Spending time outside is one of the best ways to boost your mood and energy levels. When you’re outdoors, you get the fresh air your body needs to circulate oxygen through your blood, which automatically makes you feel good. The more time you spend outside, the happier, healthier, and more connected you’ll feel to nature, but it can also make your parties and get-togethers more fun.
The only roadblock is having a boring or uncomfortable backyard. If that’s your situation, you’re less likely to use it, but with a little time and money, you can create a place where you, your family, and your friends will want to hang out, relax, and have fun. If you’re ready to turn your backyard into the best “room” in your house, try these ideas.
Get an outdoor kitchen
The number one thing that will bring people together in your backyard is food. If you don’t yet have a barbecue grill or any way to cook food outside, start there. A reliable gas or charcoal grill is the heart of any outdoor kitchen, but before you choose one, make sure you understand the pros and cons. For instance, propane can be easily refilled, but charcoal gives food a better flavor.
To build a decent outdoor kitchen, once you have a grill, consider adding a small countertop or cart for preparing food so you don’t need to run back into the house. And of course, don’t forget the mini-fridge or cooler to keep cold drinks on hand for your guests.
Create a dining area
Whether or not you cook meals outside, your backyard will be more enjoyable with a dining area. With a basic table and chairs, you can eat breakfast outside in the morning before work, or eat your dinner under the stars. When you have guests over, you’ll have a cozy spot to gather and connect with each other. Decorating the area with string lights and other décor will make it feel even more inviting.
Ideally, your dining area should be located in a warm spot, but in an area that can be shaded if it gets too hot. An umbrella, pergola, or canopy will protect you from too much sun and light rain.
Build a beautiful garden
Growing flowers, herbs, or even a vegetable garden in your backyard will make you want to spend time outside. Nothing beats walking out into your yard and being surrounded by colorful plants. To build your mini-paradise, start with low-maintenance plants, like lavender or sunflowers. Succulents, including sedums, require the least maintenance of all. If you’re starting a vegetable garden, tomatoes and cucumbers are easy to grow. If you want to attract pollinators, plant milkweed and zinnias.
To add to the aesthetic appeal, use raised beds. They not only look good, but they keep weeds away and make gardening easier. They’re expensive if you buy them assembled, so consider building your own raised beds.
Add a fountain
The sound of running water is relaxing and will make your backyard feel like a peaceful retreat. If you’re on a small budget, get a small fountain that plugs into an outdoor outlet. If you have more space, time, and money to spend, create a small pond or waterfall.
Make a play space for kids
If you have kids, create a fun play area for them in the backyard. You’ll all spend more time outside when there’s something fun to do. While a swing set is a play space staple, consider adding other elements, like a sandbox, a ball pit, a soccer net, a basketball hoop, or a mini obstacle course.
Build your Zen space
Your backyard is perfect for creating a peaceful spot where you can relax, breathe, read, or think. Hang a hammock between two trees or on a stand to create the ultimate nap spot, place a comfy chair or cushion in a corner for meditation, put up some wind chimes, and surround yourself with soft plants, like ferns.
Build an outdoor theater
Movie nights are so much better under the stars, and an outdoor theater can make this a reality for you. All you need is a projector, a screen, and comfortable seating. If you don’t get too fancy, building an outdoor theater is more affordable than you may think.
Turn your backyard into your favorite spot
Your backyard has the potential to be so much more than just a bunch of grass and cement surrounded by a fence. With a little creativity, you can build a cozy, fun space that you and your guests will thoroughly enjoy.
