From Basic to Breathtaking: Outdoor Living Upgrades Elevate Personal Enjoyment, Resale Value
Who says the outdoors can’t be stylish? We tend to treat these spaces as just useful backyards. But with a few easy upgrades, outdoor living spaces can become an attractive outdoor living area that fits right in with the rest of your home. We’ll walk you through innovative design ideas for your outdoor living spaces. Nothing too over-the-top, just simple, achievable ways to give your outdoors an aesthetic makeover. By the end, you’ll have an organized, put-together outdoor space you’ll actually want to keep the doors open and enjoy. Let’s get that outdoors into shape!
“Your outdoor living spaces should be so much more than just a place to park cars and walkways,” says Paul Dashevsky, Co-CEO of GreatBuildz—a free online home repair/renovation contractor matching and repair/remodel advisory platform. “With some imagination and the right renovations, it can become a stylish extension of your home’s living spaces.”
According to Dashevsky, the below reflect high-impact ways to maximize your backyard potential while maintaining an attractive living space aesthetic—all while boosting a property’s resale value:
Bold Colors
Refresh outdoor furniture and fabrics with bold, saturated colors like bright yellows, oranges, or turquoise instead of muted tones. It adds a fun, lively pop. Using weather-resistant cushions and pillows ensures longevity. You can repeat the vibrant hues across umbrellas, outdoor rugs, planters, and decorative accents for a cohesive look.
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting setup determines the mood and aesthetic of your outdoor areas at night. From sweet romantic date night lights to party lights and a bright family dinner to dim movie night lights, customize your outdoor lighting for whatever you have in mind. The best part is that you can DIY most lighting projects. With string lights available on Amazon, you can light up the trees, fences, and even the walls of your homes. Meanwhile, lantern lights and Mason jars set on pillars, posts, and tables add an extra class. Stake lights are another brilliant option for nestling amongst shrubs, planters, window boxes, or even illuminating the pathway. Since you’re lighting up outdoors, you can also use solar-powered lights to save on energy bills. Simply set them up in sunny spots to allow full-day charging, and as the evening falls, they’ll automatically brighten up your home.
Water Features
A water element adds delightful charm to any outdoor space, offering a sense of tranquility and visual interest. Even if you’re limited by space or budget and can’t install a full swimming pool, there are many budget-friendly water features that can beautifully enhance your yard. Options like a small wildlife pond, a decorative water bowl, garden pools, a classic birdbath, a water feature sculpture, or even a tiny waterfall can bring serenity and style to your landscape. One of the easiest and most affordable choices is a simple fountain that mimics the soothing sounds of a waterfall. Just be sure to have an electrical outlet available for the water pump and a spigot nearby to replenish water lost to evaporation. When adding a water feature, consider the size and location best suited to your yard. A smaller yard might benefit from a compact fountain, while larger spaces can handle more elaborate ponds or waterfalls. With the right placement, a water feature can be a soothing element that enhances the overall feel of your garden.
Outdoor Cinema
Entertaining outdoors wouldn’t be the same without a DIY cinema in your garden. Again, if you’ve decided to set a timber frame in the backyard for the kitchen, dedicate a corner for outdoor cinemas. However, if not, look for a slightly tucked-away area–ideally sheltered from the wind–with just a little investment; you can transform it into your cozy theater. All you need is a projector screen, projector, and speakers. A few cost-effective solutions are draping a white bedsheet on the wall or hanging it on a wishing line with pegs. Just ensure that you invest in a projector with at least 3000 lumens. Next, add a comfortable seating area with outdoor furnishing, set the scene with mood lighting, and you are set for movie nights. In the colder seasons, add a fire element, like a fireplace or even a space heater, to enjoy the movies unhindered.
Mirror Magic
Mirrors are blessed with the secret power to make any outdoor space feel bigger and brighter. Strategically using it in your outdoor space will add a magical dimension–whether it’s a small patio or a vast green garden. Choose a weatherproof mirror. Seal the glass to block out moisture and condensation, paint the frame, apply a final coat to ensure durability, and allow it to dry thoroughly. When the mirror is ready, place it in your outdoor space. You can balance the mirror with outdoor furniture, add a pond mirror to your garden, or even construct your own DIY mirror with natural wood finishing to add your unique and personal touch.
