Instead of spending your time indoors, have an excuse to get outside with a backyard getaway that allows you to escape. With a bit of privacy and some room to entertain, it will easily be one of the best places on the property to spend your time with family and friends. When redoing the yard and adding new features, there are a few ways to transform the space and make it your own.
1. Outdoor Lighting
Add an assortment of decorative outdoor lighting to illuminate your backyard. Try stringing up colorful canning jar lights, hanging up paper bag lanterns or for an even more dramatic flair, construct mason jar solar lights. Not only are these ideas creative, but they are all extremely affordable. Head on over to Buzzfeed.com for additional lighting options.
2. Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Instead of staying indoors to cook, build an outdoor kitchen so you can be a part of all the for summer barbecue and birthday party fun even if you’re the chef for the day. Consider building a pizza oven with a countertop where you can prep the food for a great place to spend your evenings. You can also add a sink, mini refrigerator, and a bar for a convenient way of wining and dining outdoors.
3. Add a Durable Deck
Although a deck can be a costly remodel, it’s well worth the money in the long run. According to the 2015 Cost Vs. Value report from remodeling, the cost recouped from a wood deck addition is 101.2% for Southern California homes.
Building a deck in the backyard means extra room to entertain your guests or even relax with a good book on the weekends. Build a deck with Allweather Wood for a product that will withstand several years of sun exposure and a number of environmental elements. Use patio furniture to furnish the deck for an inviting and comfortable feature to unwind on.
4. Hang a Hammock
Allow your backyard to feel like the ultimate getaway with a hammock that will make it easy to take a nap or stargaze. Hang a hammock between two trees or place it on a patio in the shade for a great excuse to unwind.
5. Create an Enclosure
An enclosure around the patio or near a seating area will allow the property to feel more secluded for a place to unwind without the neighbors looking in. Block out the surrounding area with thick hedges or a beautiful lattice, which will protect the yard from noise or wandering eyes.
6. Install a Fire Pit
A backyard fire pit will make it easy to entertain guests, roast a few s’mores, and have conversation for a location that will feel like a getaway from the rest of the world at night.
Whether you make your own, pick one up at Home Depot or make it a fixture when you do a full overhaul of your patio, a fire pit is the perfect way to make your backyard a place to spend quality time.
7. Designate a Lounging Area
Bring the comfort of indoors out to your patio with some quality furniture. Make sure when shopping for furniture you think about wear and tear. These pieces will be outdoors so stick to durable fabrics, wood that’s been treated to hold up against the elements or light weight pieces that can easily be moved inside when necessary.
8. Install a Water Feature
Installing a fountain or a small pond in the backyard will offer a tranquil addition that will add to the serenity of the location. The water will make it feel more like an oasis with the soothing sound that it will create in the outdoor space.
9. Add a personal touch
Make your own stepping stones, accessorize with your own personal style or add fun pops of color to make your backyard a reflection of you.
10. Make it lush
Whether it’s potted plants, a personal garden or just a great lawn, something vibrant and alive is the perfect final touch to creating your ultimate backyard getaway.
By adding different elements and features to your yard, you can easily upgrade the space into your own private getaway. From pool parties to a quiet place to take a nap, the yard can serve a number of different purposes for a great location to visit and feel right at home.
This guest post was written by Karleia Steiner, a freelance blogger. Away from the office she enjoys spending time with her daughters and husband.
