40+ Cool Tips That Will Upgrade Any Backyard

Focus on one main idea, and then accessorize with the rest. Think about having one area in the yard to be the centerpiece, then build around it! This could be a major bubbling fountain, or maybe a pool or hot tub.

To gather some ideas, think about how you would want to entertain guests and family members. The ideas that come to mind would work as the perfect centerpiece. For instance, if grilling is a favorite then make this area the focal point and destination of the yard.

Everyone needs a designated space to chill out after a long day. Picture yours in your backyard on a newly designed patio or deck. This is a place in the home that allows you to truly enjoy nature without the hassle of really being involved in the grass.

Set up the space with comfy furniture such as lounge chairs or an outdoor couch accompanied by a coffee table. This is a design idea that will help to break up the whole appearance of the yard.

Who said all rugs need to remain indoors? Take your personal interior-design skills and move them to the exterior side of things. An outdoor rug creates the opportunity to tie in the look of a space, especially if on a patio.

Best of all, it’s great for when you want to remove your shoes and just relax. From shaggy to colorful, add to the theme of your backyard space with the simple addition of an accessory.

Trees are a magical part of a backyard! Add lights to it in order to give the space more of a glow in the evening. The lights that are added will be able to help set a theme for the space. For instance, colorful might be considered more bubbly and fun whereas white lights may make the appearance be more minimal.

You can even add seating to the surrounding tree to accompany more guests for larger dinner parties or gatherings. This is a great way to accommodate more guests in a creative and inclusive way, especially if the backyard is a smaller space.

If you have a pathway going through the yard, break it up with the addition of a trellis or tent. This can add a chic element to the space all while defining the needed dimension of the area.

Better yet, add flowers and other plants to grow around it. And maybe even a curtain to transform it into an outdoor living room. Some people have been known to also add seating such as a bench to the space. Enjoy a quiet evening walking through or sitting with a hot cup of tea and your partner.

Fountains are a great centerpiece to have in a backyard. They’re also known to be super therapeutic and meditative in a space. Hear the water splash out and against the rocks as you walk through your backyard.

You’re able to make a fountain as big or as small as you please. From one small fountain up against the wall of your house to another that is much bigger and more of a statement, fountains can be tailored to your style.

Who doesn’t love a pool? Whether underground or above ground, make this pool look like the vibe of your space. Think about it this way. Do you want a pool with lights to do night swimming or do you want a saltwater pool that is more relaxing and therapeutic during the day?

If you don’t have the space for a large pool, section off the backyard to accompany a smaller pool, but you can still enjoy the larger body of water during the summer season.

If you don’t love a pool, then try out a hot tub! Since they’re much smaller they can fit the smaller backyard without taking too much space. They’re also a great addition for relaxing in your outer area, even during the colder weather.

Like a pool, hot tubs can be utilized above ground or underground. You can have it styled it within your patio or you could have it above ground and against the fence of your backyard. It truly is a cool upgrade when you add one of these to your outdoor area.

Ask yourself what mood you want to put your yard in in terms of the aesthetic that you’re trying to achieve. If the lights are a softer glow, the scene of the backyard may appear to be more relaxing. If they happen to have more color, the personality of the backyard may be more lively.

Utilize the different lighting areas such as the patio, deck, or pool to determine how much or how little light will be available during the day and night. If there’s less light, then there tends to be a moodier atmosphere in the yard.

A fence may not only be seen as a privacy measure, but it may also be seen as a way to decorate and outline the area. Use the fence to your advantage! Some people are able to get more creative with the fence by adding marble to it or more color.

On the other hand, they may get more stylistic by either opting for dark wood or cast iron. You can also play with the height of the fence. If it’s taller, that means there’s more privacy too!

Do you happen to be more on the artistic side of home styling? If so, dedicate a space to paint a mural in the backyard. This mural can be placed on the back of a wall, on the patio floor, or even on the fence itself.

