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The Front Porch Blog

Education on all things homeownership

8 Simple Design Ideas for Your Dream Backyard

April 15, 2020 Lifestyle
Little girl watering flowers and gardening

Now is as good a time as ever to create the outdoor area of your dreams. You don’t have to have loads of space, spend tons of money or deal with months of renovation to transform your backyard. Small changes can make a big difference! Here are some ideas to make your yard an outdoor oasis. Keep in mind, with many of these ideas, you can choose from purchasing the finished product or doing it yourself!  

Add a Fire Pit

A firepit is an unbeatable backyard accessory for yards of all shapes and sizes. And it’s a year-round crowd pleaser! Use it to warm your outdoor space during the winter or sit ‘round it and roast marshmallows on summer nights. Firepits are both aesthetically pleasing and functional! If you have a little extra time on your hands, you could even make your own firepit.

Lay an Outdoor Rug

An outdoor rug can make your space feel completely different, without a big makeover. Outdoor rugs are a great way to add a splash of color without having to paint or stain your deck or spend tons of time and money. Choose one that matches your current color scheme and place it underneath your seating area.

String Up Some Lighting

Set a whimsical mood in your outdoor oasis and make your yard an extension of your home. With so many types of string lights to choose from, your lights can mimic your personal style. Choose a fun shape or take the traditional route with simple but magical bulbs!

Hang a Hammock

The weather is warming up and everyone could use a little extra relaxation right now. All you need for this is two trees and a desire to chill out. Hammocks are loved by both adults and children, making them a great idea for the whole family.

Fountain Fix

Running water is relaxing and a fountain can serve as a beautiful, artistic addition to your outdoor space. Purchase a pretty fountain that speaks to you, or build your own by stacking tubs, barrels, pottery and more items you might be surprised to find laying around your home.

Build a Trellis

A trellis can add some charm to your yard and can be built DIY style using metal poles, wooden boards, and other easy-to-find materials. Once your trellis is complete, plant climbing roses on either side and let them take your garden to new heights. You can even build a vertical trellis for growing a garden if you’re limited on space.

Plant Flowers

Planting some bright flowers will add a mood-boosting pop of color to your yard. Check to see if your local nursery is offering online ordering and/ or delivery and whether your state is one of many in which nurseries were deemed an essential business. If you’re looking to brighten up your yard, we recommend using tulips, marigolds, and peonies. Gardening will also motivate you to get up and move while soaking up some sun!

Lights, Camera, Backyard Theater

Pop some popcorn, grab the family, and put on your favorite film: in your yard! Make it cozy by adding some blankets and pillows and hook up a projector and screen! Build a DIY screen using a white bedsheet, that’s right, a bedsheet, for an affordable way to feel like you’re going on a trip to the movies the moment you step outside your home. 

You might have limited access to the outdoors right now, but you can stay home and still enjoy an outdoor oasis. And if you are finding yourself with a little extra time on your hands, going the DIY route on these additions can help occupy your time and lift your spirits.