Summer is approaching, so what better way to welcome the warm season by enhancing your outdoor space? Just a few years ago, a backyard was a nice feature, but not a necessity—especially when you have a cold arctic air conditioner inside. But for the time being? Your outdoor space is not only a good place to get a great tan and some much-needed vitamin D, but it’s also a great backdrop for your next hangout at a social distance.
Want to take your outdoor area to the next level, but don’t know where to start? Check out amazing backyard ideas that you can enjoy all summer long. With fire pits, vegetable gardens, and a DIY-friendly tank storage tank, one thing is for sure: These ideas prove that the lawn is greener where you are.
1. Grow a vegetable garden
(Image credit: Connie and Luna)
Want to make your own dinner Fresh Better taste? Consider making your own using a vegetable garden. Once you know where you want to set up your garden, plant your favorite produce. (Herbs, tomatoes, zucchini…the sky’s no limit!) If you want to balance form and function, check out lifestyle blog Kony and Luna, who has added a series of tree trellises. This way, the greens can climb upward, creating a fertile trail in the process.
2. Build a garden bed
(Image credit: Kelly Martin)
If you want to keep your garden to a minimum, make use of designer Kelly Martin’s backyard. “In my small brick yard, I built a raised garden box with shingles, and my friends from The Plant Snob helped me fill it with low-maintenance drought-tolerant plants and herbs,” she says.
Martin liked the look of the modern black bed, so I used lava rocks on top of the soil, which also helps retain moisture in the warmer months.
3. Hang your plants
(Image credit: Sugar & Cloth)
You probably want to bend your green thumb, but don’t have enough room for a sprawling garden. We give you full permission to get a little creative. Ashley Rose from Sugar and Cloth made the most of her small backyard by gluing several potted plants onto a sloping staircase. Results? An area that emits a jungle vibe, but doesn’t take up some precious square footage.
4. Create a mural
(Image credit: At Home With Ashley)
Art is a staple in every great home, so why should your backyard be any different? Ashley Wilson of At Home With Ashley primed her wall with a fresh coat of white paint, then decked it out with stripes in every color of the rainbow. While this color-coded pattern never fails to make us smile, you can decorate the blank wall however you wish. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
5. Fire pit construction
(Image credit: Blesser Home)
Whether you’re craving s’mores or looking for a way to stay warm during cool summer nights, a fire pit is the backyard gift that keeps on giving. Although there are a lot of store-bought fire pits out there, why not try making your own from scratch? Robert and Lauren of Blesser Home layered the stone in a circular formation, removed the grass in the center, and added some chairs so guests could enjoy that gorgeous glow.
6. Perfect your yard
(Image credit: Gina Sue)
From creating a DIY art project with the kids to getting around with a good book, it’s safe to say that the yard is one of the most frequented areas of any backyard. If you want to give yourself a chic edge this summer, consider adding some pretty tiles, as shown on Jenna Sue Design. While traditional tiles are ideal, peel and stick floor stickers will save as well. Results? An outdoor space that will look great this summer – and beyond!
7. Add Alt
(Image credit: Hey Wanderer)
We can’t think of any reason Not To add a hammock to your backyard. Not only is it a lot of fun for the whole family – especially if you’re a kid at heart – but it’s also easy to install. If you want to be creative about where You put your swing on, and take a cue from Savannah and Casey of Hey Wanderer, who have added the swing to their conversation area. A cool disco ball makes a cool look, offering a quirky spirit and a clever way to reflect sunlight.
8. Maximum your seats
(Image credit: Black and Blooms)
Since the great outdoors is a favorite for socially distant hangouts, it’s important to create ample backyard seating for everyone. Sarah Tuvali from Black & Blooms doubled down on the seating with a sofa, two chairs, and some floor pillows. When it comes to buying outdoor furniture, it is important to find items that can withstand the elements. However, you’ll also want to bring your own personal style into the space. Tuvali mastered the scales with a rug, canopy, and plenty of blankets.
9. There must be light
(Image credit: New Darlings)
Once summer comes, you’ll be eager to spend all your time outside – yes, even after sunset. So, why not add some cool lighting to your backyard? Christina and Robert of New Darlings gave their outdoor space a homey feel with rattan pendant lights and a cute black sconce.
10. Choosing string lights
(Image credit: Kory Kevin Studio)
Pendants and sconces are a great way to brighten up any outdoor space, but if you want to give your backyard a quiet, otherworldly glow? String lights are the way to go. Erin of Francois et Moi suspended her collection across the entire backyard, creating some cohesion between the separate fire pit and seating areas.
11. Take your playground to new heights
(Image credit: Abbots at Home)
Anyone who thinks playgrounds are a slob will find plenty to love in this climbing slope that Stephanie Abbott has added to her backyard. Blogger Abbots at Home backed this DIY project against her kids’ tree house and added a new coat of rainbow paint. (Don’t worry, minimalist: You can always paint your wood panels a neutral color.) The finished product provides a setting that lets your kids be kids, but doesn’t compromise the style of your outdoor space.
12. Set up an outdoor shower
(Image credit: Kyal & Kara)
Believe it or not, the outdoor bathroom isn’t Just for tropical hotels. You can easily incorporate one into your space as well.
“This project was especially close to our hearts because it is our family home,” explains Australian design duo Kyal and Kara Demmrich. “A well-connected home with plenty of space for entertaining, cooking and enjoying family time. We created our style for [the] Blue Lagoon Build as “Australian coast meets Mediterranean villa.”
This backyard idea might require some time and elbow fat, but the quiet results make it So Deserves all the effort.
13. Diving into the stock tank pool
(Image credit: Serene & Co.)
Create a backyard mist – literally – using a stock tank pond. While above-ground pools often have a reputation for sloppy, the Rachel of Serene & Co. The bamboo-inspired exterior is equal parts subtle and stunning. Plus, a floating canopy and fringed post make this backyard pool party ready.
14. Make a movie night outdoors
(Photo credit: Lia Grifith)
Looking for a backyard idea the whole family can enjoy? Create an outdoor cinema. As this setup from Lia Griffith proves, this DIY project is a lot easier than you think. All you need is a white sheet, some wooden nails and some pretty ribbon. Lights, camera, go!
15. Create an outdoor blackboard
(Photo credit: Georges Barberis)
Think of the chalk wall as sidewalk art 2.0. Chalkboard framing, as seen in this space by Hawkins Interiors, will give your kids full permission to get creative while keeping the look with your outdoor decor. Bonus points: Their masterpieces can be a conversation starter the next time you have guests.