscape.

The benefits of mulch extend well beyond its decorative functionality, too. Here’s what we mean:

• Weed prevention: because mulch blocks most of the sunlight hitting the soil, it’s harder for weeds to grow.
• Pest control: certain types of wood mulches have natural chemicals that repel bugs.
• Soil enrichment: some organic mulches improve soil quality with nutrients as they break down over time.
• Water retention: less watering is needed because mulch slows down the evaporation process.
• Temperature regulation: the soil underneath mulch stays at a more consistent temperature, which helps protect plant roots.

Upgrade your backyard decor this spring

Those are nine spring backyard decor ideas that will help make your home’s outdoor space more enjoyable to use during the spring, summer, and fall.

If you’re planning on adding an outdoor kitchen, why not work with Outeriors to ensure the project gets done right?

We offer a full-service approach and will handle all aspects of your outdoor kitchen project. Our seasoned design consultants provide personalized service and can guarantee your outdoor kitchen and living space is customized to meet your exact needs.

To get your customized outdoor kitchen project started, schedule a free design consultation with us.

Please share this post if you found it useful.

See also:

• An Outdoor Kitchen Is Worth It, and Here’s Why
• 10 Outdoor Living Room Ideas That Bring the Indoors Outside

Your cottage’s interior has been upgraded and remodelled to provide most of the modern conveniences of your GTA-area home.

There’s a state-of-the-art kitchen, contemporary bathrooms, central air conditioning and heating, major appliances, and maybe even a wine cellar. 

Outside your cottage is a finished deck or patio, a newly rebuilt dock and boathouse, and a beachfront and property that is beautifully manicured. So what improvements remain to be done so your dream cottage will finally be complete?

Adding an outdoor kitchen and living space is the perfect way to complete your home away from home.

An outdoor kitchen and cottage life go hand in hand

Year after year, RE/MAX’s annual Cabin and Cottage Trends Across Canada survey shows that the biggest reason anyone owns a cottage is to have a place where they can relax and spend time with family and friends.

We can’t think of many better ways to enhance the experience of escaping the city for some R & R and hosting weekend get-togethers than by adding a cottage outdoor kitchen and living space.

An increasing number of suburban homeowners have recognized the benefits of adding an outdoor living space to their backyards or upgrading their existing deck or patio area. These additions enhance the functionality of a home and increase its amount of livable square footage.

Cottage country’s “design renaissance”

Cottage owners are following suit. More cottagers are upgrading the exterior of their second home with a nicer cooking space and adding other features that boost their comfort level.

As the National Post writes, “Cottage country is undergoing a design renaissance. Cottage owners want meaningful amenities along with the great outdoors. They want to indulge in the simple pleasures they are too busy to enjoy in the city.”

Most Ontarians would agree that our summers are way too short. That’s why building a cottage that allows you to get as much enjoyment as possible from it during the warmest months of the year should be a high priority for any cottager.

Having a well-rounded cottage outdoor space for cooking, dining, and relaxing will make it even more of a valued summer getaway place you can’t wait to get to and will hate to leave.

Why a cottage outdoor kitchen is a great investment

10% of Canadians own a cottage. Owning recreational properties in popular Ontario cottage country areas like Muskoka, the Kawarthas, and Haliburton has never been more desirable.

Even before the pandemic, there had been big demand and little supply for cottages in the province, especially for waterfront properties. The pandemic only made cottages more of a hot commodity, resulting in the current record-low levels of cottage inventory. 

The cottage market will eventually stabilize, but a well-located, remodelled Ontario cottage property will be in-demand for years to come. A big reason is that although Ontario may be a large province geographically, there are only a finite amount of easily accessible waterfront properties that are viable to build on.

Any major upgrades that can be done, such as adding a cottage outdoor kitchen, adds to the home’s value and makes it that much more of an attractive property.

More often than not, luxury cottages that are newly built or that have been upgraded from a smaller cottage structure lack an outdoor cooking area befitting of the rest of their home. A well-appointed outdoor kitchen with space for dining and lounging is the perfect way to complete a high-end cottage building project.

Keep it in the family

Of course, a lot of cottage owners have no intention of ever selling their property and maintain the family tradition of passing it on from one generation to the next.

A long-term cottage ownership commitment makes investing in impactful upgrades that may cost a little more very practical. A new cottage outdoor kitchen and living space will be enjoyed right now, in your retirement years, and maybe even by your kids and grandkids years from now.

Ontario cottages are more in-demand than ever before. Investing in upgrades like an outdoor kitchen boosts a cottage’s value.

Additional outdoor kitchen benefits

A kitchen is called the heart of the home and cottage kitchens are no different. Doubling up on the amount of high-activity space your summer home has can only be a positive thing.

