For many of us, our backyard spaces are like an extension of the interior of our homes. However, there are a lot of homeowners out there who have never gone to the trouble of making their backyard their own. If that describes you, we believe that you are missing out and are not able to enjoy the benefits of your home to their absolute capacity.
Don’t worry, though—it’s not too late to make your backyard oasis truly your own. Here are some of our favorite ideas for backyard styling that will work from any yard size, from small to large.
Ladybug Tire Swing
Do you remember playing on old tire swings in the park when you were a child? If the answer is yes, then you can imagine how great it would be for a child to be able to have their very own tire swing to play on. The only thing better than a classic tire swing is a tire swing that has been disguised to look like a ladybug. You can see how to make your very own whimsical tire swing by following the instructions over at iCreative Ideas.
Sailor Knot Rope Seats
These cushiony seats go by the name of “sailor knot” because they have a rather nautical appearance. However, they could also fit into a Bohemian or even a modernist theme. No matter which style you are using these rope seats for, they are quite easy to make, as seen in the instructions here at Style Me Pretty.
String Lights for Ambience
Sometimes the most effective and transformative solutions for your backyard are the simplest. Take, for instance, string lights. Even just a simple addition of string lights can turn your background from boring and sterile to cozy and inviting. Of course, the more creative you can be with the string lights, the better. We personally love this example when considering how to use string lights to brighten up a backyard.
Vertical Planters
Plants are usually a great idea for a backyard, but it can be hard to find the space to place plants if you don’t have a big backyard. One solution is using vertical planters that won’t take up any yard or ground space. You could buy a vertical planter at any garden center or even grocery store, but you can make the most beautiful vertical planters by following a tutorial such as the one set out by Real Cedar.
Backyard Stage
Did you love to put on little plays for an audience of onlooking parents, aunts, and uncles when you were a kid? Imagine how much fun it would have been if you had been given an actual stage to practice on. That is the idea behind the custom outdoor stage that is seen here. You don’t have to make one quite so fancy—we’re sure the young performers won’t be picky and will be open to just about any type of stage.
Living Fence
The term “living fence” can sound quite ominous, but be rest assured that the “living” that we are referring to is not some kind of mystical fence creation, but is instead a fence that is made up of living plants and other greenery. Not only does this help give your backyard a lush appearance, but it also provides a natural form of privacy from your neighbors. Get the details at BHG.
DIY Grapevine Balls
Here is a great option for you if you want to hang decorations in your backyard, but don’t want to rely on the usual options of windchimes or hanging lights. These grapevine balls from Lynne Knowltonare so pretty that they can serve a purpose beyond a personal backyard. They would also make for a great decoration for a wedding or for a corporate event of some sort.
Backyard DIY Mural
Have you ever walked by a mural on the street and taken a moment to admire it? While you may not be a professional artist who is commissioned to do big artwork on large city blocks, you can still contribute a piece of original art to your own personal yard. Here is an example of a backyard mural, but of course you can design your backyard mural to look like anything at all.
DIY Glow in the Dark Planters
We know that glow in the dark items are best associated with the stickers of planets and stars that you used to have on your ceiling as a child, but we believe that the ability to grow in the dark is actually quite an underrated phenomenon and should be used for a variety of other items, such as a planters. Learn how you can make your very own glow in the dark planter by following this tutorial from Sweet and Simple Living.
Simple Outdoor Bar
Who wouldn’t like to see an outdoor bar in your backyard? While you may have thought that this was reserved for resorts or mansions, anyone with a backyard can make an outdoor bar happen. You don’t even need to contract a company of professionals in order to bring an outdoor bar to life. There are a surprising number of DIY tutorial for backyard bars, such as this one from Cassie Fairy.
Easy Pallet Table
There is so much that can be done with pallets! However, because upcycled pallets can come with harsh chemicals, sometimes it’s better if you keep them outside of your interior spaces. Here is a tutorial that shows you how to build the perfect outdoor pallet coffee table from BHG.
Build Your Own Garden Shed
If you don’t have a garden shed in your backyard, it is certainly time to build one! Of course, a garden shed is best used for the tools that you would use around the yard, such as a lawnmower and weed wacker. However, if you have a pool it also makes for a great place to store various pool toys and accessories. The same is true if you have small children, as any parent knows how much space their toys can take up in a backyard. Get the lowdown from over at the Family Handyman.
DIY Backyard Treehouse
Okay, so maybe the term “do-it-yourself” is a bit ambitious for a treehouse as complicated as this one from the Classic Archives. However, if you have the materials and the skills to pull it off, it’s sure to provide your kids with endless hours of entertainment and fun. For a fun project, you could even involve your kids in the painting and decorating of a treehouse so that they can further make it their own.
Stock Tank Pool
Have you ever wanted to have a place to cool off and relax in the summertime, without having to go to the trouble of caring for a pool? The solution that you seek may just be right here in this “stock tank” pool plan from Sun Woven Studio. Think of this as a huge step up from those inflatable pools that you can buy at the hardware store. Very handy on a hot and humid summer day!
Painted Concrete
After looking at this photograph, you will not be able to believe that it is made out of simple concrete. However, with just a little artistic prowess, you too can make a beautiful display out of an otherwise plain paved area. You will just need to keep up with its care so that it doesn’t fade.
Mirror Balls
This is a unique and easy way to add a bit of whimsy to your backyard living situation. These beautiful mirror balls reflect light and provide a gorgeous decoration that is sure to jazz up your backyard oasis. Get the look from the Garden Glove.
Hammock Oasis
If you are an avid reader, then you are going to want to have a hammock for reading in your backyard, without a doubt. And it doesn’t have to be a store-bought hammock, either—you can make your very own hammock oasis escape by following this tutorial from Inspiration for Moms. Be warned, though: pretty soon your family will start fighting over who gets to sit in the hammock!
Once you have turned your backyard into a more pleasant place to exist in, then you will find yourself spending more and more time in your backyard! Then, you will feel like your living space has expanded, without even have to do a single home renovation. This is one of the best-kept secrets of homeownership. Enjoy your beautiful new backyard!
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