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6 Tips for Designing Your Dream Backyard

July 31, 2023

by james deutsch, guest contributor

Tired of your boring backyard?

Imagine if you could easily create a backyard that becomes a relaxing oasis for you and your family. Designing your dream backyard is a lot easier than you may think. Just follow these 6 rules, then let your creativity run wild. 

Find the Focal Point of Your Backyard Oasis

The first step to creating your dream backyard is to find your focal point. This is the spot where you want all eyes drawn. Your focal point can also represent the heart of your backyard, the keystone from which all of your other design choices originate. 

Think about adding a:

Great Greenery

Next, you should add plants, shrubs, flowers, vegetable plants, and even fruit trees. You are only limited by your budget and your imagination. However, be realistic about how much time you have to devote to the greenery in your new backyard oasis. If you are short on time, select plants that require very little effort to keep healthy and beautiful. Some of your best options are:

  • Hostas
  • Peonies
  • Ferns
  • Geraniums

Hire a Pro

Consider hiring a professional designer to help create your dream backyard. They will be experts at maximizing space, improving the flow of the area, and making your space the envy of all of your neighbors. 

If you have the budget, consider adding a patio, porch, or indoor/outdoor space that can serve as a beautiful bridge between your main home and your outdoor oasis. This is not a DIY job, so work with an architect for a home remodel that can help you create a stunning addition that can be included in your dream backyard. 

Small Backyard? Go Vertical

Photo by Brittney Strange on Unsplash

Unfortunately, we aren’t all lucky enough to have a house with a huge backyard. For those of us who live in apartments, condos, or homes with a tiny yard, we need to get creative when designing a dream backyard. 

The good news is, this is actually pretty easy. If you lack space, just build your backyard oasis vertically. In fact, this can easily tie into your choice for the focal point of your yard or space. This is where a pergola, trellis, or even a tall, potted tree can not only serve as your centerpiece, it can also be used to grow plants vertically. 

Make your small yard pop with a fence and gorgeous colors by growing these plants on a trellis, pergola, or even in a hanging garden:

  • Ferns
  • Vines
  • Succulents (these also use very little water, and are super low-maintenance)
  • Vegetables like Pole Beans, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and More

Get Comfortable 

Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

What is a backyard oasis without a place to kick back and get comfortable?

Furnish your new backyard with beautiful outdoor furniture that not only looks great, but is built to last. This is also a great opportunity to divide your space so that you have a well-defined seating area that is part of, or looks upon, your focal point. This will create the perfect space to entertain, relax, eat, or sit with family and friends. 

What kind of outdoor furniture is best for a dream backyard?

Make Your Dream Backyard Weatherproof

Unless you live in Southern California, chances are you’ll miss out on precious time in your new dream backyard because of rain, heat, or snow. However, you can beat the weather most of the time by weatherproofing your backyard. 

How?

  • Shade yourself from the sun, and rain, with a retractable awning
  • Stay warm with a firepit
  • Enjoy your yard year-round inside your gazebo or enclosed porch

Making changes to your backyard space will not only liven up your outdoor area, but will also put a smile on your face knowing that you successfully created your very own oasis to get your dose of fresh air.

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