I come from a family of fine gardeners. Not the grown vegetables kind of gardeners. The kind of gardeners that had lawns people looked at. Photographed. Emulated. My grandmother and great-grandmother were known for their flowers. They also had full-time help to keep those flowers blooming.
While we would all like to have lawns that look the the cover of Southern Living, most of us aren’t working with a landscaping crew and a fountain imported from Italy, even if those things might help to boost the value of our homes. In reality, many backyards are a mix of last year’s patio sale finds, a slightly wobbly table, and a patch of grass that’s doing its best. And honestly? Well, that is totally fine.
You don’t have to go all out to make your outdoor space feel really, really good. Sure, you can spend big to make your backyard special, but you don’t have to!
It Starts with the Lighting (Always)
We all know that in our homes lighting is vital to creating ambience and mood. Our backyards are no different. Think about it for just a moment. If the lighting’s harsh and flat, it ruins the vibe. But good lighting, though? Well, that’s a total mood changer. The right lighting can make an outdoor space feel magical.
And the best part? It doesn’t take much to make a difference. It also doesn’t have to cost too much, either. All you need to do is toss up some string lights that give off a soft glow, then just stick a couple of solar lights near the plants. (It’s generic, but it really gets the job done.) Oh, and if you’ve got a pool, changing your pool light to something warmer or color-shifting makes the whole space feel really special.
Stop Ignoring the Little Eyesores
Let’s face it: everyone’s got that one thing in the yard that low-key drives them nuts. The rusty hose reel. The cracked stepping stones. That weird plastic tap that looks like it came with the house in the ‘90s. Well, just swapping out those random bits makes a bigger difference than people realize. It’s like when you finally fix the squeaky door inside. It’s not huge, but man, it feels better.
When deciding what to replace those items with, just go for clean finishes, matching tones, and things that feel like they “fit.”
Add Layers without Clutter
This isn’t about turning your backyard into a garden center clearance rack (okay, maybe that was a little too harsh). But honestly, it’s about adding layers. Basically, it’s all about adding some textures. For example, maybe a chunky throw on a bench or a couple of oversized planters that don’t exactly match but somehow still work together. Maybe a bit of stone. Some rattan (you can never go wrong with that). Maybe even a weird little statue that sparks joy and makes people ask questions. You don’t need to overthink it. And sure, look at Pinterest or Martha Stewart’s website for ideas, too, if you want.
It’s About Seating that Doesn’t Make You Want to Leave
When you have someone visit, you want them to feel relaxed, at home, comfortable. If they flinch when they sit down, they probably won’t want to stay very long. Comfortable seating is key, but you don’t have to drop cash on a big outdoor sofa. Focus on finding something with a backrest and a cushion that doesn’t feel like it was stuffed with packing peanuts. Add a few outdoor pillows, and get ready to get cozy and enjoy your outdoor space.
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