Warning: If you’re not ready to be super motivated to start a project over the weekend, turn away now. Nothing gets me to the Home Depot faster than a picture of a beautiful outdoor space on my Pinterest board. And, for better or worse for you, I’m about to shower your eyes with gorgeous backyard landscaping ideas that will have you (or your humble partner) putting a shovel in your hand in no time.
If you’re starting from scratch, Backyard design It’s a huge task, mentally, physically and financially. Consider Camille, who recalls his backyard Plans: “Typically, we take on one major project a year, and after 12 years of living here, our home is very close to our ultimate goal. Although I doubt we’ll ever actually finish it.”
Take a tour of Camille’s backyard below!
However, no matter what kind of space you’re working with, there are some steps you can take right now (like, this weekend!) toward designing the backyard of your dreams. This leads me to obvious step number one: you first need to answer the question, “What is the purpose of your home?” Is The backyard of my dreams?”
The formula for determining your dream backyard
Here’s how to do it. First, identify your three main needs. How will your backyard help you? For example:
- Do you want a space that’s ready to host at all times?
- Do you want to grow your own flowers or create a vegetable garden?
- Do you need a large green lawn for kids and pets to play on?
- Have a yard that needs tending?
- Do you want to grill or cook outside?
After this, state your three main wishes.
- How do you want to feel in your backyard? Relaxed, inspired, motivated, peaceful, etc.
- Is there a design style you like to adopt? Curated, overgrown, Mediterranean, desert-inspired, etc.
After some introspection, you’ll probably come up with something like this: “I need my backyard to serve my family, with a safe and inviting place for my kids to play, an inspiring area to relax and enjoy meals, and a comfortable seating area for morning coffee outside. I want my backyard to have European vibes with native plants and vintage (but sturdy) pieces so it feels like an outdoor oasis when I step outside.”
Now that you’ve determined your dream space, it’s time to begin work. Ahead, I’m sharing 20 backyard landscaping ideas to make it happen. Filter each one according to your criteria and get that shovel ready—inspiration abounds.
1. Build terraces on the land to make full use of the sloping site
If your property has a slope, improve it by building a backyard on different levels. There’s not much you can do without building terraced walls on the hill and bringing in lots of soil to fill them in. It’s a big job – but think of it as the foundation upon which your dream backyard will grow.
2. Create a master plan
When you’re tackling a large outdoor space, it’s important to start by creating a master plan that defines a purpose and use for each individual area. You may want to create a space for dining, an area for your kids to play sports, or perhaps you want to leave a space to add a pool someday… You can then tackle each area in stages, with a vision of where you’re eventually going.
3. Frame your spaces (or “rooms”)
If you have several different spaces in your yard (patio, deck, pool, garden, private spaces) it’s best to imagine them as different rooms. Then lay out different materials like stones or shrubs to mark each part of the space. From there, it’s a matter of filling in with plants and furniture – which you’ll continue to do over time.
See more details The Family-Friendly Backyard of Grit and Polish,
4. Create an outdoor living room
Speaking of spaces and rooms, the outdoor living room is where guests relax the most. So treat it that way! Choose comfortable furniture and various stools that can also serve as tables for drinks or snacks. Keep outdoor storage bins for things you’ll need all year round – from cozy throws to bug repellents.
5. Consider gravel instead of grass
Backyard landscaping ideas should get you thinking about mixing and matching outdoor textures. If mowing is the bane of your existence, consider laying gravel (or turf if you still need green space). Depending on your style and needs, hardscaping some gravel paths could be the key to your dream design.
See more Alison Carroll’s desert backyard,
6. Create paths
When you’re thinking about the “rooms” in your backyard, consider how the spaces work together in terms of connection. Create a walkway – either with gravel, large pavers or both. Paths prevent that disjointed feeling and really bring all the design together.
7. Install a fire pit
One of our favorite design ideas, the outdoor fireplace can’t be ignored. When it comes to backyard landscaping ideas, there has to be a focal point. It could be a water feature or a fountain—but we’re partial to the fire pit. From wood-fired pizza in the spring to s’mores in the fall, the ambiance is hard to beat.