If you also have different artistic preferences, these will all add to the theme of your home and the outdoor area. Get personal with the mural by painting it yourself, or commission someone else to be able to deliver the beautiful work you desire.

Start gardening in a new and unconventional way. For example, try gardening vertically. This means that you can garden with all of the plants in the air in different planters. You can also invest in an outdoor shelf to place all of your outdoor herbs.

This is great for those who want an outdoor garden, but do not have all of the space in their area. It also creates new style opportunities. You can finish off the whole makeover with a pond to give your garden an enchanting feel.

Why not make a second dining space for outdoors? This is perfect for those hosting large dinner parties with guests or for those who want to enjoy a nice meal out in the sunshine.

Make sure to pick out a nice long table, and then accessorize with new chairs and cushions. Design this dreamy spot to have a set of tableware in mind, and allow it to go well with the other patio furniture. This creates a greater sense of cohesiveness.

If you love reading outdoors, then this is the ultimate design idea for you. Ask yourself what makes you feel cozy in a space. Is it the warmth from a fireplace or a bunch of blankets and pillows? It could very well be both options.

Design with your cozy factors in mind, and then dedicate a private area in the yard to yourself. There’s nothing better than a quiet and soothing escape.

Gather around the fire to stay warm, and roast a few marshmallows while you’re at it. A fire pit can be seen as a staple in a backyard. Plus, it can be used all year long!

Either place it in the grass and set nice chairs around it for a seating area, or add it up closer to the house on the patio. There’s nothing like the homey, comfy feeling of friends and family all sitting next to the fire after a long day. Get ready to make your favorite s’mores!

For added style and comfort along a tree, add a hammock to rest and read a good book. Hammocks are not only seen as a commodity among residential neighborhoods, but they also help to set the tone for the outside of a home.

You can select a hammock in different colors and seating styles for the ultimate backyard look. If you’re happy with one, why not get two for different areas in the yard?

Give yourself another level (literally) with stairs. This will make the backyard appear to be more spacious. For instance, add stairs to the patio that lead down to the pool. This addition will guide your guests throughout different areas of the yard without being led astray.

These stairs can be made out of different materials as well such as mosaics or other tiles in order to achieve the desired aesthetic. As a style tip, ask yourself to see if you want these stairs to be your centerpiece in the yard.

Just like the fire pit, set up a cozy space with friends and family. In fact, this can accompany your fire pit for ultimate movie nights. Who doesn’t love that?

All you have to do is invest in a projector and screen, and then start selecting which movies you want to watch. This entire set up may do well in the middle of the yard or off to the side against the fence of the yard. Who needs to go to a movie theatre anymore?

To the big grillers in the world, this is the best upgrade for you. Don’t just have a grill in the yard, make it a dedicated spot for family and friends to go to and really chill in the space. From having outdoor counter space to adding a table for dining purposes, this is a set up best made with a burger in mind.

Use this area as a way to add to an existing patio or in the plans for one entirely. It’s also a great addition next to an outdoor pool!

You may have a minibar inside the home, so why not bring it outside? If you’re entertaining you want to give your guests the best possible service. Invest in a mobile bar cart that can be transported to different areas in the yard.

Fill it up with the best drinks and mixers. It can even double as a storage space for grilling items for your dream grilling space. We’ll take a cocktail with our burger and fries, please!

Not just any playground! Make it fit to the theme of your yard if you want. There are so many different ideas for a playground that can be executed into a fun and upbeat environment for your children.

If you don’t want a full-blown playground in an area of the yard, do something small. Put together a swing set or utilize the trees. You can even set up a treehouse for playtime above ground and out of the way from the rest of the yard.

Add a pop of color in a unique, yet natural way. Do this by investing in colorful new blooms to place around the yard. From blue flowers to red roses, breathe life into the backyard space.

Color is also therapeutic and can mean different things or carry unique energies. Choose a few that speak to you, so when you enter the yard you instantly feel refreshed.

Themes are extremely important in the upgrade process and should be determined before you get too far ahead of yourself. They also carry the look a long way and make it out to be super cohesive.

