Do you have a backyard that feels underused? Is it rare that you’ll go out in the yard to enjoy the fresh air? Do you want to take steps to remedy the issue and create the kind of outdoor space that feels like a retreat and a place you want to hang out in? If so, here’s a look at four backyard makeover ideas that you’ll love. These will give purpose to your outdoor space, making it ideal to enjoy as a family or when entertaining guests.
Install an Outdoor Kitchen
One of the most popular upgrades to the backyard is to install an outdoor kitchen. This can be step one in your makeover project, as it will instantly transform the outdoors. Suddenly it will become an extension of the indoor space and you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.
When designing an outdoor kitchen, you will want to include a BBQ/grill, a counter or area to prepare food, an outdoor fridge, a sink, and storage space. These are the essentials, but what about seating? To succeed in the outdoor living vibe, you’ll want to set up an eating area that feels functional, comfortable and large enough to accommodate everyone.
Typically, it’s best to set up your outdoor kitchen and eating area on a hard surface such as wood decking, patio stones, interlocking brick or poured concrete.
Appeal to the Sports Lovers in the House
If you’ve got sports lovers and enthusiasts in the house, it’s a good idea to work that into the backyard plan. Identify what their top sport is, and then look for equipment and gear that you can work into the plan. Let’s say you’ve got a baseball lover in the house; if this is the case, you can install a personal batting cage at home. These ones are portable, which means you can move them around and not worry about committing to a permanent structure. If soccer is the sport of choice, you can feature a space where you can set up a soccer net to practice.
Backyard sports are a great use of space for those who live in the house and for when entertaining. Other sports you can look into include:
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Bocce ball
- Putting
- Horseshoe
- Tennis
- Volleyball
It comes down to the space you have available and the budget.
Everyone Loves a Water Feature
If you want to make a splash with your design, a water feature is a must. Just how far you go with this feature will be up to you. The ultimate option is to install an in-ground pool. This will transform the outdoors into an oasis, a tropical getaway, and can ensure that the backyard gets tons of use.
If an in-ground pool isn’t affordable or practical, other water features can be an above-ground pool, a manmade pond or even a small water fountain to create ambiance.
There Needs to Be Focus on the Natural Beauty
What will bring the design together and make the backyard look spectacular is to focus on the natural beauty. This means enhancing any greenery that already exists and then planting more. Create garden beds, plant ornamental trees and hedges, use oversized flowerpots, and so forth. Some of these options can also help you to create a sense of privacy in your yard. Designers also suggest adding garden lights, spotlights and patio lights to accent the various features.
Using these tips will help you to create a backyard design plan that meets all your dreams. Be prepared to start using the space like never before, and learn just what you’ve been missing out on this whole time.