If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space to call your own, summer likely recalls warm evening barbecues, cocktail parties under the stars, sunny lunches, and quiet mornings sipping coffee al fresco. A backyard truly opens up a world of hosting, lounging, and decorating opportunities, whether you have a few sprawling acres or a ten-by-ten square of grass.
On the topic of the latter, we tapped the Havenly interior design team to share a few easy, impactful modern backyard ideas to breathe new life into your outdoor space, whatever it may be. From pergolas and drapery to brick pavers and landscaping, spruce up your backyard with these styling tips big and small, courtesy of our designers.
Add a Fire Pit
Nothing makes an outdoor seating area feel cozy, elevated, and chic quite like a sleek fire pit. Not only does this addition contribute to the aesthetic and overall ambiance, it doubles as a low-key, hours-long outdoor activity that will take backyard hangs well into the evening hours. Go with a built-in cement or brick paver pit for a scene that feels more resort than campsite.
Fence It In
Whether you’re looking to keep your backyard free of prying eyes or simply hide unsightly walls and equipment, putting up a fence is a no-brainer. It doesn’t take pounding posts into the ground to enclose your space or create a sense of seclusion — with a quick trip to Home Depot, Havenly’s VP of Creative and Design, Shelby Girard created a privacy fence to blur the neighbor’s view from their kitchen into Shelby’s urban backyard. With a modest budget and a free weekend, they were able to knock this project out just in time for summer outdoor dinner parties.
Create a Cabana Moment
You can easily create a chic poolside cabana worthy of a boutique hotel with or without an actual pool. Simply scoop a few cabana chairs in varying colors and patterns, add a fringed umbrella, and finish the look with handy side tables and pillows for a cozy outdoor setup. This setup would work equally well along a small balcony, porch, or patio!
Throw Shade
Fold up your faded umbrella—there is more than one way to shade your backyard. Swathing a pergola with drapery adds a textured, elegant element to your backyard as well as a sophisticated level of privacy and shade from harsh midday rays. Tie the curtains back to let in a breeze, or let them fall together for more intimate moments.
Synthetic panels from brands like Perennials and Sunbrella are low-maintenance and resistant to fading and mold, making them a great fabric option for your backyard. You can even forego drapery hardware by installing the panels between two wooden braces at the top of your pergola or roof overhang. Best of all, all you need to keep them clean is an occasional power wash.
A Tablescape Upgrade
Look to give your backyard a fresh feel without breaking the bank? Focus on your outdoor tablescape. Whether you repurpose existing decor and tableware you already own or invest in a new outdoor set, getting creative here is an incredibly low-lift way to revive your backyard setup. Plus, thoughtful details like candles, seat covers, place settings, and the like will take your dinner party to the next level.
Pave the Way
If your outdoor space consists of just gravel or grass, it can be hard to differentiate lounging and dining spaces. To create separate “zones” and add a solid surface for furniture, we always recommend installing a secondary floor surface — similar to using area rugs to break up an open floor plan. If you don’t want to break the bank, add brick pavers in lieu of a full-on deck installation. Keep a border of grass or stone to plant a garden or add organic interest to your backyard, and then lay brick pavers to help ground your furniture (and ensure your glass of wine won’t topple mid-party).
Movie Moments
For a fun and memorable summer hang, host an outdoor movie night with your loved ones. Simply buy or rent a projector screen, spread out some color-coordinated blankets and pillows, and set the scene with snacks, drinks, and handy side tables. Finish the look with dangling twinkle lights for ambiance, and expect your friends to promptly ask for round two the following weekend.
Get Intimate
The arrangement of furniture in your backyard can transform a simple seating area into an intimate enclave suited for everything from a good conversation to a solo cup of coffee. Separate from just a dining table setup, a loveseat facing a pair of armchairs begs friends to stay and chat a while. In the corner, a small bistro table with a chair becomes an idyllic spot for a glass of wine in the evening. Think of setting up mini “rooms” here and there for outdoor gatherings — whether it’s a barbecue with friends or a quiet morning to yourself.
Pergola Party
Seriously, what’s not to love about pergolas? They provide much-needed shade and sturdy support for cute outdoor light fixtures, all while lending a charming, whimsical touch to any backyard. Finish the look with twinkle lights, hanging lanterns, comfortable seating, and playful throw pillows for a next-level outdoor oasis.
Go Green
Can’t change your landscaping or don’t have a large yard or grassy area? Add color and life to your outdoor space by arranging potted plants outside and around the perimeter. Create layers by alternating taller potted trees with shorter shrubs and flowers, and let vines crawl up your fence or a trellis. For drier climates, opt for cacti and arrangements of succulents. You can even plant vegetables and herbs to enjoy fresh produce straight from your own backyard.
Seeing Stripes
If you want to make your backyard feel like an extension of your living room and personal design style, and a pop of pattern. From a classic cabana-striped umbrella to textured dining chairs, colorful throw pillows and a printed area rug, these cozy, thoughtful details will inject your outdoor space with personality and make the space feel complete.
Light it Up
Much like interior design, lighting makes a seismic difference when it comes to outdoor ambiance. In your backyard, lights not only brighten the space and let the party continue into the night, but certain fixtures, such as citronella candles, can help keep the pesky bugs at bay. A collection of votives on the table or arrangement of glass floor lanterns will cast a romantic glow, while tiki torches create a festive feel. String up strands of market lights along the fence or zig-zagged above the table. Some umbrellas even come with pre-lit fairy lights underneath the shade to take it from day to night. Let there be light!
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