Fun Game Tables
Outdoor Hangout Ping Pong Table Gaming tables are an outstanding addition to a backyard, especially for friends and family who like to compete and have fun. Putting a pool table outside gives everybody room for their sticks instead of a room indoors where they may feel cramped. Table tennis or ping pong is another superb gaming table to put outside. Giving space for the players will help them be safe and prevent paddles or balls from hitting someone in the face.
Lively Outdoor Bar
Ultimate Backyard Hangout Outdoor Bar In addition to gaming tables, an outdoor bar is perfect for setting up a social atmosphere your friends will enjoy. Crafting your bar allows you to set up your home’s tavern however you’d like. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you could have an outdoor wine cooler to keep your bottles at your preferred temperature. Whiskey barrels can provide great aesthetics and serve as stools or a base for tables. Your outdoor bar can also contribute to extra seating for all the guests.
Central Hangout
When planning furniture layouts, designate one area as the main gathering space or hangout spot. This could be arranged seating around a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen with bar seating. It helps encourage socializing. Add games like corn hole for entertainment. You may want to define this space with an overhead pergola or use landscaping borders to distinguish it from other areas. A unique water feature can also become the central focal point.
Fire Pit
Add a fire pit area using durable materials like brick or stone to safely contain the fire. You can arrange seating around it to enjoy the warmth and ambiance in the evenings. A gas starter makes it easy to light. For extra flair, consider decorative glass chips or masonry designs built right into the fire pit. It creates a glowing focal point in your outdoor room.
Pizza Ovens
While the classic barbecue remains a staple of outdoor cooking, introducing new culinary elements can elevate your outdoor kitchen experience. A traditional wood-fired pizza oven is one such addition that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Nothing beats the smell of a freshly baked pizza wafting through your backyard. A wood-fired pizza oven brings an authentic touch to your outdoor kitchen and opens up a world of new cooking possibilities. The true beauty of a wood-fired oven lies in its simplicity and efficiency. The dome-shaped structure radiates intense heat, cooking pizzas evenly and quickly. This method ensures that your pizzas are full of rich, smoky flavor and have the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Plus, the high heat means you can churn out pizzas in minutes, making it ideal for entertaining large groups. Another advantage of a wood-fired oven is the low maintenance. Unlike a barbecue, there’s no need to worry about cleaning out greasy residue from the oven’s interior. The high temperatures burn off any food remnants, leaving the oven ready for its next use with minimal effort on your part.
Outdoor Kitchen
In America, 57.2% of people over 15 spend time preparing food and drink in the kitchen on an average day – so you may as well do it outside, right? There’s something truly magical about cooking and dining al fresco. An outdoor kitchen isn’t just a trendy addition to your home—it’s a way to embrace the beauty of the outdoors fully, capitalize on sunny days, and create a space that serves as a functional cooking area and a relaxing haven for family and friends. At a minimum, you’ll want a high-quality grill. But you can also add countertop spaces, an outdoor refrigerator, a sink, and cabinetry to have a full kitchen setup outside. An overhead fan and patio heaters extend the usage season. You can incorporate fun accessories like a brick pizza oven, beverage cooler, or garnish planters, too.
Backyard Swings
Some gravel patio, natural wood fencing, drought-resistant plants, and a cozy swing or hammock–and you’ve built yourself a nice European outdoor space. This will become the ideal place to relax, recharge, and, best of all, feel like a tropical vacation in your home. Include swings or hammocks in your outdoor space. You can add them to your backyard, patio, garden, or outdoor shed. And on the days you feel less creative, let them help you recharge that creativity and productivity.
Outdoor Shower
Thanks to celebrities and popular architects, outdoor showers are having a moment this year as a major remodeling trend. They’re practical outdoor remodeling projects that serve multiple purposes and add unique designs to traditional neighborhoods. You could use your shower to rinse off after swimming in your pool or mowing your lawn. Wash your dog in your outdoor shower to minimize the inevitable indoor mess. They’re also great additions to coastal rental homes for guests who frequently jump into the waves. If you’re considering an outdoor shower, remember to select features like water-resistant tiles to make it last longer. It should also have complete privacy from any neighbors and drainage that directs water away from your home’s foundation.
