Are you on the lookout for backyard ideas to help you create the landscape of your dreams you can enjoy the moment you step out of the back door of your home? If so, you’re in the right spot. This guide will inspire you to transform your backyard into a haven of rest, no matter how small or big it is.
If you are fortunate enough to have a backyard, the possibilities are endless! There is a myriad of backyard designs to choose from, and out of this abundance, we’ve picked the 10 most interesting ones.
Simple Wooden Gazebo for Unwinding
If you value total relaxation in a private setting, one of the best backyard ideas is getting a gazebo. Unlike many other patio covers, gazebos usually have a solid roof. Thanks to this feature, you’ll be able to hide from the scorching sun or the rain during any season.
Gazebos are an excellent spot for family gatherings or solitary unwinding with a good book. They last long, don’t require much maintenance, and you can place a large table in the center—ideal for having lunch with your family in the open air on a sunny day.
Gazebos are among the most beautiful backyard ideas you can think of. That simple wooden structure will give your backyard an organic touch you never thought it needed.
Patio Backyard Deck
Outdoor lights and a stunning outdoor fireplace can help you make the most of your deck when dining or just enjoying a glass of wine and lively conversation with your guests.
Among the sea of backyard patio ideas, we like stylish yet simple patio backyard decks the most. The elevated structures covered with wooden boards are pleasantly reminiscent of ship decks and provide ample space for family brunches, date nights, and get-togethers.
Bonus tip: Add curtains for extra privacy and get a neat table for a traditional, high-end appeal.
Cozy Backyard Fire Pit
Out of all the backyard fire pit ideas you can stumble upon, this one is the simplest because you don’t need to build your fire pit. Instead, you can buy a portable, metallic one, put it on a gravel-covered surface in your backyard, and get a couple of comfortable chairs to arrange them around the pit.
This minimalistic design is one of the best small backyard ideas we came across. It’ll make a terrific addition to your backyard, whether you want to roast marshmallows over an open fire or curl up while drinking beer on a waning summer’s chilly evening.
Luxurious Backyard Pool
Are you looking for fresh backyard pool ideas? If so, you’ll fall in love with this elaborately designed backyard pool with small built-in waterfalls.
On one side, it’s lined with hedges and stunning greenery for an organic and tropical look. Apart from swimming in it, you can also use the backyard pool for throwing a cocktail party in your own backyard by adding chairs and a small table on the side.
Hands down, if you are on the lookout for modern backyard ideas, this pool is right up your alley.
Zen Backyard Garden
Did you know that one of the original wonders of the world was a garden? Gardens have always been considered perfect places for quiet contemplation. And what better type of garden for that than a zen garden?
Zen gardens are scalable projects, which is one reason they are always included in lists of backyard garden ideas. We recommend planting species such as the creeping sedum, hydrangeas, azaleas, conifers, and Japanese maple trees to achieve a zen effect.
Lush Backyard Landscape
It’s upsetting that 91% of the worldwide population breathes heavily polluted air. One way to combat this is to surround yourself with greenery.
People are also increasingly interested in ways they can reduce stress, boost productivity, and promote calmness: The global wellness market was estimated to be worth $4.5 trillion in 2018. One of the most straightforward ways to improve your well-being is by adding plants to your surroundings.
So we bring you one of the best backyard landscape ideas we could find.
A green backyard not only looks good but can also have healing properties. If you want to make your lush landscape even more unique, you can add other decorations, such as sculptures, large terracotta pots, wooden barrels, and so on. Also, if you have a pool, this could be one of the best backyard oasis ideas.
Romantic Gazebo
Add hanging lights, airy curtains, and lots of pillows and cushions to your gazebo for an extra dose of romance under the stars. We loved this gazebo because it reminded us of peaceful summer nights with loved ones.
If you need backyard lighting ideas, definitely try this one out. Alternatively, you can bring a couple of tall candles with you to illuminate your next favorite spot. Just make sure you place the candles in glass candle holders to avoid accidentally setting your gazebo on fire. Additionally, you can incorporate some outdoor vining plants and floral pieces to make this romantic gazebo even more appealing.
Backyard Playground
If you are a proud parent, you’ll likely need to search for backyard ideas for kids sooner or later. Luckily for you, making a kid-friendly zone in your yard doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.
One of the most straightforward backyard playground ideas is to add a couple of swings to your space. Just make sure to secure the swings well. Other options your kids will surely love are trampolines, sandboxes, and wooden playhouses.
Private Backyard Cinema
What’s better than going to the cinema to watch the newest blockbuster? Well, setting up your private cinema, of course!
From a selection of fun backyard ideas for adults, we picked this DIY cinema featuring a large screen with a projector, a comfortable seating area, all lit up with string lights.
If you don’t have a lot of space, don’t worry — this design falls into the category of small backyard ideas for entertaining.
A Simple Hammock to Chill Out
Hammocks are an essential addition to every backyard. All you need for this must-have among very small backyard ideas is two sturdy trees to suspend the hammock between them. That’s it.
Alternatively, if you have a strong, tall fence next to a tree you can use, try hanging the hammock there to preserve space.
Without a doubt, this hanging hammock is one of the most clever backyard ideas on a budget.
Conclusion
All in all, no matter how large or tiny your backyard is, there are heaps of ways to spice things up and add visual interest to your private space. We primarily focused on gazebos, backyard landscaping ideas, fire pits, and lush gardens.
Remember to stay creative and make an effort to beautify your space—you and your family deserve it!
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to do the backyard?
Here are some ways to save cash while renovating your backyard:
- Use cheap mulch alternatives like leaves, compost, or stone
- Repurpose old items like tires
- Try vertical gardening to save on space
- Use cheap lighting, such as twinkle lights
- Buy second-hand seating or build your own
Overall, we suggest reusing old materials and upcycling them to cut down on expenses.
How can I design my own backyard?
Designing your backyard is simple once you come across an idea that you like. We recommend checking out some of the suggestions presented in this article, as well as pictures on the web. Alternatively, you can hire a home designer to help you out.
How can I make my backyard interesting?
Add interest to your backyard by combining various elements, materials, colors, and textures.
For instance, invest in a backyard pond and decorate it with evergreen plants and marble statues. Also, you can mix and match plants to add visual interest to a once dull landscape.
Other interesting backyard design ideas include creating your outdoor home office. All you need is a quality home office desk and a comfy chair.
How do I make my small backyard beautiful?
You can make your small backyard look beautiful by incorporating various colors, adding lush greenery, planting trees, adding swings for children, building a gazebo, decorating with string lights, building a free-form pool or a pond, and more. The options are endless!
A beautiful, zen backyard will inspire you to practice some outdoor yoga. And who knows, maybe you’ll quickly join the ranks of 300 million yogis worldwide.
What are the 7 principles of landscape design?
The seven elements of landscape design are unity, balance, variety, scale, simplicity, sequence, and emphasis as they apply to color, texture, line, and form. Keep in mind these elements are intertwined.
What can I put in my backyard instead of grass?
For instance, you can use clover, creeping thyme, artificial turf, evergreen moss, Corsican mint, and native perennial beds. Pick and choose your favorite for an irresistible look. Overall, the backyard ideas for grass alternatives are plentiful.