If you’re still not convinced about why you should get a cottage outdoor kitchen, here are a few more outdoor kitchen benefits to consider:

• an outdoor kitchen gives you more cottage cooking options
• you can enjoy the natural beauty surrounding your cottage more
• spending more time outside is good for your physical and mental health
• cooking outdoors makes it easier to socialize with guests
• grilling is one of the best ways to cook healthier meals

8 outdoor kitchen design principles

Any outdoor kitchen being built in Ontario should follow these design principles to create a cooking space with both form and function:

1. Design the kitchen to suit your lifestyle and how the space will be used. For example, if you plan to entertain a lot, a design that allows you to easily socialize with guests while preparing meals is ideal.
2. Choose durable, weather-resistant outdoor kitchen materials that won’t rust or warp quickly, will retain their colours for a long time, and are low-maintenance.
3. Anchor the cottage outdoor kitchen with a built-in premium grill that cooks more reliably than a cheaper grill. Customize the size of the grill’s cooking surface to accommodate how you will entertain.
4. Outfit the kitchen with enough cabinetry to take care of all your storage needs and cut down on the number of trips that need to be made into the cottage.
5. Add slightly more countertop space than you think you’ll need so there’s always enough room on the work surface for preparing meals, setting down cooked foods, etc.
6. Incorporate cooling appliances for easily accessible food and beverage storage. Extra appliances like side burners and warming drawers are also helpful amenities to have.
7. Consider adding a sink for added convenience if it’s feasible with your cottage’s plumbing infrastructure.
8. Take advantage of the wealth of styles, finishes, and colours available with your outdoor kitchen products to complement the exterior features of your cottage.

Unique design considerations for cottage outdoor kitchens

In addition to following these outdoor kitchen design principles, a cottage outdoor kitchen design gives you a few more things to consider.

The location and size of your cottage’s deck or patio will largely determine how the kitchen design will come together. If you’re lucky enough to own a cottage with a lakefront view, try to have your designer situate the outdoor living area where you can take full advantage of your scenic surroundings. Also factor in the position of the sun and the amount of wind that will affect the cooking and lounging areas.

Raised decks tend to be more common on cottage properties than residential ones, so deck support upgrades may be needed to handle the added weight of a kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens in traditional homes typically use a connection to a residential natural gas line to power their grills and fire pits or outdoor fireplaces. That option won’t be available in most rural locations. Relying on several regular-sized propane tanks for your outdoor cooking needs isn’t very practical, either.

The best solution is to get a large refillable natural gas or propane tank to fuel your outdoor kitchen and the inside of your cottage if needed.

Why cook inside on a beautiful day at the cottage when you can make your meals while enjoying your natural surroundings?

Go big or go small

Outdoor kitchens come in all sizes and levels of design complexity. Cooking enthusiasts who love trying new recipes and having all the amenities of an interior kitchen can have a larger, fully-outfitted kitchen created so they can cook to their heart’s content.

On the other hand, perhaps a small, simple outdoor kitchen design is more practical because you and your family are only casual grillers or your cottage’s exterior has space limitations. A cottage outdoor kitchen design with a built-in grill, a little counter space, and a few storage cabinets beats a standalone grill and a rickety side table any day.

Expanding a smaller outdoor kitchen design, later on, is another option. Ask your designer to come up with a design that makes it easier to add on in the future if the need arises. It’s always nice to have options, right?

Cottage outdoor living space ideas

The only thing nicer than having an outdoor kitchen at the cottage is having a kitchen that is accompanied by a bar, dining area, and outdoor living room.

A complete outdoor living space takes care of all of your cottage hosting needs as an evening on the lake unfolds. Your gathering of friends and family can move from pre-dinner mingling to dining al fresco with freshly grilled food, then ease effortlessly into the relaxation and entertainment portion of the evening in a comfy outdoor living room.

An outdoor bar or beverage station is tailor-made for entertaining at the cottage and keeping your guests happy with a cold beverage. Add some high-quality outdoor furniture to your cottage deck or patio to create a dining area where your grilled meals can be enjoyed in the great outdoors.

Enjoy the comforts of the indoors outside

Cottage outdoor lounging areas have evolved well beyond setting up a few fold-up chairs and some chaise lounges. Modern outdoor living rooms bring all the comfort of an interior living room out to your cottage deck or patio with furniture like couches, love seats, and recliners that are made for outdoor use. An ottoman and side and coffee tables can be added to round out your furniture arrangement and make the space feel like more of a living room.

Some Adirondack or Muskoka chairs (a cottage staple) and lounging furniture like a porch swing, rocking chair, or hanging chair will fit right in on a cottage deck or patio.

Another way to make any outdoor living space feel cozier while making a decorative statement is to add outdoor rugs and throw cushions for the furniture. Switch up the look of the area by occasionally changing the cushions and rugs (double-sided outdoor rugs are perfect for this).

