Ideas for Sprucing Up Your Backyard

When we outfit our backyards to extend living space from our homes, we open up a whole new world of comfort, enjoyment, choice and variety. When planning these modifications, it’s important to plan logically so you end up with something that works for you rather than something that requires too much upkeep and never returns what you were after in the first place.

Doodlebuggers Fireplace, Grill & Outdoor Store of Pensacola, FL, and Destin, FL, would like to share a few ideas that can get you started as you spruce up your backyard.

What’s the purpose?

What will you ultimately use your backyard for? Family relaxation time? Parties? Social events? Active recreation? A botanical sanctuary? All of the above? Get an idea of the finished panorama in your mind at the outset to guide you in your steps.

Backyard entertaining

For a million reasons, backyards can be better party and event venues than living rooms. If you expect to use your backyard this way, consider how to create the necessary space and bring in the right amenities.

• Sections of landscaping can be cleared out to make more room for foot traffic.
• Plan for the amount and type of seating you want for your guests.
• Designate an area for food and drink prep.
• An outdoor fireplace or fire pit can add instant beauty and pizazz to any backyard living space.
• Decide if you want to open up a more convenient exit/entry in your home to the backyard.

Outdoor cooking

These days, you can outfit an outdoor kitchen with essentially the same things you have in your indoor kitchen. Consider:

• Outdoor grill and stovetop
• Full-service oven or pizza oven
• Cold and dry storage bins
• Custom cabinetry
• Countertops and work surfaces
• Refrigerator and freezer
• Sink and dishwasher

Backyard lighting

Pendant lighting, hanging lanterns, globe lights and tasteful track lighting are just a few of the possibilities. It’s good to light your beautiful area, but keep in mind the people who will be using the space, and make sure lighting not only beautifies but also adds to safety, usability and comfort.

Space coverings

Will you be using your backyard living area during inclement weather? With some partial roofs and awnings, along with a screened- or glassed-in space, you’ll be good to go most days of the year.

Functional vs. natural space

You probably don’t want your entire backyard space to be jam-packed with . . . stuff everywhere you look. Likely, you want a balance between functional space and natural space. Think about space designation, and consider consulting a landscaper or exterior design pro for ideas.

Landscaping

Speaking of landscaping, a backyard spruce-up is a good time to revitalize your landscaping. This can include planting new shrubs and flowers, laying down durable sod, adding a few trees, or removing some of the current landscaping.

Maintenance considerations

Maintenance of a backyard renovation is an easy aspect to overlook. You can dream and build a fantastic outdoor living area, but how much of what you build will need cleaning, repairing, trimming, moving and other maintenance work?

Don’t spruce up your backyard only to end up with a part-time job you’re not ready to handle.

Your backyard, your way

There are no “rules” for designing a backyard living area – you make your own rules as you go. Create the outdoor space you always dreamed of! We hope the tips shared here will help you end up with exactly what you were looking for.

Need help creating the perfect backyard environment? Reach a Doodlebuggers outdoor living expert today at (850) 477-1151 in Pensacola, FL, or at (850) 243-0154 in the Destin, FL, area. You can also get in touch with our handy contact form.