For example, if you love a specific era of vintage, then make that idea your theme. Accessorize it with vintage furniture and accessory pieces that will best replicate the idea that is trying to be achieved. You can even use a vintage dresser to grow sweet succulents and other plants.

If you’re a pizza lover, then you should seriously consider adding your very own pizza oven to the backyard. Better yet, add it to your grilling center for the ultimate outdoor dinner party. Pizza and a burger anyone?

Not only is this type of feature functional, but it also adds so much to the overall appearance of the space. Add some outdoor chairs and gather around as the gooey cheese melts on top of the hot dough.

A bed outside is not only a cool twist for an outdoor feature, but it’s also a comfortable alternative to lounge chairs. Take a good book with you or lay out for a midday meditation.

You can even invest in a swinging bed. However you like to relax, the different outdoor beds available on the market will be able to cater to your preferred style, The bed itself is even great for sunbathing during the summer months.

Whether they’re real or a sculpture, different small fish species are a beautiful addition to outdoor home decor. The gorgeous colors they can yield have great effects on the overall look of a home. Have them swim around a fountain or in your pond. They add a subtle element of surprise to a home.

Plus, they’re a great learning and bonding experience for children. They’re able to see the development of the fish as well as learn how to care for them.

Hide all of the excess yard tools in a chic way such as a tool shed. Design it to be a mini replica of the house to keep it cohesive and make it look like it truly belongs in the outdoor space.

Make it as big or as small as you want – this is your resource for backyard storage. You can even have a pathway leading up to the shed, which allows anyone in the home to be able to walk right up to it.

Similar to a pergola, gazebos offer similar benefits including shade for when the sun is blaring or when it’s raining. You’ll be able to have an outlet where you can still venture outside. You can also have a set space where you can dine in even more privacy in your yard. Add curtains for style and hidden peace.

With different structures and styles, they’ll be able to fit various themes for the outside of your home.

Give your backyard structure with a pergola. This is a great addition to any space that already has a patio or another flat space in the yard. With a pergola, you are able to give yourself more privacy within your yard, style the area with more plants, and shade yourself from any big rays of sunlight or rain.

Best of all, there are so many different styles to choose from, which allow you to create the aesthetic that you want without having to compromise personal style with a pergola.

Who said a waterfall couldn’t be in as close proximity as it is in your backyard? Believe it or not, waterfalls can just as easily be placed in your yard as a pool. In fact, why not add it into the pool design if that’s the look you’re trying to achieve?

Bodies of water, small or large, are quite therapeutic. They add an entirely different vibe to the outside of the home. Why not take the leap and make it a part of yours? It will certainly add to the “wow” factor in the home.

Are you a birdwatcher at heart? Keep them in mind during your design process. This can range from bird feeders for different types of birds to a birdbath. You’ll be seeing all different breeds of birds in no time.

By making the move to promote certain aspects of wildlife into your backyard, you’re not only getting the exposure of seeing them frequently, but you’re also aiding a portion of the environment by giving back to them. If you happen to add sugar water to one of the feeders, then you might even attract a hummingbird or two!

Forget about the typical swing. Rest elegantly on one that belongs in a garden. This could be done up and used for decoration purposes or you can utilize it to be a real swing. Add flowers or paint them onto the seat. Make it feel like an effortless addition to the garden.

By swinging or resting on a seat with nature, it’s calming. Reconnect in an area of the yard in a cool way with a trending look in the home.

Art can be found in many forms in the home. Try it out with a mosaic. One great way to do this is through the walkway. A lot of the time the walkway consists of stones or tile pieces. Replace this with colorful mosaic pieces.

These mosaic pieces can be a cool print, a colorful outline, or even a pop of color that’s needed to spruce up the look of the outside portion to a home. You can even add this to a patio or walkway circling the house. Map out a spot that makes sense to you.

Ever wish you could have a secret or even more quiet spot in your very own backyard? Don’t be afraid to section off a space all to yourself. Add a cozy corner in a section of your garden.

