The average American spends an astonishing 93% of their life indoors or in the car. But being outside has many benefits, including improving your mental health and lowering your blood pressure.
One of the best ways to convince yourself to go outside more is to create the ultimate backyard oasis that you can’t wait to enjoy. Luckily, there are a few design tips that can help!
Do you want to know more? Keep reading to learn our top outdoor space ideas that are sure to get you up off the couch and soaking up that vitamin D.
1. Install Glass Doors
Does your backyard currently feel cut off from the rest of your home? An easy way to fix this is by replacing your wooden door with one made of glass. French doors, in particular, look amazing and can really bring your patio to life.
The glass doors will make it feel like your backyard is an extension of your house, instead of being a separate entity. And since you’ll be able to see your yard from inside, you may be more likely to step outside when you see how gorgeous the weather is.
2. Pick a Theme
When it comes to designing your backyard, picking a theme will help ensure your design is cohesive.
One popular choice is rustic. You can buy distressed wooden furniture and use things like old watering cans and lanterns as pieces of decor. You can even create your own rustic horseshoe shelves to hold drinks or flowers.
If you’d prefer something more unique, consider going with a mystical garden theme. You can get whimsical metal furniture and tons of plants. Consider covering an arch with climbing vines and flowers and install a curved path that goes under your arch and into the seating area.
3. Focus on Comfort
Did you come across some patio furniture that perfectly matches your theme but isn’t the most comfortable option out there? You may be torn between looks and functionality.
But when it comes to patio furniture (or any furniture, for that matter), always focus on comfort first.
You won’t end up spending any time outside if your chair is stiff or hard. You can always opt for plain, neutral furniture that’s comfortable and then incorporate your theme by choosing the right pieces of decor.
4. Add Pops of Color
Nothing says joy and sunshine quite like bright bursts of colors. Of course, you don’t want to go overboard here.
Consider sticking to neutral-colored furniture. Then you can add interest by picking colorful or patterned cushions or throw pillows. You can also incorporate color by choosing bright flowers or opting to include fun pieces of patio decor.
5. Use Soft Lighting
Who says you can only use your patio during the day? Make sure you install lights, so you can enjoy your backyard at night too.
While any lights will do, the best options are those that emit soft light to promote relaxation. String lights, candles, lanterns, and landscaping lights are all great choices.
6. Enjoy the View
Do you have a breathtaking view from your backyard? Take advantage of this by organizing your outdoor area to face the view. You can line up lounge chairs or create a horseshoe-shaped seating area to ensure everyone can soak up the scenery.
7. Install an Awning
Being outside is great, but sometimes the sun gets a little too strong. Installing an awning in your outdoor living space is a great way to let you stay outside without risking sunburn.
Just make sure the awning you choose is large enough to provide shade to the entire seating area. You don’t want to be comfortable in the shade while your guests or family members are roasting under the sun!
8. Create an Outdoor Conversation Pit
Once you create the backyard of your dreams, you’ll want to share it with your friends, family, and neighbors. Consider creating an outdoor conversation pit, so everyone can relax and chat.
For a chic and unique area, dig the seating area into the ground so it’s flush with the yard. You can even place a firepit, so everyone can stay warm on cool fall nights.
If you don’t have the budget to build your seating area into the ground, you can also create an above ground conversation area by choosing a u-shaped bench that goes around your fire pit.
9. Hang a Hammock
Lounging in a hammock is the epitome of relaxation. And it’s super easy to bring this into your backyard.
Wherever you choose to set up your hammock, make sure there is room next to it for a small table. This will give you somewhere to set a drink and snack, so you can relax for hours on end reading or talking on the phone.
If you’re not a fan of hammocks, consider getting a porch swing instead. It’ll give you another seating option, and the slow rocking of the swing will almost be as relaxing as the hammock.
10. Add Water
Incorporating water into your outdoor space is a great way to make it appear tranquil. An inground pool, fountain, or koi pond are all great ideas.
If you want to take this to the next level, consider installing a small waterfall to your pool or pond. It’ll look amazing, and the sound of rushing water can be very soothing.
The Best Outdoor Space Ideas
Don’t let your big backyard go to waste. Instead, follow these outdoor space ideas to create a backyard you’ll never want to leave. From installing glass doors to incorporating water, there are tons of ideas you can choose from.
Does your backyard lack a patio? Check out this guide to laying a brick patio, so you have an even space to place all your furniture.
