Having an outdoor space in today’s day and age is a luxury that not many living in cramped metro cities can afford. But if you are among the lucky few blessed with it, the possibilities for making your outdoor space the perfect backyard escape are endless.
You can use it as a relaxation retreat (like 74% of Americans who use their patios for the same), get-togethers, and spending quality family time. You can transform it into a den for your hobbies–or a little bit of everything.
Whatever your choice, put on your creative glasses and give your outdoor space a facelift with these seven easy and affordable hacks:
Here at GreatBuildz, a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange and San Diego Counties with reliable backyard contractors, we help homeowners navigate their landscape and exterior projects every day….Lets discuss your perfect backyard space!
Install a Garden Gallery
Different shades and sizes of plants add life to the outdoors like nothing else. They are an inexpensive way to uplift your home’s exterior while adding color and vibrance.
So, if you’ve always wanted a little piece of nature, build your garden gallery in the back and front yard. But that is not to say that your garden has to be a high-maintenance space. For example, here are some low-maintenance landscaping ideas:
- Plant up some hanging baskets–fuchsias or petunias
- Fill your flowerbeds with plants by buying perennials that can be divided–astrantia, geums, and hardy geraniums
- Grow your garden with sow seeds (best for planting vegetables with carrots, radishes, beetroot, and turnips)
- Flesh out your lawn with seeds–slender fescues
- Start an eco-friendly vegetable patch (though this will require you to section the garden and prepare the soil, especially for medium or expert-level veggies like lentils and soy)
Glow your Outdoors with Customized Lighting
Lighting setup determines the mood and aesthetic of your outdoor areas at night. From sweet romantic date night lights to party lights and a bright family dinner to dim movie night lights, customize your outdoor lighting for whatever you have in mind.
The best part is that you can DIY most lighting projects. With string lights available on Amazon, you can light up the trees, fences, and even the walls of your homes. Meanwhile, lantern lights and Mason jars set on pillars, posts, and tables add an extra class.
Stake lights are another brilliant option for nestling amongst shrubs, planters, window boxes, or even illuminating the pathway.
Since you’re lighting up outdoors, you can also use solar-powered lights to save on energy bills. Simply set them up in sunny spots to allow full-day charging, and as the evening falls, they’ll automatically brighten up your home.
What’s Hot and Delicious
If you love entertaining, an outdoor kitchen can be a functional and appealing addition to your backyard. While it could be a slightly expensive project, some hacks could bring down the overall cost.
First, begin with space and layout. For backyards with enough space, a timber frame construction can be the ideal way to add a dedicated space for outdoor entertainment along with a partial or fully functional kitchen.
Next, add essential kitchen components like grills, countertops, and sinks. Finally, set up a seating area, and your outdoor kitchen will be ready to entertain.
DIY Outdoor Cinema
Entertaining outdoors wouldn’t be the same without a DIY cinema in your garden. Again, if you’ve decided to set a timber frame in the backyard for the kitchen, dedicate a corner for outdoor cinemas. However, if not, look for a slightly tucked-away area–ideally sheltered from the wind–with just a little investment; you can transform it into your cozy theater.
All you need is a projector screen, projector, and speakers. A few cost-effective solutions are draping a white bedsheet on the wall or hanging it on a wishing line with pegs. Just ensure that you invest in a projector with at least 3000 lumens.
Next, add a comfortable seating area with outdoor furnishing, set the scene with mood lighting, and you are set for movie nights. In the colder seasons, add a fire element, like a fireplace or even a space heater, to enjoy the movies unhindered.
Mirror Magic
Mirrors are blessed with the secret power to make any outdoor space feel bigger and brighter. Strategically using it in your outdoor space will add a magical dimension–whether it’s a small patio or a vast green garden.
Choose a weatherproof mirror. Seal the glass to block out moisture and condensation, paint the frame, apply a final coat to ensure durability, and allow it to dry thoroughly. When the mirror is ready, place it in your outdoor space.
You can balance the mirror with outdoor furniture, add a pond mirror to your garden, or even construct your own DIY mirror with natural wood finishing to add your unique and personal touch.
Related: Transform Your Backyard into a Relaxing Oasis with Easy Gardening Tips
Water World
A water element adds a delightful charm to every outdoor space. And even though you are short on area or budget for a swimming pool, many winsome water features can uplift your outdoor space on a budget, like:
- A small wildlife pond
- Water bowl
- Garden pools
- Birdbath
- Water feature sculpture
- Tiny waterfall
The most inexpensive and easy option is adding a fountain that mimics the soothing sounds of waterfalls. However, make sure there is an outlet for running the water pump and a spigot for replacing evaporated water.
Backyard Swings
Some gravel patio, natural wood fencing, drought-resistant plants, and a cozy swing or hammock–and you’ve built yourself a nice European outdoor space. This will become the ideal place to relax, recharge, and, best of all, feel like a tropical vacation in your home.
Include swings or hammocks in your outdoor space. You can add them to your backyard, patio, garden, or outdoor shed. And on the days you feel less creative, let them help you recharge that creativity and productivity.
Micro Upgrades, Mega Impact
Not every home-uplifting project has to make a dent in your pocket. The above-mentioned outdoor upgrading ideas are proof of that. But, even though small, paired together, these upgrades can make the biggest impact on your home’s aesthetic, comfort, and curb appeal.
If you are investing in exterior home improvement this season, put some of the above ideas into action–like adding a backyard swing, mirror, and maybe a few plants–and transform your outdoor space into an inviting and appealing sanctuary.
When it comes to planning and building your dream backyard space, you shouldn’t have to go it alone. GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners in Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and San Diego County with reliable, thoroughly screened backyard contractors and provides project support from start to finish. Give us a call to get started – 818-317-3567.
