Having a backyard is all about having a personal slice of nature. A backyard can be a fabulous quiet oasis or an entertainer’s dream space. It comes down to your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. But what if your backyard design isn’t exactly exciting and is currently underused?

If that’s the case then it’s time to shake things up and elevate your design so it meets your needs and your vision for the perfect outdoor space. Here are some tips that can help you do just that.

Map Out the Design Before You Begin

Any expert designer would tell you the best first step is to map out your design. Make a rough drawing of the different zones and features of the yard. It doesn’t have to be exact, but it will act as your blueprint as you go about the makeover. Be sure to maximize the space you have, which is especially important if you have a small backyard.

Create Different Zones with Unique Purposes

And speaking of using the space to the fullest, it’s also a good idea to think in terms of zones. Setting up zones ensures that the backyard serves more than just a single purpose. The zones should be customized to fit your specific needs.

Some of the zones you may want to create in the backyard include:

Cooking/grilling (outdoor kitchen)
Dining
Entertaining
Quiet relaxation
Kids play area
Water feature
Fire pit

Invest in Eye-Catching Yet Functional Outdoor Furniture

You and your guests need a place to sit and relax, which means outdoor furniture is a necessity. But there’s no need to focus only on function, as outdoor furniture can also set a statement. Just imagine what a set of beautiful sun loungers could do in terms of outdoor furniture. It would infuse a sense of elegance and luxury. If you like more casual design touches, then a simple wooden garden bench could be perfect.

Picking out furniture is a personal journey, as each homeowner has a different sense of style and needs. Just be sure the pieces you pick flow together and make sense in the yard.

Greenery and Gardens Act as Décor

When designing indoor spaces it’s the décor that pulls the room together. The same can be said for your backyard design, but in this case, the greenery will act as the décor. Planting flowers and trees give a sense of nature and ambiance. If you don’t have enough space to plant a garden, you can always use oversize planters for a pop of color.

Create a Sense of Privacy in Your Backyard

The final tip in elevating the design of your backyard is to create a sense of privacy. Privacy ensures the space feels like yours alone without neighbors being able to peer in.

Some of the best ways to create a sense of privacy in the backyard include: