If you recently bought a new home, congratulations! And if you simply want to give your backyard a remodel, we understand entirely. We’ve come up with 15 unique backyard ideas to utilize your new backyard ranging from inexpensive DIY options to projects that require a larger budget and will take a little bit more planning.
Filling the spaces of your house with things that bring you joy is such a wonderful part of being a homeowner and that holds true for every square foot of your property including the outdoors. Hopefully at least one of them will bring you the inspiration you need to elevate your backyard.
15 Backyard Ideas
1. Plant a garden
There are many different types of gardens. You may be interested in a flower garden strictly for the beautiful and bright colors, but if growing your own food is something that intrigues you, you might want to think about a herb or vegetable garden.
2. Brighten your yard
Another backyard idea to brighten up any space is to add lighting. Choosing the right light fixtures for your outdoor space can seem daunting, but it all depends on what you want. With options ranging from floodlights to plug-in dusk-to-dawn lights and solar motion lights, check out this list for outdoor landscape lighting options. You can’t ever go wrong with some string lights hung up near your back door though!
3. Style your space with outdoor furniture such as benches, tables, patio chairs
One way to really elevate your backyard is to include patio furniture, specifically a dining table. If your furniture is sitting in direct sunlight, consider adding shade using umbrellas or even a pergola if your budget allows.
4. Upgrade your seating with hammocks or tree swings
Adding on to #3, take your seating to the next level with hammocks or tree swings. Can you imagine swaying back and forth in the gentle summer breeze with lemonade and a book in hand? It’s almost a no-brainer!
5. Create a focal point
The focal point should be a large decision in the layout and overall aesthetic of your yard. It can be anything from a plant, container, arch, or object that gives an attractive visual point to your yard. Here are some tips on how to build your perfect focal point.
6. Be bold with a splash of color
The next backyard idea is to bring color to your outdoor space. You can play around with bright pots, cushions, painted walls or fences, eye-catching decorations, or decorative tiles.
7. Add a water feature
Water features can be difficult to maintain, so we are only recommending this if you’re willing to keep up with them. The water level requires observation, the equipment requires maintenance, and occasionally chemicals need to be added for cleanliness. You will also need to keep the feature clean from leaves, dirt, and other debris that can build up over time and cause problems.
That being said, water features make a gorgeous addition to any outdoor space. Water features can include mini pools, ponds, fountains, bubbling rocks, waterfalls, and more.
8. Install a fire pit
Two words: s’mores night. Seriously though a fire pit can be enjoyed year-round during those cold winter days or summer bonfire nights. Less permanent options include fire bowls, fire columns, tables, or even patio heaters for all the warmth without the fire.
9. Add a birdhouse or hummingbird feeder
This backyard idea is cheap and simple to maintain! Not only will you enjoy having these wild, winged friends to keep you company, but it’s actually good for them! The extra calories and nutrients they get help to reduce stress during breeding months, get the strength they need for migration, and survive winters.
10. Create an outdoor movie corner
All you need is a projector, screen or sheet, a speaker, and some helpful accessories. Of course, you can invest in some nice outdoor lawn chairs or beanbags, or stick to good old-fashioned blankets.
11. Build a DIY window box
Window boxes make a great place for easy-to-grow succulents or flowers such as marigold, lavender, geraniums, jasmine, honeysuckle, or periwinkle. And here’s the best part…they don’t take up that much space! Take your pick.
12. Make your yard kid-friendly
If you have children, grandchildren, or other young ones in your life it’s a good idea to add a treehouse, playground, trampoline, sandbox, or a general area where kids can let their imagination run wild.
13. Build a walkway
This backyard project will require planning, but once it’s completed all of the work will be worth it. Stairways, stepping stones, wooden walkways, tiles, and pebble mosaics are a few ideas to get you on the right path to finding your perfect walkway.
14. Get creative with food and drink displays
Maybe you have some extra space and are thinking about throwing a backyard food/drink gathering. Adding a grill, cooler, bar area or even a bar cart can help to make your space feel more inviting.
15. Build a storage shed
If you’ve decided to actualize any of our other 14 ideas, you might need a place to store your garden tools, extra birdseed, or leftover tiles. No matter your reason for needing extra storage, a storage shed is never a bad idea. In fact, adding a storage shed to your home can increase the property value by up to $15,000.
An average backyard has the possibility to hold many different and unique features within its fence, but it all depends on your needs and preferences. Don’t forget to invite your friends, family, and neighbors over to watch your outdoor movie or to put in some labor on your walkway in exchange for burgers on your new grill.
