A house with a backyard.
It’s on the short list of must-haves for nearly every homeowner.
Beyond the current biophilic living craze, a backyard means so much to a household. A place to enjoy a cup of coffee at daybreak. An approved location for the kids to get messy. A shade tree to cozy up with a good book.
Unfortunately, this idyllic backyard never materializes for too many households. Homeowners end up doing “yard work” instead of relaxing. To avoid this scenario, keep reading as we explore strategies for turning any backyard into a peaceful retreat.
Touch Up the Finishes
For every homeowner with a backyard sanctuary, it feels like there are two whose backyards turn into open-air storage pits.
There are countless reasons backyards fall into disarray. Bad weather. Not enough time. Rundown beyond salvation.
To this last point, there is no denying that ambience plays a key role in any outdoor hangout. How can you get into a relaxation mindset when the surroundings are fit for a horror novel?
Your first place to start is to touch up the finishes. It will immediately infuse a dose of vitality to the exterior. Take a concrete cleaner to sidewalks for those deep grease stains. Use paint strippers on wood plank siding and lay down a fresh coat. Stain the deck to resist UV/moisture damage.
Incorporate Soft Lighting
With clocks recently moving ahead in most parts of the country, there is an additional hour to enjoy exterior hangouts following a long day of work. And even though temperatures will continue to warm and days will continue to lengthen in the months ahead, there are still those days when daylight hours just don’t feel long enough.
Ensure that twilight never gets in the way of an epic outdoor hangout by incorporating soft lighting. String lights. Lanterns. Solar gardens. Each of these tools can help keep the outdoor atmosphere warm and inviting long after the sun goes down.
Provide a Focal Point
A couple of wind-strewn chairs here. An errant garden hose there.
It can be difficult for backyards to gain an identity.
Give yours some definition by providing a visual anchor.
A fire pit is a great idea. Skirt the pit in durable brick pavers to keep aesthetics in all seasons and amid foot traffic. This will be a natural point of convergence for all backyard visitors and be the focal point around which the rest of the backyard can take shape.
Add Comfortable Seating
If you invite some guests over for a backyard barbeque and you notice they go inside at every opportunity, it could be a number of things.
Maybe it’s too hot. Perhaps the insects are sticky. Or, as likely as not, you haven’t provided enough comfortable seating.
Create a cozy lounge area that attracts loiterers (the good kind) with weather-resistant sofas and/or cushioned chairs. This will make it comfortable for everyone to pass time outdoors.
One overlooked point regarding outdoor seating: be sure that there is room for people to walk behind. Feeling cramped when outdoors is tacky. The furniture should facilitate movement as much as it facilitates comfortable lounging for optimal relaxation.
Install a Water Feature
There is something inherently soothing about water.
A mesmerizing waterfall. Toes on a sunny beach.
While you can’t bring a cascade or an ocean into your backyard, you can still find creative ways to maximize the calming benefits of water.
A little fish pond. A porch fountain. Decorative rain chains. The peaceful visuals and soothing sounds of water can transform your backyard into a spa-like oasis
Fortify the Safety
Feeling safe in your environment. Kind of a prerequisite for being able to kick back and relax.
When it comes to outdoor safety features, there are a couple of angles to consider. First, the space needs to be resistant to natural disasters. The best class A fire-rated decking ensures that errant embers don’t burgeon into conflagrations; heated patios prevent dangerous ice buildup on exterior surfaces.
Additionally, the backyard needs to be safe from outside intruders. The aforementioned lighting serves as a deterrent to trespassers. Check that all gates locks and hinges are working appropriately. Reinforce any loose fence posts to deter stray animals and varmints.
Ensure Adequate Shade
Equally important as lighting the backyard after the sun goes down is providing shade at the height of day. Nobody wants to apply sunscreen every time they step into their backyard. Pergolas. Retractable awnings. Shade screens. Tall shrubbery. All are great means of keeping the space enjoyable in the face of the day’s strongest UV rays. Furthermore, these features help tie the backyard together and establish a sense of privacy.
Create a Backyard Sanctuary with Intentional Design
Too few backyards reach the lofty standard of “relaxing retreat.” From stunning finishes to adequate shading features, bring your outdoor sanctuary to life with strategic design. For more of the latest trends in home and garden, explore the content at Seed Sheets for ideas and inspiration today!
