You have a backyard you’ve been meaning to turn into something you actually want to spend time at for a while now. Some people are worried their outside area is too small, while others see it as an expensive project. The truth is that you can do a lot with creativity, simplified ideas, and resolve to create an inviting backyard getaway. Here are some tips to get you started and some to make your outdoor space complete.
1. Gift yourself with an outdoor living area
It's popular to move your interior living room outside when the nice weather arrives. You can use any available space to do this — the patio, back porch, or a clearing in the yard. The first thing you want to invest in is good flooring that will keep the area mud-free and distinguishable, like stone tiles.
A seating area should be comfortable and luxurious which you can do with some wooden crates and giant cushions. Bamboo furniture is also a good choice for those who are eco-savvy and want something long-lasting. A small coffee table with candle lanterns on it and string lights above will set an ideal mood to get away from the world.
2. Go for a fire pit
Having a fireplace in your backyard does sound inviting, but it can be expensive to maintain and fit into the landscape. However, you can still have a warming feature in your sitting area if you add a fire pit. These are so popular that you can have them in any style you like — made from a couple of stones in the circle to a hearth with a glass dome.
If you have children, a fire pit will be a great addition since you can gather around and roast hot dogs and marshmallows. Not to mention that it's a nice decoration for parties and a perfect way to warm up during colder nights.
3. Create a comfortable shade
Go for a pergola with retractable aluminium louvres so you can alternate between a sunlit and shaded area whenever you wish to. This way, you can watch the stars in the evening in your backyard and enjoy a glass of lemonade in the afternoon when the sun is high.
Hang transparent curtains for walls on your pergola to keep the insects away and create a semblance of privacy. Potted leafy plants and flower vines will make the area more serene and perfect to de-stress after a busy day. Solar lamps will provide just enough light for a romantic diner, chatting with friends, or having some “Me Time” to unwind.
4. Plant a garden
Nature brings tranquility and makes you think you are somewhere else entirely other than in a city with busy traffic and noise. Trees and shrubbery will buffer the sounds coming from the streets, giving you a peaceful place to relax and spend time with your family. However, having a garden is also a wonderful landscaping feature and can even become a hobby that encourages you to spend more time outdoors.
If you have a modest space to grow your plants — don’t worry. Vertical gardening is used even in bigger backyards to free up space and make room for other features. Vines and crawlers are magnificent for warning out façade, columns, and fences, while you can turn anything into pots, like tree stumps and old ceramics. Flowers and herbs will spread fragrances all over your property, making it a more pleasant and inviting backyard getaway.
5. Build a summer kitchen
Summer kitchens usually serve to take the heat and smells of cooking outside or for entertaining guests, but they can be much more. Having a meal in your backyard under the canopy will make you forget the urge to dine in a restaurant. Building an oven and a barbecue spot is a fun DIY project that may save you money to install a bar area that will bring this summer kitchen to the next level.
Alternatively, you can add a large rustic table with benches to fit a large party if you want to entertain friends and family over a nice meal. A simple construction of beams and roofs or a more elaborate one with walls will allow you to use this outdoor kitchen even before and after summer.
All in all
Inviting a backyard getaway can bring a lot of pluses to your property, like curb appeal and attractive landscaping. But, it's more important what it means to you. So, forget how small or disheveled your backyard area is and start planning how to turn it into a lavish oasis you will love.
