We all dream of a gorgeous backyard, one our friends and family can appreciate and enjoy. However, few of our yards look like the backyard in our imagination — whether it’s limited space, patchy landscaping or insufficient storage, something always seems to keep your yard from reaching its full potential.
But a beautiful and functional backyard is attainable, even if you have limited time and money. By upgrading a few aspects of your yard, you can create an entirely new and improved space. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of the ways you can go about improving your backyard, whether you want to build a treehouse or install a fountain.
If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, a simple deck or patio is a must-have for your backyard.
A patio creates a designated space for outdoor life. Whether you want to host a dinner party or invite your family outside for a casual barbecue, a patio provides a paved, stylish place to enjoy your yard. Patio options range from elaborate to simple, depending on your taste and budget.
If your yard gets a lot of sun, you might consider building a covered patio. Patios with protection from the rain or sun are great for just-off-the-house designs, which invite guests to step outside and enjoy your yard in any weather. If you prefer customizable coverage, you could install a retractable awning to shade your patio.
For a more natural look, you could build a flagstone patio. Using flagstones, you could design your patio in any location in your yard — maybe it would be stunning next to your meticulously planned garden, for example. Additionally, flagstones have a natural color variation that brings an organic touch to any backyard.
If you already have a patio, try investing in some new furniture or decorations to give it a new look. Even rearranging your existing pieces or changing your color scheme could give your backyard a fresh atmosphere.
Outdoor or patio kitchens are a quick way to transform the feeling of your entire backyard.
Outdoor kitchens are the essence of a functional upgrade. They provide the perfect spaces for entertaining, allowing you to easily organize summer barbecues and holiday parties.
An outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be an expensive project. You could build the space gradually, beginning with installing a charcoal grill and an outdoor kitchen bar and upgrading the space from there.
If your outdoor kitchen area isn’t covered, try using stone or concrete for the countertops — choose a material that will stand up to the elements and will give you years of use. Stick to simple designs to keep your yard looking streamlined and uncluttered.
Despite our best intentions, our backyards often begin to collect objects and equipment that don’t have a place anywhere else on our properties. Spare tools, old furniture, and discarded toys begin to accumulate beside shrubs and sheds.
Reducing any clutter in your yard will instantly make the space appear more inviting and well-designed. Here are a few ways to streamline your backyard storage, creating more space for landscaping and entertaining.
By stowing away some of the equipment and tools in your backyard, you give it a fresh and clean look that goes a long way towards enhancing your yard.
Few things are as inviting as a well-landscaped backyard. Whether you love the look of lush gardens or neatly trimmed grass, upgrading your yard’s current landscape can breathe new life into your property.
The ways to improve your landscape are endless, ranging from buying some new flowerpots to replanting your grass. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
If you love backyard decorations, incorporate some into your landscaping. Whether you like quirky gnomes or classic statuary, your backyard and landscaping should reflect your taste and preferences — but don’t forget to have a little fun with it!
With a few well-placed lights, you can illuminate your backyard and add a charming, warm atmosphere to your property.
However, it’s important to think strategically as you install outdoor lighting. The best lighting solutions complement the style of your home and draw subtle attention to the best parts of your yard. Try outlining any walkways that wind through your property with in-ground or path lights. Drape elegant string lights from the branches of trees, or subtly showcase an impressive landscaping feature with a spotlight or a well light.
When you add outdoor lighting to your property, think about what aspects you want to highlight. Do you have a gorgeous old tree that would look stunning with a downlighting effect? Or, would you prefer to incorporate indirect lighting, creating a soft glow throughout your yard?
Lighting is also a functional aspect of your space. By illuminating a pathway or stairstep, you show people how to navigate your yard in the evenings. If you plan on using your backyard to entertain, including lighting in your plan is a sophisticated and practical addition to your yard.
Give your backyard definition with lovely, winding pathways.
Whether you love the look of brick pavers or smooth stone, a custom walkway is a perfect way to enhance the look of your backyard. You can design a pathway to lead from the driveway to your back door, or from a patio space to your garden. Walkways are versatile as well as beautiful — whether your backyard follows a classic, contemporary, rustic, or whimsical theme, you can find a pathway style to match.
If you want a quick upgrade that doesn’t require much time, you could always install a path of stepping stones — you can arrange them however you prefer, so you can get the look you want at a price within your budget. Stepping stones are gorgeous when arranged through mulched or un-mulched garden beds, and they naturally direct foot traffic where it is least damaging to your landscaping.
Paths allow you to direct the flow of traffic through your backyard — people will naturally follow a path as they explore your property. If you plan to have people over to your home to enjoy your yard, a strategic walkway will outline your yard and give guests a way to enjoy your new space.
Something about water adds an appeal to any space. Installing a water feature gives your backyard a fresh and gorgeous upgrade, and they can even boost your property value. Here are three ways to incorporate some water into your yard.
Whether you choose a charming fountain or a luxurious pool, including water in your backyard can instantly improve your property’s appearance and value.
When you are sprucing up your yard, keep the rest of your family in mind — your whole family will enjoy a kid- and pet-friendly landscape for years to come.
To improve your backyard for your whole family, design upgrades with them in mind — a family-friendly yard will foster memories that will last for a lifetime.
Enhancing the appearance of your backyard can feel overwhelming — sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin.
At Shearer Patio & Landscape Services, we are dedicated to helping people achieve their perfect landscape. Our team is filled with creative and passionate craftsmen, and we have almost 20 years of experience making dream yards a reality. We offer comprehensive landscape services using only the highest-quality products and materials, and we specialize in creating custom designs to fit your style along with your budget.
Contact us for a free quote, and let us help you begin planning your new and improved backyard today.