Now, birds chirp, flowers bloom, and a clear sunny sky awaits. Warmer weather means more people will be spending time outdoors—and there’s no better time to rethink backyard design and try something new.
“While we were confined to our homes in 2020, many of us had to recreate a sense of normalcy using whatever extra space we had. An empty backyard provides the perfect canvas for drawing a new reality” Ashley Rin Nsonno, host of “Ashley Renne” on the Smart Healthy Green Living streaming service.
The way you decorate your garden is definitely a personal preference. If you like your barbecue grill front and center, use it by all means. But if you’re looking to push the envelope with your outdoor decor, our experts have some suggestions.
Rule #1 of Breaking: Neutral is best
Belgard
Who wants a nice outdoor space? Our experts recommend experimenting with colour, pattern and texture.
“Today, there are more options than ever to create interesting patterns on the floor using floors of different sizes, whether three-piece, single-piece or mixed,” he says. joe robinSolid housing manager with Belgaard. “Add inlays or contrasting borders, and your outdoor living space can be turned into a work of art.”
He recommends following the rule of three by limiting mixed items to no more than three groups.
“Once the sidewalk layout is complete, bring these same elements into features such as fireplaces, kitchens, and walls,” says Rubin.
Rule #2 of breaking: Your garden should take up the most space
Let’s face it, the lawn has traditionally been the icing on the cake. Not much anymore!
“People are moving away from the idea of not using the lawn. In 2021, turn this manicured lawn into a functional outdoor sanctuary,” says Nsonwu. “You can use your garden to grow food, compost, collect rainwater, and attract pollinators. You can create an outdoor yoga/meditation space, a children’s play area, an alternate work environment for Zoom calls, socially distancing seating areas for visiting friends, or even a greenhouse.”
Rule No. 3 of Breaking: Manicure of Shrubs and Trees
Hendrix Construction’s photo
Backyards designed for that last year. In a post-pandemic world, formal outdoor spaces should go with perfectly manicured shrubs and felled trees.
“We want spaces that look natural and not organized. Sprinkle trees and shrubs throughout your backyard to elevate your space sculptly,” says Nsonwu.
“When playing around with your patio design, try to evoke the same sense of amazement you get as you walk through lush forests, wild deserts, or untamed fields,” she adds. “Invite your woody plants to mingle with the flowers. This will create a more dynamic wildlife ecosystem and a deeper sensory experience for you.”
Rest Rule #4: Living outdoors is only for the day
Belgard
The outdoors is the new indoors, so design your backyard space for fun evenings in. The essential element of a livable backyard that can be used at night is lighting.
“LED lighting has made it easier than ever to add outdoor lighting,” says Raboin. “These lights can be integrated throughout the landscape and can be controlled with apps. You can even change the light colors depending on the seasons and holidays.”
Rule number 5 to break: keep it simple
“Outdoor living spaces aren’t just for grilling and relaxing,” says Rebwin. Outdoor games are more popular than ever, so consider collecting a few in your own backyard.
He adds, “Add a feature like an outdoor chess set, corn hole, pool table, or bocce ball court. Not only will these look great, they’ll also be inviting spaces that make your backyard the place to be.”
A permanent feature like a bocce court can add value to your home should you want to sell.
Rule number 6 to break: Exotic plants are a must
Photo by C&H Landscaping
With sustainability being such an important issue, people are aware of how their purchasing decisions affect the planet, and this includes the plants you buy for your back garden. Exotic plants may look great with their colorful and sculptural flowers, but they can do more harm than good in your backyard. They may be harmful to native plants and wildlife and can require more maintenance (and more resources, such as water and artificial sunlight) to keep them alive.
“A more earth-friendly approach to gardening means turning to native plants to decorate your backyard rather than invasive and exotic plants,” says Nsonwu. “Find native plants from your local nursery that perform with the beauty you want. They are essential to keep the ecosystem from getting out of hand, while exotic plants cause biodiversity loss.”
The Six Backyard Design Rules to Break in 2021 First appeared in real estate news and stats | realtor.com®.