With more time being spent at home, it should come as no surprise that people are trying to enhance their spaces. The backyard area offers plenty of potential for creating a safe escape at home. However, if this space has largely been left untouched in the past, you’ll have your work cut out for you.
Here are 10 helpful tips for creating a comfortable backyard paradise.
1. Incorporate Creative Lighting
One of the first considerations when setting up your backyard should be the lighting. Having the right lighting will make your yard more accessible during the evenings and can set the tone for the space.
“One of the ways to a spiced-up backyard with a warm and intimate atmosphere is illumination,” say professionals in designing and installing custom light-up signs. For example, adding string lights or Edison bulbs across the yard creates a magical, special feeling in the space, while adding a custom illuminated sign can capture the feeling of enjoying beverages on the patio of your favorite bar.
The lighting you choose should be bright enough to improve your nighttime visibility while still being warm and welcoming.
2. Create Privacy
If you live in a subdivision or urban area, having privacy in your backyard might seem like a pipe dream. However, there are many ways to create privacy without major renovation projects or space requirements.
While building a fence is the most apparent solution for creating privacy, it isn’t always a feasible option. Instead, consider installing a couple of tall privacy panels that block visibility to the areas you’ll be spending the most time.
If you have a patio or balcony, setting up privacy panels can shield you from prying eyes when you’re relaxing outside. These panels will also help soften the acoustics from surrounding roads. A pergola is another option for creating privacy, especially if you have no overhang or patio coverage outside.
You can create stunning privacy panels and walls with recycled materials, such as pallets and refurbished wood. This option is ideal for those with limited space and limited budgets.
Natural landscaping can also help create a private oasis in your backyard. A few strategically placed trees, hedges, or vining plants are enough to generate less visibility during the summer months.
Finally, adding a retractable awning or simple canopy tent can create a temporary reprieve from the world around you. This budget-friendly option is ideal for those who aren’t ready to make a permanent change.
3. Create Functional Space
Remember to consider what activities and features make the most sense for your lifestyle and preferences. Create functional space that allows you to appreciate your backyard and what it has to offer.
If you like entertaining friends and having company, it makes sense to have a seating area and outdoor cooking area set up in your backyard. If you have children, creating a space where they can play will help you get them outside and active.
Map out the flow of your backyard and consider working with a designer to help bring your vision to reality.
4. Consider Your Outbuildings
If you have a big backyard but don’t know what to do with it, consider using outbuildings to create your dream space. Convert an old shed into a pop-up pub or build an open-concept reading nook. For a more simplistic approach, ensure that your outbuildings are set up to store everything you need to keep your yard looking great.
5. Perfect Your Landscaping
Once you have a better concept of how you want to utilize your backyard, start to explore the finer features of your landscaping. Adding a few small garden patches, walkways, or thoughtfully placed trees can breathe life into your backyard. If this area has been a simple patch of grass until now, then it’s time to get creative.
When perfecting your landscaping, know that less is sometimes more. Only take on what you can handle for yard care. If you plan on selling your home in the future, know that while landscaping improves your curb appeal, people prefer lower-maintenance yards.
6. Add Water Features
Incorporating water features can elevate your backyard, making it more luxurious and relaxing. If you have room, consider adding a small fish pond or rock garden waterfall. If the idea of a permanent water feature is too overwhelming, add a couple of bird baths or small fountains.
The sound of moving water will also help with noise control if you live in a busy area and will contribute to the ambiance of your yard.
7. Attract Nature
Attracting pollinators is a fantastic way to make your yard come to life while helping the environment. Plant bee and butterfly-friendly flowers and set up some bird feeders to get your backyard buzzing. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides when treating your yard to create a nature-friendly environment.
Keep in mind that attracting birds and certain bugs to your yard will help with pest control. Rather than spraying chemicals to get rid of aphids and wasps, let the birds do the work.
8. Engage All the Senses
A backyard shouldn’t just look good; it should feel good all around. Try to employ all of your senses when designing your ideal backyard. How does the area smell? Can you improve it with some fragrant bushes? What do you hear in your yard? Will the running water and privacy panels help?
9. Consider a Theme
If you find yourself at a loss for how to design or outline your backyard living space, start with a theme. Think of a place or scene that you’d like to emulate in your backyard. Maybe it’s the atmosphere of your favorite rooftop patio. Perhaps you dream of relaxing in a tropical oasis.
Developing a theme will give you a starting point for what plants to include, what infrastructure you need, and how to best utilize your space.
10. Know Your Limitations
Finally, know your limitations when it comes to designing and implementing your ideal backyard. Be sure to reach out and determine what permits you might need before starting any work in your backyard. If it includes digging or building, you’ll need to ensure that you’re not at the risk of breaking pipes or gas lines, or getting fined. Don’t make the mistake of asking for forgiveness rather than permission; the risks aren’t worth it.
It’s also important to understand the cost and skill limitations when planning your backyard upgrades. Create a plan and develop a reasonable budget. If you find that your ultimate vision isn’t feasible right now, consider what changes you can make to the plan or what things you’ll implement later on.
With these tips and tricks, you can create a comfortable, welcoming backyard that suits your vision.