8. Create a space for relaxing or eating meals
If your outdoor living area isn’t capable of doing this, having a comfortable place to hang out is a must. Keep in mind that this can (and probably should) also be used as an outdoor dining area. This is where you can do everything from coffee and a good book to BBQ and cocktails. Bring in romantic cafe chairs or long benches depending on your mood.
9. Make privacy beautiful—and a priority
It wouldn’t be wrong to assume that most people want a little privacy in their backyard. Whether it’s a fence, meandering vines, tall hedges or a variety of shrubs, your privacy strategy can also support the overall design of the yard.
10. Work with shaded areas
If your yard doesn’t have a canopy of trees (and maybe even if it does), shade is a must for maximum enjoyment. Consider adding a pergola or porch where you’ll need relief from the sun. But keep those sunny areas covered too—especially if you’re considering a garden at any point.
11. Decorate with planters in containers
If you don’t want to hire a landscape designer, decorating with pots is an easy way to start. Potted plants such as succulents, greenery, or perennials can liven up your yard. And—bonus!—it’s something you can actually do be able to Just do it on a weekend.
12. Use as many native plants as possible
First, find out what zone you’re in and then plant accordingly. Sure, you may want to plant all the Mediterranean plants like olives, lemons and bougainvillea, but these are risky investments. Try to buy smaller versions of these plants that you can’t easily knock down so you can cover them if the weather freezes – and know that you may lose a percentage of them every winter.
13. Plant a backyard garden
If you dream of construction DIY Raised Garden BedsFirst, choose an area of the yard that gets plenty of sunlight. Most vegetables and herbs thrive in as much sunlight as possible, so these plants should be really happy outdoors. Then, consider installing drip irrigation. Drip sprinklers are pipes that run right above the soil and are more environmentally friendly because they hydrate the roots deeply and don’t let the water evaporate into the air. You can also set them on a timer so your garden gets watered regularly and at the best times of the day.
14. Hang string lights
If you’re looking for a smaller, more affordable project, the answer is lighting. String lights are the perfect bang for your buck, as they create instant ambiance and require minimal effort. Even a small backyard can be transformed in just a few minutes with some simple lighting.
15. Create a space for play
If for you “backyard” and “play” are synonymous, but you’re trying to figure them out away From a sun-washed, forgotten yard full of toys – good news. All you need for backyard fun is space and some balls to kick. Get out the cornhole, set up a cute hammock, or hang a rope swing when you’re feeling competitive. Bet you’ll love it as much as the kids.
16. Put up a shade
The versatility of sheds is truly remarkable. Sure, they can provide extra storage space for outdoor equipment and seasonal decor, but that’s just the beginning. Sheds can be transformed into a reading or meditation nook, a home gym, a work space, and a spot for hobbies like needlework or photography. Get creative and think about what kind of private space you’d like, then turn a shed into your own cozy retreat.
17. Charm with gazebo
Gazebos really make a statement. They can provide an extra spot to relax or dine in your backyard, while also providing extra shade. Place a small table and chairs in your dining room to create an intimate space for morning coffee or a lunch date with a friend. Or set up an outdoor loveseat with lots of pillows for cocktails or Saturday reading at sunset.
18. Zen out with a water feature
My parents recently installed a small fountain in their backyard just off their deck. The gentle sound of water creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Water fountains are ideal for gardens and outdoor seating areas, especially if the ambiance you want to create is Cold. Fountains can also be an unexpected decorative feature – they come in a range of different styles and aesthetics, from ultra-modern to eclectic.
19. Add an outdoor shower
If you have a pool, an outdoor shower can be a great addition. Installing one makes bathing easier, as well as providing a place to wash dirty pets or children. Even without a pool, an outdoor shower can be really luxurious. Opt for a gate, stone wall or wooden fence for privacy. There’s nothing better than the warmth of the sun or the view of the stars while you bathe. Is anyone looking to live a resort-style life?
20. Create a Backyard Bar
If you’re looking for backyard landscaping ideas specifically for entertaining, a bar can take things to the next level. Whether you serve cocktails or mocktails, outdoor bars include separate shelving for wine bottles, glassware, and cocktail shakers, so you can keep everything within reach. Add a few bar stools and you’ll have a perfect spot for chatting over a glass of wine or greeting guests from the patio. Cheers!
To see some of these ideas in action, take a tour of Camille’s own space, where she shares her favorite backyard landscaping ideas:
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