Once you live in a property for a while, the layout can start to feel drab, tired, or boring. It's more than just wear and tear. Keeping the same design for your interior and exterior can leave you stuck in the past. One of the best ways to inject a little excitement into your home is with exterior renovations. These are extra functional because unlike interior renovations, the construction isn't intrusive into your day-to-day living.
If you want to spruce up the backyard and transform it into a functional, fun living space, try some of these easy projects. Anyone can make their backyard more appealing with a little time, money, and elbow grease.
1) Landscape Design: Don't Settle For Simple
There is so much more to design than mowing the lawn and planting a few flowers. One way to really transform your yard without having to buy expensive patio furniture or do any major digging or installing is with landscaping. The great thing about landscaping is that you can experiment with do-it-yourself projects or hire a professional to do it for you.
When you think about landscape design, its important to know all the elements you can play with. These include:
- Color schemes (with flowers, decor, and painting)
- Levels (adding ground to create hills and dips in your flower bed, or using vines on a wall or trellis)
- Functionality (proper drainage and irrigation to promote longevity)
While you can start on many simple projects yourself, working with professionals like Going the Extra Mile: Landscaping Services in Little Rock, AR is a really great way to ensure you are getting a high-quality result. Hire a crew to complete the whole project, or just to consult. Either way, a little help can improve your landscape design.
2) Outdoor Dining: An Exciting Twist on Dinner Parties
The next time you have friends over for a home-cooked meal, consider how you could use your backyard as hosting space. The yard isn't just for mowing grass and letting the dog out. With a little work, it can be an elegant dining space that really elevates your evening. If you think outdoor dining might be something you'd enjoy, give it a try!
Adding an outdoor grill is a great way to make the backyard a dining space. Add a little outdoor bar cart on wheels that you can bring out for before-dinner cocktails while you grill. What to do about your guests' shoes sinking in the soil? Add a concrete slab! For a small investment, you can have a crew come in and fill a small segment of your yard so that you can easily stage a dining area. If you'd rather do it yourself, try digging up grass, tamping the soil down to be level, and adding brick pavers to create a nice outdoor dining space.
3) Finishing Touches: Small Additions to Improve the Atmosphere
Transforming your backyard doesn't have to involve structural changes or hiring contractors. There are small changes that you can make to add beauty and peacefulness to your yard. If you've ever wished you had a backyard you actually enjoyed sitting in, try these tips:
Twinkly Lights
String some twinkle lights from your trees for a dreamy evening glow. The lights give you enough visibility to enjoy the evening outdoors without needing to use a flashlight. They also add atmosphere and make it feel like you're entering a calming oasis.
Tiki Torches
Keep the bugs away and enjoy the aesthetic value of these gorgeous accessories. Line your porch with the torches and light them up whenever you have company!
Comfortable Seating
A good outdoor chair can take a backyard from good to great. Be sure that it can be easily swept off as it collects leaves and rainwater, but comfortable for long term enjoyment.
The Bottom Line
Many people don't even sit outdoors at their own homes because they haven't taken the time to make it a place they enjoy. Try some of these easy outdoor projects to help transform your backyard into a comfortable, enjoyable space.
