The backyard is meant to be a private oasis where you can kick back, relax and have fun with family and friends. If your yard doesn’t look or feel as enticing as you’d like it to, there are lots of simple ways to transform it into something you can truly enjoy. Turn your backyard into a personal retreat that you can use every day with these ideas below that will help you get inspired.
Add Comfortable Seating
If you have old, metal patio furniture that leaves you sore each time you sit down, it might be time to replace it. Comfy seating is an essential part of creating the ultimate staycation destination in your own backyard. After all, what’s the point of having a beautiful looking landscape without the cozy furniture to lounge on and enjoy it? Consider adding a few new chairs and even a lounge chair or two with soft cushions so you can stretch out and relax whenever you want to.
Add a Water Feature
There’s just something about the trickling sound of water that calms the mind and helps us unwind almost instantly. In fact, studies have shown just how effective the sound of water is for switching off our body’s high-stress fight or flight instinct. You can place a water feature up on the patio or add a larger one in the garden as a decorative focal feature. There are lots of different options out there that can suit every budget and style. Either way, it’s a simple step that will elevate the look and vibe of your yard.
Create a Wildflower Garden
Want to attract more butterflies to your backyard? Create a wildflower garden. Wildflowers will add bursts of vibrant colour to your landscape, and they help our pollinators survive. They’re also better for the environment. It’s an excellent way to make your landscape look wild, colourful and attractive.
Create a Cozy and More Inviting Patio
Having a bare deck or a concrete slab and a few plastic chairs won’t inspire anyone to utilize their yard more than they have to. If this sounds similar to yours, you can easily create a patio area that you can’t resist. Make it feel more like an extension of your home by focusing on a few details. Aside from the comfy patio furniture, consider placing down an outdoor rug or two, place a few colourful pillows and throws on the furniture to cozy it up, and adding some lighting features to add some ambience. If you want to take your patio to the next level and make it really inviting, add some potted ferns and other plants to create a tropical splash that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an exotic retreat. Plants are also ideal to use if you need to block off any ugly areas or add more privacy from your neighbours.
Add a Fire Feature
A fire feature is a game-changer when it comes to sprucing up the backyard. It adds warmth in more ways than one, and it will give you more reason to relish in those cooler summer nights. You can find a wide range of portable fire pits and even electric ones that are convenient and safe to use. If you plan to create a real fire pit, just make sure it’s permitted in your area and it’s placed far away from any roofs or structures. There’s really nothing quite like hanging around a fire with friends and family, so it’s worth the investment.
Add Lighting Features Throughout the Garden
While you’re busy sprucing up the patio, don’t forget about the rest of the landscape and garden. Outdoor light features are very versatile these days and you can find so many unique designs that can be used almost anywhere. Spotlights or solar lanterns are a great addition to place throughout your garden. You can arrange them to shine up towards your vegetation and trees to highlight them during the evenings. It will add to the entire look of your landscape.
Add a Pergola
Pergolas are becoming more popular than ever. These wooden structures are typically used to make your outdoor time more comfortable during those stifling heat waves. They provide enough shade to still let you enjoy the warm afternoon without sweltering under the full sun. Certain designs can also provide shelter during rainy days. They are a great statement piece that can create a focal point in a large backyard and they’re very practical if you find it too hot to stay outside during the afternoon heat.
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