Whether it's sitting outside enjoying a cup of coffee, cooking dinner on the grill, or watching the kids play, having a beautiful backyard will make all of these activities ten times better.
Perfect Patio- the patio is the perfect place to start if you're just getting started on a backyard transformation. Usually surfaced with brick or stone; if you have concrete, consider adding texture and color to imitate stone for a natural look. Once you have the patio done, consider decorating it with some planters, furniture, or maybe even a garden next to it!
Outdoor Kitchen- people love eating al fresco, and luckily we can do it spring, summer, and fall. Depending on your setup, you'll want to make cooking outdoors as easy as possible- who wants to run back and forth between the kitchen and the backyard? You probably already have the grill, so all you need is a countertop for food prep and a refrigerator and sink to make the prep and cleanup a breeze.
Privacy- even though it's our private space, you can make it a little more private from your neighbors with fences or garden walls. To add some decor, consider adding lattice, a pergola, or different types of landscaping to define your outdoor space.
Shading- even if you love the sun, a little bit of shade can be a blessing on those scorching summer days. You'll be able to enjoy your deck or patio more if you have a place to relax in the shade. Some choices to consider include trees, umbrellas, retractable awnings, canopy, or even a pergola.
Furnish- of course you'll need some nice, comfy furniture to enjoy your backyard! Nowadays there are so many options ranging from wicker, plastic, wrought iron, to traditional wood. Depending on your style, you can go with nude, natural colors or go bright and colorful, don't forget some fluffy pillows to add comfort!
Outdoor Lighting- the backyard isn't only for enjoyment during the daytime, so you'll need to add some lighting for night time enjoyment! There are so many options- for dining areas, you can illuminate the table with candles or electric lamps, walkways should always have lighting for safety reasons, and consider outdoor string lights for all other areas of the backyard. If you don't have any electrical sockets outdoors, look into solar powered options.
Additional Options- if you've done all of the above and still want more, why not think about a fountain, fire pit, or even a hot tub. The fire pit and hot tub can extend your use of the backyard into the winter. S'mores anyone? Your backyard oasis will be the envy of all your friends and family!
