Summer’s finally here! Grilling, hanging out by the pool, relaxing at backyard barbecues with family and friends…….does it get any better than this?
Though you may want to amp up your summer social life by inviting friends and family over for some backyard gatherings, take some backyard inventory before you start. Are you party ready? Or does your backdoor leave something to be desired?
If you are looking out over overgrown shrubbery, less than perfect cement, and drab, boring landscaping, it may be time for a backyard makeover. Below are some stellar backyard ideas that will elevate even a quiet night at home into some serious summer fun! Read on to inspire yourself to create some serious backyard beauty:
Build a patio
Adding a patio to your backyard does not have to break the bank. Gone are the days when you had to raise a deck, use a forest of two by fours, and add a polished railing to get the desired effect. Simply laying some ceramic tile, brick, or other distinguishing feature can set your patio space apart and set the stage for some beautiful decor to follow. This is the perfect place for you, your family, and your guests to gather and soak in the warm, summer evenings together.
Accentuate with an outdoor rug
If you have an existing patio space but it is looking a little dingy these days, it may be time to accentuate with an outdoor rug. An outdoor rug is one that is designed to withstand Mother nature’s onslaught while retaining the decorative and beautiful look that you desire for your outdoor space. Add some beautiful outdoor patio furniture to complete the look of a cozy outdoor oasis that can be the backdrop for several sizzling social occasions.
Create a tree bench
Utilize that huge tree in your backyard as an extra space for seating by constructing a simple bench to go around it. Protective eyewear, pallets, a saw, and some elbow grease are all that is needed to create the ideal space for guest overflow, lazy afternoon reading, or some time in the shade. Paint and decorate to your heart’s content, or give the kiddos some creative license to channel their inner Michelangelo and see what springs from this opportunity to express themselves!
Add a pergola
Nothing finishes off the look of a patio space with some overhead beauty, and the pergola is the perfect way to do it. You can find many DIY plans for pergolas online, or if you plan to spend a great deal of time outdoors, hiring a professional to draw up some plans for you will ensure that you get the look you are going for. Add some mood lighting and outdoor curtains for the ultimate outdoor entertaining and hanging out place.
Add the element of water
There is something refreshing and cooling about the look and sound of water in your backyard space. Whether it comes in the form of a fountain, a raised stock pool, or an over=the-top getup complete with babbling brook, adding water to your outdoor space refreshes it, clears the energy, and keeps things cool, no matter how hot your social gatherings get.
Paint a backyard mural
Expressing your own creativity by jazzing up a fence line, a stray retaining wall, or other partition communicates that you care about creating the ultimate backyard gathering space for you and your loved ones. Get your inspiration from nature’s sights and sounds around you as you bring rich elements of color into your space that interact well with furnishings, decor, and lighting. It is the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful outdoor space.
You don’t have to tear up your entire backyard to make it inviting and beautiful. Adding a few inspired elements here and there, and allowing your vision to grow and change as you add to your entertaining oasis will keep family, friends, and all guests coming back to see and experience more summer fun!
