One of my favorite things about my backyard is the amazing water feature we have. It’s a waterfall type feature, and it’s the best. Not only does it bring birds and other gorgeous animals, but the sounds are so relaxing. I could just go back there and fall asleep right next to my water feature.
If you like to entertain guests, then hanging lights are an absolute must for your backyard. There are so many different types and ideas, but they all look good. I love the Edison bulbs because the give your patio or porch a nice rustic look that feels really homey and cozy.
Add some light and get rid of bugs by installing some mosquito-repelling tiki torches. You can make your own or buy them from the store. They easily install to the walls (or you can get tall standing ones), and help repel bugs from biting you and your guests.
One of the biggest kills to having a backyard paradise is the outdoor furniture. If you have those dinky plastic chairs, then you definitely will NOT be in paradise. It’s time to get rid of that furniture and get some nice and comfy stuff. You can still spruce up your backyard without breaking the bank.
A little garden pathway is a great visual element, but it’s also fantastic for getting around more easily. Build those gorgeous curling pathways that make you feel like you’re in an 18th century English manor or something. There are lots of different types and materials you can use to build a pathway in your own backyard.
Make sure you have a relaxing area that you can go to in order to get away from the everyday stresses of life. Mine includes a cute little pillow hammock that I can sit in to just breathe! My kids know not to bother me there, and my husband knows it keeps me sane. 🙂
For those of you who plan on using your outdoor space as much as possible in the warm months, you may want to build an outdoor kitchen. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but a nice little sink, oven/stove area, and maybe even a small fridge can save you a lot of time and hassle. Plus, it’ll stop you from having to go inside all the time, which can help with the AC bill.
Divide out your yard (if it’s big enough) to make cute distinct zones. You can use privacy hedges, picket fences, or any other type of material. This is a great idea if you tend to have adults and kids in the yard at once. Areas can be divided between the two ages while existing together at the same time.
This may seem silly, but place some greenery on your patio and porch to make it feel even more comfortable. I know you probably have greenery in your yard and garden, but if you don’t have any on the porch, it will feel like a stark divide between urban and nature. By adding some potted plants and shrubs to the patio, you help blend the two together.
