Spending time outdoors improves your physical and mental health. 

You don’t have to drive out into the middle of nowhere to get these benefits, either.

A happier life awaits you in your own backyard.

If you want to maximize the full potential of your outside oasis, check out these 9 must-do backyard makeover ideas.

1. Amp up the Lighting

One of the simplest ways to reinvent your space is to add outdoor lighting. That way, you can enjoy the space day and night.

You can hang string or Edison lights from vertical structures or trees. If you want to avoid running extension cords all over the place, you should invest in solar LED lights.

Solar LED lights work by utilizing a small solar panel on one end, which charges during the day. A sensor detects when the sun goes down, automatically turning on the lights and running them from their sun bank battery.

There are many light designs to choose from, including string lights, lamps, and statues.

2. Accentuate the Space

Depending on the size of your yard and your budget, you may want to look towards accent pieces rather than complete remodels.

This includes well-placed candles, potted plants, an outdoor rug, pillows on seats, and side tables. 

You can really accentuate the already natural space by creating vertical or hanging gardens along the backside of your home.

Or, create a clear path through your garden by placing beautiful stepping stones throughout the yard.

Even if you go for a full remodel, you’ll want to keep small details in mind. It’s just like when you’re redesigning an interior room of a home — the small things matter.

3. Hardscape Beautiful Structures

Hardscaping refers to man-made additions in a yard, such as patios, walkways, and walls. 

The most popular surfaces for patios include concrete, brick, gravel, and natural stone. You can also make upgrades like staining your bricks or concrete.

To make the most out of your backyard, you should first think about what you want to use it for. Do you want to entertain, relax, and eat outside, rain or shine? Do you want to have space for a garden or for your kids to play?

The answers to these questions will help you decide how to section out your yard for optimal pleasure.

4. Go Vertical

A huge part of hardscaping that can change your yard is going vertical.

You can incorporate a pergola, trellising, patio covers, a gazebo, or an arbor into your yard to give your plants a place to grow and to provide shelter from the weather.

The best part about vertical structures is that they’re functional and aesthetic. While providing shade or growing space, they also draw the eye upwards and can make even the smallest spaces seem bigger.

5. Let It Flow

Have you ever noticed how dreamy yards are that have running water?

The gentle sound of moving water creates a serene sense of relaxation.

You can create a small pond, a water wall, or a fountain to add more nature sounds to your landscape.

Research tells us that nature sounds reduce our fight-or-flight instinct, lulling us into a calm and peaceful state of mind. 

Perhaps you want to have functional water. Consider an in-ground or above-ground pool.

Or, if you want to keep things as natural as possible, consider implementing a natural swimming pool. This concept blends nature with the man-made, resulting in an unchlorinated pool that cleans itself through living plants. 

6. Add Fire to the Mix

To balance out the water, earth, and wind, add the element of fire to your backyard

Creating a focal point of a fire pit allows you to entertain easily or relax on your own next to dancing flames.

You can build a traditional fire pit with bricks or concrete or instead opt for a smokeless, odorless fire pit that uses ethanol.

7. Backyard Makeover Ideas to Get Cooking

One of the biggest backyard trends right now is creating an outdoor kitchen. 

There’s something about this rustic-chic idea that excites most people. By having a grill, small sink, counter space, and locking cabinets with an overhead covering, you can create an incredible outdoor eating experience.

If you don’t see yourself utilizing a full outdoor kitchen, opt for a minibar. It can either be a permanent structure or you can use one with wheels so you can bring it inside to load up on goodies.

Don’t forget about a comfortable area to sit and enjoy, too.

8. Rinse-Off in Style

Depending on where you live and your personal lifestyle, you may love the idea of building an outdoor shower. 

You can create privacy walls that serve as decor and even allow run-off to water your plants.

This is a great idea for people living near the beach, with a pool, or who spend time getting dirty outside. Or, it can simply serve as a relief from the hot summer sun.

Stock up on eco-friendly soap and sundry to your heart’s content. 

9. Don’t Let Your Space Limit You

If you have a small space (or a decent-sized space, but you wish it was bigger), don’t sweat it.

You can extend the potential of your yard by diving the space up into different sections, building a small patio, or simply fixing up a single bench.

Add various potted plants and you’re good to go.

Endless Possibilities

The options for backyard makeover ideas are endless. 

It’s simply a matter of deciding how you use your yard and matching the design with your personality. 

Contact us today to bring some of these ideas to life.