Better yet, turn your shed into an unsuspecting building. It can be a new guest house or a second private office to get away from your actual home for more peace and quiet. How do you want to design your own secret outdoor corner?

If gardening is one of your hobbies, then invest time into making your very own potting table. This will help to eliminate mess and stress all while you’re able to do what you love and upkeep your garden.

Truly make this your very own table too! That’s what makes it unique and fun. Add a holder for gardening tools or touch up an old vintage cart with additions. This is a perfect table specific for any of your gardening desires and needs.

Make a planter setup fun for you and anyone who lives in the same home as you. This could mean transforming planters to give your backyard a unique personality. You can also add them to the wall of the back of your house if you get too many!

This will take away any possibility for a boring or standard planter. Even if you have regular pots, don’t be afraid to paint them to give your outdoor space a cohesive look and one that’s more personal to you.

Sand anyone? If you have a pool or just love the beach, transform your backyard into a space that emulates the look of one of your favorite spots. Start with an area for sand and add specific lounge furniture to start with.

Go even further by adding beach house decor outside, making the entire exterior of the home look like a real vacation beach spot. So, if you can’t get to the vacation resort you were imagining, then don’t be afraid to make your own in your humble abode.

Have you ever gone on vacation to find some showers located outdoors? It can be quite chic if you execute it right. With key fixtures and a surrounding enclosure, it’s a great area to rinse off after a long day of being outside or gardening.

If you happen to have a pool, then an outdoor shower would be a great way to rinse off all the chlorine before entering the house. This is also great for when you have guests come to visit.

Mirrors deserve a rightful spot on the exterior of the home too. Add a series of them out in the garden, on a tree or even in the patio section of the outdoor space. Mirrors have a knack for making space appear more open. It also adds a vintage or fairytale vibe, depending on the type of frame and shape of the mirror.

Play around with the layout as well. Some areas may need more mirrors than others, and that’s where you can shine as a decorator.

They’re cool and relaxing! Wind chimes are not only a good outdoor accessory, but they also serve a purpose – making nature’s music. You have the ability to add as many or little as you please. The sizes also vary.

Add them to the garden section of the yard or in the trees to blend in with the lines of the backyard. Make them up close and personal on the deck to be able to hear sound from the inside of your house as well.

Have a happy hour in style from the comfort of your backyard. Instead of any old normal dining table, create one where soft drinks can sit while chilling in ice. This is perfect for keeping drinks cool all summer long.

You can also host dinners and guests without needing to leave your seat to go take a beverage out of the fridge. It’s all about a simplistic, yet modern idea that’s able to make this table thrive.

Do you have a dead tree that has left a remaining stump? Use it to your advantage! Trees (or parts of them) have the ability to be good decoration pieces. Make them out to be new planters for flowers or smooth them out to be a dedicated seat in a garden.

There’s a lot that can be done with a tree. Think about what you want in the space, and look to the different parts of the tree as helping accessories.

The pathway can be considered to be a sacred area of the yard. It’s not only peaceful, but it leads to other areas outside of the house. Light it up for evenings outside to see where you’ll be venturing.

These lights will also serve as a decoration piece for the rest of the backyard. Are the lights more yellow or white? The hue will help determine the overall vibe of the outdoor area. As a tip, make sure all light shades match for a cohesive appearance.

Use shrubbery to your advantage. There are some renters or homeowners that actually purchase trees to plant in the back areas of their homes. They can be placed up against windows or even up with an existing fence.

This method not only looks great, but it also adds a layer of privacy. In fact, it’s perfect for those who may live closer to their neighbors.

When thinking of any space (not only a yard) there have been many people who want to lead the design process with color. While this is great and exciting, it can also make the appearance overwhelming from the very beginning.

Step back and think about colors that can make a subtle yet grand appearance in the space. Is it shades of teal that will look great up against the grass or do you prefer orange to go with the new patio furniture?