The backyard is one of the most highly underrated and underused areas of the home. Many homeowners simply mow their lawn and not much more. With so much open property there is an infinite number of possibilities of what you can do to transform the space. While some larger projects may require professional help, there are plenty of changes you can make with just a quick shopping trip to your local outdoor or hardware store
From mood lighting to fire pits, here are fifteen inspiring ideas for your next backyard makeover.
1. Build a Zen Garden
For many, their home is their escape after a long day in the real world. A Zen garden is designed as a place of peace and harmony. Plus, it’s a fairly easy garden to create and maintain versus troublesome beds of dying flowers. Simply add some trimmed bushes and a gravel or sand bed and viola! To add to the ambiance, a small fountain can make it feel like you’re relaxing next to a bubbling brook.
2. Reduce Lawn Space
If you grew up mowing lawns for a dollar as a kid you know how much work it takes to maintain all that grass. Save yourself some of that hassle and add in features such as brick, tile, gravel, mulch, trees, or anything to cover up all that grass space. Not only does it reduce your weekly chore load, but it adds more interest than just a bare space of grass.
3. Romantic Loveseat
Spruce up the romantic feel in your backyard with a private little loveseat. Tucked away in a corner of your patio, this gives a more secluded, Romeo and Juliet aura. To add to the fairytale feeling, set the loveseat up next to a flower garden so you can truly sit back and smell the Roses.
4. Custom Fire Pit
Nothing says summer like roasting gooey S’mores over a fire pit. Then in the winter, a fire pit will still get used for you and your guests to enjoy your patio with a bit of warmth. Fire pits can be either intricately built into brickwork or even be just a simple steel pit that you can find at your local hardware store.
5. Create a Gravel Patio
A cheaper alternative to laying tile is to fill in your backyard floor space with gravel. Not only is this landscaping choice easier on the budget but it also requires much less maintenance. This is an easy do-it-yourself project as long as you make sure to use landscaping fabric to prevent weed growth and borders to hold in the rocks.
6. Outdoor Shower
For true nature lovers, an outdoor shower is a way to keep outside as long as possible even when you have to shower off. Just be sure to also add a privacy fence to save some embarrassing encounters with your neighbors.
7. Colorful Patio Furniture
Adding a couple of splashes of color helps brighten up your backyard. While patio furniture also gives you a spot to flop down on and relax after a long day. An easy way to change up the look every season is to simply switch out throw pillows for a whole new feel.
8. Canopied Daybed
Bring the feel of laying on a cabana at an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean to your backyard by the addition of a canopied daybed. Whether you want to nap in the outdoor breeze or spend the night under the stars, a bed in your backyard has never sounded better.
9. Patio Mood Lighting
Simple string lights stretched across your patio area gives an instant fun and wispy vibe to your backyard. It also looks a thousand times better than a flickering porch light covered in annoying bugs.
10. Outdoor Dining Table
Patio seating is nice and all but to truly appreciate your backyard to the fullest extent, it’s imperative to have an outdoor dining table. The best way to enjoy cool summer nights is with family dinners outside.
11. Ivy Covered Walls
Whether your backyard is surrounded by a wooden picket fence or chain link wire, growing ivy along the perimeter is a way to create a more natural look. Vines climbing up a fence can enhance the aesthetic value of your backyard and give it a naturally whimsical feel. While these are a beautiful addition to your fencing, it’s important to choose the plants that you use carefully depending on your fence’s material as some can actually be damaging to the structure.
12. Hang a Hammock
Similar to an outdoor daybed, a hammock provides a space to lay down and bask in the sun from your very own backyard. Hammocks these days can range from stand-alone pieces with their own sturdy bases to small packable ones that can be quickly tied up between two big trees.
13. Set Up Tiki Torches
There’s no quicker way to transport your mind to breezy cocktails and a luau on the beach than a couple of tiki torches. Find the Citronella mosquito repelling ones for a fun and practical addition to your space.
14. An Outdoor Bar
There are so many possibilities when you’re considering adding an outdoor bar. A couple of stools, fun lighting, and colorful tiles makes this the perfect summer hangout after a long day at work. Martinis taste infinitely better when they’re shaken outside, right?
15. Install a Pool
The last and biggest change you could make to your outdoor backyard area is the installation of a pool. This can be as big as an inground swimming pool equipped with slides and a jacuzzi or a simple inflatable pool that can be quickly installed and taken down. Either way, a pool is a fun addition to make to your backyard space totally ready for summer fun.
Giving your backyard a facelift doesn’t have to break the bank. Unless maybe if you choose that last outdoor pool option. There are plenty of fun and creative ideas that can transport you to a breezy beach paradise or just give you a space for some peace and tranquility. When you’re feeling like making a change to your home’s outdoor living area, consider some of these ideas for a fun and easy DIY makeover.