The right backyard can be a source of endless joy, a place of tranquillity and joy for you and your family to enjoy. Achieving this, however, can cause no end of headaches and lead to frustration and even stress. Planning and designing your backyard can seem tough, but there are a series of steps you can take to make it feel a lot simpler.
If you are considering a new backyard design, check out some of our top ideas below to help inspire you to get started today…
Backyard Design Ideas
There are plenty of ways that you can style your backyard depending on what you want that space to be. Should it be wild and natural? Somewhere you can enjoy BBQs with friends or a place of quiet solitude where you can settle down with a good book?
To get you thinking about the kind of backyard you want, here are some of the best backyard design ideas to help you start planning for your dream right now…
- Stay as natural as you can – that slightly untidy and wild look can be a fantastic choice if done right. Toe the line between growth and overgrown and you can enjoy a natural-looking garden that will be the envy of your neighbours.
- All about the BBQ – for many people, the BBQ is king in any backyard design. Make it a focal point with seating and a patio all set out to compliment your BBQ.
- An outdoor kitchen or bar – again ideal for those looking to use your garden to entertain, having plenty of counter space, utensils and even a bar can be a fantastic option. Your friends and neighbours are sure to be impressed – as long as they are invited over of course.
- A fire pit – another excellent focal point for a backyard is a fire pit, especially if you live somewhere where it gets a little cold at night. You can build seating around it ready to sit, roast marshmallows and tell stories like you are camping out in your own garden.
- A hammock and relaxation space – you don’t have to head out on holiday to truly relax. You can set out a space in your garden with a hammock, some shade and even a soothing fountain or pond feature to help you relax.
- A backyard movie theatre – with the use of a blank wall, white sheet and a projector you could set up your garden to work as an outdoor movie theatre. Don’t forget the popcorn!
- The right lighting – you can use tiki torches, twinkling lights or something a little brighter to add ambience and atmosphere to any backyard.
- A rock garden – ideal for those with a little less time for taking care of vast flower beds, you can still add colour and vibrancy to your backyard through a rock garden. Opt for different colours of stones and hardy plants that you can enjoy without having to spend all day and night watering and weeding.
How do you plan and design a backyard?
As mentioned above, one of the keys to designing your backyard is to know the kind of garden that you are looking for. If you want plenty of plants and flowers, you would allocate more space to that. Others might prefer a back garden that is predominantly a lawn and swing set for kids.
Once you know the kind of backyard you want, you can start designing based on what you already have. It is easier to go with the terrain where you can. You can then start planning in where you want your walkways, patio, furniture and more.
Set a budget for yourself and make sure that you stick to it. There is no point in planning for a pool or koi pond if you simply can’t afford it right now. Decide on the features that you want and where you want them, allowing for trees that are in place and the direction of the sun.
Remember to locate your utilities before you start as you really won’t want to hit those accidentally. You should consider the lighting and electrical equipment you might need and any plumbing for fountains before you start. You should also think about where you would put a BBQ if you need somewhere that it can sit that is stable and away from any fire hazards.
How can I make my backyard beautiful?
Your definition of beautiful may vary wildly from the person next door, and indeed many neighbours have fallen out over this kind of issue. That being said, there are a number of ways you can make your garden more beautiful from seating areas to ponds. These include:
- Lighting – the right lighting can really add a layer of beauty to your garden. Everyone wants to sit out in the evening with twinkly fairy lights, electric fire or their ideal lighting in their backyard. Just be sure to take extra care with outdoor electronics with the appropriate casing and safety switches (check out SQD Groups for some inspiration).
- Flowers and green space – it may seem obvious but a garden will only look more beautiful with more flowers and plants.
- Shade – whether you want to use gorgeous natural shade from the right trees or put up an elegant or striking shade sail, the right shade is a must-have in any beautiful backyard.
- Seating – you can go for more relaxed seating, dining furniture or even swings, or a mix of all options to keep everyone happy.
- The right maintenance – all the best designs in the world won’t matter if you fail to keep it up. If you are short on time consider hiring someone to help, or pick a design with minimal upkeep needed such as a larger patio rather than flowerbeds.
Final thoughts
Any backyard can be beautiful to you as long as it meets your idea of the right kind of garden. Whether you want a place of peace and solitude or one where you can entertain dozens of friends is entirely up to you. Decide what kind of backyard you want, think about your budget, get inspired and start making your dream garden a reality today.
The Labyrinth Garden
