Beautiful Backyard Ideas to Enjoy Your Outdoor Space

1. Define the space you wish to improve. Think of it as an outdoor room. Are you going to add a deck or terrace or patio? It can be constructed with wood, composite lumber, brick, stone, or concrete pavers. 

Not in your budget? Spread a layer of crushed stone or gravel to delineate the area! Then bring in container pots and a upcycled table and chairs with cushions to create a focal point.

2. Privacy. A fence, tall hedges, or trellises covered with vines can all be used to make an open area seem more secluded and private. If you’d like a living fence, see fast-growing hedges and shrubs for privacy.

3.  Furniture. Comfortable seating is the focal point of an outdoor room. Be sure to use weather-resistant materials and fabrics that can handle the elements. Rain and UV exposure can take a toll. 

Or, a colorful hammock in the shade, hanging between trees, gives an instant feeling of carefree living. 

4. Lighting. Whether you use LED, solar, candles, tiki torches, or string lights, outdoor lighting sets the mood and extends use of your space into the night. Be sure to light walkways and any stairs for safety.

5. Music. Whatever your taste in music, pipe some tunes out to your cozy getaway spot. It can add a soothing note at the end of the day, rev you up in the morning, or get the party started!

6. Shade. Some shade is necessary to give you a spot to cool off. Trees are perfect if you can set up some chairs or a hammock in their shade. Otherwise use a patio umbrella, awning, or pergola to block the sun during the hottest part of the day. 

7. Dining. A table and chairs for outdoor meals are a must-have. Set up a drinks’ station with your favorite beverages and plenty of ice. Snacks can be stashed in tins to keep the ants and other critters from helping themselves.

8. Cooking. Having the grill close at hand will turn eating outside into less of a chore. An outdoor kitchen, complete with mini-fridge, sink, and counter space, would make prep and clean-up even easier but don’t break the budget on it! Make sure that you would actually use it often enough to justify the expense. Otherwise there are workarounds such as an ice chest, large cutting board, and a handy cart for transporting food and dishes.

9. Plants. Tropical plants lend an exotic feel to any garden. Foliage plants including cannas, bananas, coleus, elephant ears, and caladiums can fill a space quickly.

10. Flowering plants. Bring in the butterflies, hummingbirds, and song birds! See how to create a bird-friendly garden. Don’t forget the nectar-filled plants that hummingbirds love! They are so much fun to watch! Hanging baskets are a must-have for decorating. If biting pests are bugging you, try some of these insect-repelling plants.

11. Water feature. The soothing sound of splashing water from a simple fountain adds a soothing vibe to your yard and also brings in the birds and butterflies. If you have room to build a pond, watching fish lazily swimming around can also be relaxing. It doesn’t have to be a huge budget-buster, just deep enough for some goldfish and a few water plants. You’ll feel like you are always on vacation!

Think about your family’s needs and make up a wishlist. Will the kids need room for sports and an area for their toys, wading pool, and trampoline? Do the dogs need a place to play and pee? Are you into entertaining or do you only need a quiet spot for yoga and morning coffee? Do you want room for cornhole and pickleball, or want a hot tub and a firepit for year-round use? 

Take your time, prioritize your needs, and stick to your budget. It may take several years to accomplish but eventually you can transform your boring backyard into a cozy retreat custom-made for you!