An outdoor kitchen and dining space is tailor-made for the cottage lifestyle.

Set up a cottage outdoor entertainment space

Some people like to escape to cottage country to reconnect with nature and disconnect a little from the things that contribute to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, such as modern tech. Others like to spend some of their time at the cottage enjoying the same entertainment options they’re used to having at their primary home.

Enjoying things like movies, televised sports events, video games, and music nowadays makes it impossible to fully disentangle ourselves from the tech that powers our lives.

Setting up an outdoor entertainment space at the cottage is fairly simple. All you need is an outdoor television that is built with specialized components and parts that allows it to operate in damp and humid conditions. Outdoor TVs can also function in a wider range of temperatures than normal TVs, which makes them ideal for cottage use.

Boost the TV’s sound quality with a wireless surround sound system or a high-quality sound bar. Now you’re ready to enjoy the ball game or one of the latest Hollywood blockbusters in 4K with excellent audio quality.

Let the music play!

And we can’t forget about music! Enjoying great summer tunes while lounging outdoors at the cottage is as much a part of the Ontario cottage experience as waterskiing or catching some rays on the dock. WiFi or Bluetooth wireless portable speakers let you bring your music anywhere around the cottage area.

Another option is to get a wireless audio system installed at your cottage. Weatherproof, low-profile wireless speakers with great sound can be strategically positioned to provide complete sound coverage on your cottage property.

How to stay connected while you’re at the cottage

A good WiFi signal will be required to use most of the aforementioned tech, which can be an issue for remotely located cottages. Some luxury grills have smart tech that requires a WiFi signal. Having internet access at the cottage is also useful so you can spend more time at your family retreat by working remotely.

If your cottage is unable to get a “traditional” internet connection via land-based cable, phone, and fibre optic network systems, here are a few solutions to get online while you’re at the cottage:

1. Set up a WiFi hotspot via a smartphone’s cellular data connection. Using a tablet or laptop with a SIM card will work, too. If your cellular signal is weak, a cell signal booster will help.
2. Use a wireless internet service that is tailor-made for rural areas. This method works by using a small antenna installed outside a cottage which connects to a wireless network.
3. Get a satellite internet system like SpaceX’s Starlink, which uses a satellite dish to receive a signal from space that provides you with high-speed internet access.

Keep in mind that the first two cottage internet solutions (especially the WiFi hotspot method) won’t give you the kind of ultra-fast internet speeds you’re used to in the city and suburbs. They can still provide enough functionality to serve most of your online needs at the cottage.

Keep things cool, dry, and (almost) bug-free

Cottagers like to be outdoors as much as possible, but a rainy day can spoil the fun. An overhead covering for a cottage outdoor kitchen and living area comes in very handy when you want to stay dry or stay cool on a hot, sunny day.

Nothing says “I’m at the cottage” more than the strong smell of bug repellant and having to constantly swat away mosquitoes, horseflies, and other pests.

A screened-in deck or patio is an effective and less intrusive way to reduce the number of insects around a cottage deck or patio. You won’t have to hear the constant sound of bugs being fried by a bug zapper or take in the aroma of burning citronella candles or coils. Get a screen enclosure system that can be rolled up or retracted during the day.

A fire pit extends your cottage season

An outdoor living room at the cottage provides a comfortable place to relax and wind down after a sun-filled day of water activities. A natural gas or propane fire pit adds to your outdoor living enjoyment and is perfect for the laid-back, cottage lifestyle.

Fire pits boost the ambiance in any outdoor setting. Natural gas and propane fire pits are easier and safer to use than wood-burning fire pits (which may not even be allowed in some cottage areas).

Another benefit of having a fire pit is that it can help extend your cottage season. They provide a steady, controllable level of heat that can take the chill off a deck or patio in the early spring and late fall.

“Today, more than ever before, cottage buyers are using their properties year-round, making them even more valuable,” said John O’Rourke, a Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka broker.

A fire pit adds warmth and comfort as you relax on your cottage deck or patio.

Savour life outdoors at your cottage

Outeriors doesn’t just create amazing outdoor kitchens in Toronto and its surrounding area – we also design cottage outdoor kitchen and living spaces.

Work with us to create a personalized cottage outdoor kitchen and living space that will make your home away from home an in-demand summer destination for friends and family.

We take care of everything. Our full-service approach is designed to make your project stress-free.

Schedule a free design consultation with us to get your outdoor kitchen and living space project started.

Please share this post if you found it useful.

See also:

• 7 Benefits of Grilling That Make Us Love Cooking Outdoors
• 10 Outdoor Living Room Ideas That Bring the Indoors Outside
• Outdoor Kitchen Design: 9 Common Questions and Answers