Is your backyard space looking and feeling a little drab? If so, then it might be time for a total backyard transformation. Not sure where to begin? There are some tried-and-true projects you can take on that are sure to elevate your outdoor living and entertaining space. By implementing some (or all!) of these ideas, you can make your backyard a true oasis that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
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1. Install or Expand a Patio or Deck Space
You can’t do much in the way of outdoor entertaining if you don’t have a dedicated space for this purpose. If you already have an existing deck or patio, maybe it’s time to spruce it up a bit. A fresh coat of paint or stain on an older deck can refresh its appearance and protect against mold/mildew and rot. Struggling with a small patio? Consider adding to it to increase your square footage and entertaining potential. You might even want to look into natural stone patio materials (instead of traditional concrete) if you really want to make a statement and add a luxurious feel to your yard.
If you don’t already have a deck or patio space in your backyard, consider getting quotes for this type of project from a local construction company. You’ll likely spend a few thousand dollars up-front for a new deck or patio, but you’ll also be adding significant value to your home. After all, did you know that decks provide one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project?
Once you have the right space in your yard to relax and entertain, you can begin filling your deck or patio with things like outdoor furniture, a rolling bar cart, and other accessories to enhance your outdoor experience.
2. Create Ambiance With the Right Lighting
A little strategic lighting can go a long way when it comes to creating ambiance and making your backyard an enjoyable place to hang out. Right now, string lights are a trendy way to add a little mood lighting to any deck or patio space. Consider stringing up some of these lights around your deck railings or even through the slats in your pergola for a beautiful look.
Ambiance can also be added with a fire pit, outdoor fireplace, or similar fire feature. These can help promote gathering and quickly become a favorite hangout space, especially on chilly nights!
In addition to mood lighting, having the right task lighting is also important in any backyard space. If you are doing any food prep or cooking outdoors, for example, you’ll need to make sure you have plenty of brighter lighting to help you see what you’re doing. Likewise, if there are any pathways or walkways on your property, you’ll need landscape lighting (such as path lighting) to illuminate these areas at night. This will ensure that you and your guests can see and will be able to avoid tripping.
3. Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen
If you really want to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level, consider adding a full or partial outdoor kitchen. Having an outdoor kitchen can save you the hassle of prepping food indoors only to serve it outdoors. And, of course, an outdoor kitchen can add significant value to your home. There are many elements to consider for your outdoor kitchen, including:
- A built-in grill
- A refrigerator and/or cooler
- Stone countertops
- Cabinets and other storage
- A functional sink
- An island with seating
When you have everything you need to prep and cook an incredible meal right in the convenience of your backyard, you will probably want to spend a lot more time outdoors. Just make sure that you also have a nice outdoor dining set on your deck or patio so that you and your loved ones can enjoy your meals outside as well.
4. Add Eye-Catching Greenery
Whether you have a green thumb or not, a little greenery can make all the difference when it comes to elevating your outdoor space. Not only can plants and flowers add beauty to your deck or patio, but they can serve a functional purpose as well. Consider, for example, growing ivy or a similar plant along a landscaping trellis to create a privacy screen along your deck or patio. If you like to do a lot of cooking with fresh ingredients, you might also want to set up a small herb garden so that you can grab fresh herbs directly from your yard. There’s nothing better!
Even if you don’t have much skill in gardening, hiring a landscaping company to come out and install a simple, low-maintenance landscape can make a huge difference in your yard. From there, you’ll just need to keep up with your landscaping by doing regular weeding, pruning, and mulching.
If you really want to go with something low-maintenance for your landscape (and don’t mind spending a little more money upfront), consider using landscaping rocks, also known as stone aggregates, rather than wooden mulch. Rocks will rarely need to be replaced, whereas mulch will generally need to be done at least once a year. When selecting landscape edging, choose durable options (like those made from natural stone) to ensure longevity as well.
5. Consider a Tranquil Water Feature
You don’t have to invest tens of thousands of dollars into adding a swimming pool or a large pond to your backyard in order to enjoy the tranquility of a water feature. Small water features such as fountains and even waterfalls can go a long way in beautifying your outdoor space without costing a lot of money (or taking up a lot of room) in the process.
If you want to add a water feature to your yard, just be sure that you have the time and resources to keep it maintained. Even a small fountain will need regular cleaning, pumping, treating, and possibly winterizing (depending on the climate where you live). Without proper care, your water feature could end up growing algae or other unwanted microbes that will end up detracting from the feel of your outdoor living space instead.
The Final Word on Transforming Your Yard
From deck and patio additions to outdoor kitchens, ambient lighting, and water features, the possibilities for transforming your backyard space are truly endless. Ultimately, the additions and projects that are right for you will boil down to your budget and personal preferences. Either way, any of these projects can add significant value to your home while making your backyard the place to be all year round.
