Having a place to relax in your backyard with friends and family is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but if you’re working with a few old plastic chairs and a patchy lawn, it’s probably not that exciting. The good news is you can turn even the most drab, boring, and overgrown backyard into a comfortable space without too much work.
Whether you want a cozy fire pit for roasting marshmallows, an outdoor bar for weekend cocktails, or a movie theater for unwinding after work, here’s how to turn your backyard into the ultimate hangout spot.
1. Get an outdoor kitchen
Hosting gatherings in your backyard is fun, but having to run back inside to cook is cumbersome. When you have an outdoor kitchen, like a grill or a pizza oven, you don’t have to dip out from a conversation just to make sure your steak doesn’t burn. You’ll be able to entertain your guests and be part of the group the whole time.
An outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be fancy – it can be as simple as a barbecue or flat top grill. However, if you have the budget, you can go all out with the essentials and add an ice maker, a mini fridge, extra storage space, and even a fully functional sink. Cooking and eating outdoors is fun, but it’s also good for your health. Chances are, if you can cook in your backyard, you’ll be out there in the fresh air more often.
2. Get comfortable seating
There’s nothing wrong with plastic lawn chairs. In fact, they can be comfortable, but they’re also ugly and will make your gatherings feel cheap. Comfortable, adaptable seating will encourage guests to relax and engage, making your backyard their new favorite spot.
Choose the type of seating that works best for your guests and respects any space constraints. For example, if your guests will spend most of their time standing, get a long sofa with multiple seats to conserve floor space. However, don’t overlook outdoor sofas and sectionals just because you have a small yard. If you’re going to host a movie night or a bonfire where everyone will be sitting for long periods of time, a sofa will be cozier.
3. Add a hammock or two
It’s nearly impossible to find someone who doesn’t love hammocks. They’re one of the best ways to induce fast relaxation. One swing and you’re in vacation mode. If you invite a hammock lover to one of your gatherings, you’ll have a hard time convincing them to leave their cozy cocoon.
4. Get some benches with built-in storage
Benches are a great way to add both seating and storage. You can store all kinds of things inside, like blankets, board games, outdoor games, and more. It works the same way with storage ottomans and similar footrests.
5. Install a porch swing
Porch swings are fun for both adults and kids, and your gatherings won’t be the same without one. Plus, you can use it anytime you want to relax and unwind.
6. Create amazing lighting
Proper lighting in your backyard will enable you to hang out long into the evening hours with ease. By choosing the right lighting fixtures and placing them strategically, you can transform the mood and functionality of your yard.
Popular options for backyard lighting include:
- String lights. Draping string lights across your patio and between trees will add warmth to your gatherings. Best of all, string lights are affordable and easy to install.
- Solar-powered path lights. These lights can be easily staked into the ground to line walkways. It will increase safety and improve the aesthetics.
- LED lanterns. Portable LED lanterns allow you to bring light wherever it’s needed most.
- Recessed deck lighting. This lighting illuminates potential hazards on stairs and decks. It also looks really cool.
- Fire pits. If you happen to use a fire pit, it will add both a light source and become a focal point for your gatherings.
7. Create shade
When you host gatherings in warmer weather, shade will be essential to create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere. If you don’t already have shade in your backyard, consider adding a pergola, a retractable awning, some umbrellas, or shade sails.
Create a backyard oasis for every occasion
Backyards were made for entertaining, and with a few strategic upgrades, you can create a space that will quickly become everyone’s favorite spot. Whether you host business meetings, casual barbecues, or late-night movie parties, your backyard can become the ultimate destination for any occasion.
