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Is your backyard outdated and boring? Every once in a while, your yard needs a fresh, new look. If it’s time to revitalize your outdoor space to create an original sense of style and renew your love for your yard, use your imagination and transform it with these six steps.
In This Post:
Step 1: Out With The Old
The Clutter Battle isn’t just an indoor struggle. It can also happen in your backyard, making it hard to see the possibilities when your yard is full of junk, like old swing sets and barbecue grills.
Take a few days to really clean up your yard and get rid of all of the junk. Start with your old patio furniture, especially if it’s old and rusty. Get rid of your old planters, but be sure to save the potting soil because you’ll need those to fill up your new ones.
Step 2: Assess Your Situation
Once your yard is clutter-free, making an objective assessment is easier. Walk around your yard with a notebook and take an inventory. Identify problem areas, and note areas of interest and existing features you want to keep.
Think about how you want to use your backyard. Will you use it for relaxing and reading in the shade? Or do you want a place to entertain guests? Then, plan to build features in your backyard to maximize its functionality.
Now is also the perfect time to set a budget. Before you begin any sort of redecoration or remodeling project in your backyard, you must decide how much to budget. Whether you plan on financing your remodel or taking some money out of your savings to pay for it, calculate the cost of landscaping materials and design elements to get an accurate idea of costs.
Step 3: Add More Living Space
Adding more living space is one of the best ways to get the most use out of your backyard. Whether that’s an outdoor kitchen, a beautiful new deck, or a luxurious dining patio, having the right spaces for the intended use is critical.
There are several possibilities for adding more living space, including patios, multi-level decks, fireplaces, and swimming pools. The first step is to talk to professional deck builders in your area. Visit a showroom or spend some time looking at their online photo galleries. Then, schedule an estimate so you can talk with a knowledgeable expert about the possibilities for your outdoor space.
Constructing hardscaping features to add more living space to your backyard takes time, so start as soon as possible. Before any construction happens, you’ll need design plans and permits, but professional deck builders can help you every step of the way.
Step 4: Brighten Up Your World
Lighting can make a big difference in the aesthetics and functionality of your backyard, and every remodel is complete with a landscape lighting plan. When you start with a plan, it’s easier to ensure that your new lighting addresses every situation and that there is unity and cohesiveness, which adds to your overall landscape design.
Here are the four key elements to keep in mind when creating a plan for lighting your yard:
- Determine your viewing angles and lines of sight.
- Add accent lighting to define paths and steps and light up your favorite features.
- Include different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and decorative lighting.
- Draw a detailed lighting diagram and include information about where all types of lights and wiring will go.
Lighting your yard makes it look amazing and makes you and your family safer by adding extra security. Take the time to develop a well-thought-out plan, and you’ll be able to enjoy your yard more after dark.
Step 5: Plants for Color and Texture
Enthusiastic gardeners want to start planting immediately, but if you’re constructing and adding landscape lighting to your outdoor space, you might have to wait a while. Use the time to develop a plan and choose the right trees, shrubs, and plants for each spot in your yard.
Research perennials and annual flowers to find the best ones for your climate and region, and consider ways to make your landscape easier to maintain. You can use xeriscaping and rain-garden planting zones to conserve water and decrease the size of your lawn by planting ground covers.
While you’re waiting for your hardscaping features to be constructed, it’s a great time to purchase new containers and put some plants in them. Choose a style available in different sizes, and utilize them throughout your yard to help ease transitions and make your outdoor space come together.
Step 6: Go in Style with Outdoor Furniture
Now that your yard is starting to come together and you have a fresh, new space, it’s time to add furniture. Choose outdoor rugs and living room sets that add comfort and style and make your backyard irresistible. Create seating areas sheltered by privacy screens for maximum relaxation, and utilize large outdoor couch sets for entertaining.
Unlock the Possibilities of Your Outdoor Space
If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space, take these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a yard you love. With the right planning and help from trusted experts, you can unlock your backyard's possibilities and make it the perfect retreat.