Garden Gallery
Incorporate lush gardens by planting flower beds, trees, landscaped shrubbery, and even vegetable patches if desired. This greenery enhances the natural feel of your outdoor space. Low-voltage lighting along paths can make gardens inviting at night too. You can create distinct garden “rooms” using hedges, arbors, or sculptural elements as dividers. Different shades and sizes of plants add life to outdoor spaces like nothing else, offering an inexpensive way to uplift your home’s exterior with vibrant color and natural energy. If you’ve always wanted a touch of nature around you, a garden gallery can be both beautiful and manageable. For instance, you can plant up hanging baskets with colorful flowers like fuchsias or petunias. Fill your flowerbeds with low-effort perennials such as Astrantia, Geums, and hardy geraniums, which can be divided and spread over time. If you’re leaning toward growing your own food, sow seeds for easy vegetables like carrots, radishes, beetroot, and turnips. To enhance your lawn, consider using slender fescue seeds, known for their low upkeep. And if you’re up for a slightly more involved project, start an eco-friendly vegetable patch—just be prepared to section off the garden and prepare the soil, especially if you’re planting more demanding crops like lentils or soy.
Privacy Screen
Creating a cozy and private oasis in your outdoor area is not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling secure in your own space, especially if your neighbors are nearby. A well-designed privacy screen can offer this sense of security while enhancing your space’s overall aesthetic. Shrubs, hedges, trees and other greenery is always a beautiful choice for a nature-based approach. Incorporating a stacked stone wall panel is another effective way to achieve privacy. A timber screen is one practical option that can add warmth and natural beauty to the space. Combining stone and timber can create a balanced and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxed outdoor relaxing and entertaining.
Retractable Walls
Consider installing large retractable glass walls or garage door systems that can open to unite your indoor and outdoor living spaces when desired. These garage doors made of glass panels allow you to seamlessly blend the two areas. When raised, the garage door walls create an open-air transition between inside and out. It blurs the line between interior and exterior spaces seamlessly. Motorized systems make it effortless to operate.
Gorgeous Gazebo
Relaxing Backyard Gazebo An excellent way to add value and aesthetic appeal to your home is to invest in a gazebo. These structures are multi-functional and highly customizable. Add tables and chairs to create a wonderful atmosphere for dining in the warm fall evenings. You could put a hot tub in the middle of the gazebo to shelter it from bad weather and create an intimate atmosphere for your jacuzzi time. Or, add hammocks and couches for a comfortable place to rest while reading a book and taking in the smells of nature.
Deck or Patio
Start by adding a deck or patio right outside your doors. A deck is an elevated wooden platform that gives you more space for outdoor living. A patio is a flat, paved area on the ground, perhaps using concrete, brick, or stone. Either creates a nice, defined zone for outdoor furniture and activities. You can further enhance these spaces with potted plants, an outdoor rug, or a pergola covering for shade. Consider built-in seating or planter boxes along the perimeter. Lighting can be used after sunset.
Porch or Sunroom
Extend your living area with a porch or sunroom. A porch has a room but remains open-air on the sides. It provides shades while still allowing breezes through. A sunroom is enclosed with glass walls and windows to bring in light while controlling the interior temperature. Comfy furniture and fans can make these areas quite inviting. Add a porch swing or weather-resistant curtains in the sunroom for extra coziness.
Pool House
If you have a swimming pool, a pool house makes it much more convenient. This separate structure near the pool can include a bathroom, changing rooms, seating area, and storage for pool supplies. You might also install a small kitchenette or an outdoor shower for rinsing. Some pool houses even have accessories like a wet bar or TV lounge area to make it a complete outdoor living space.
“In reimagining your outdoor living spaces, remember that style and functionality can beautifully coexist,” notes Dashevsky. “With these simple yet transformative tips on ways to upgrade your backyard’s aesthetics and functionality, you can elevate your backyard into a stylish, cohesive extension of your indoor living areas—a vibrant hub for relaxation and social gatherings. In doing so, you’ll create a remarkable space that will give you more personal enjoyment, impress your guests and motivate potential homebuyers…and increase your property value, too. It’s a win-win all around.”
~~~
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all B2B and B2C categories. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List.” As a prolific business and consumer trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme—also delving into the minds behind the brands. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
All images “Courtesy of www.GreatBuildz.com“
