Have you always wanted to transform your backyard into a secret garden? Do you want to build your own outdoor paradise? Building an outdoor haven in your backyard may sound challenging and expensive, but it is not. As long as you know what you want, you’ll be able to turn your backyard into a beautiful and relaxing refuge.

Before you start transforming your backyard, you should first clean it and remove all clutter. If you’ve been using the space to store some of your things, or if it is littered with children’s toys and scattered outdoor furniture, it’s time to start clearing the area. Once it is spic and span, you can begin your transformation project. 

Here are some suggestions on what to do to turn your backyard or patio into a relaxing outdoor haven. 

Weather-proof your backyard or patio  

Regardless of its size, your backyard should be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. To start off, set up a roofed area or a patio as this can help protect you from unpredictable weather. Next, use customized misting systems for the hot days, and build a small fire pit that you can use during the cold and wintry months.

There’s nothing more relaxing than a backyard that’s cool in the summer and comfortably warm in winter. 

Choose a theme for your backyard makeover 

Working with a theme for your backyard makeover project will help make things easier and more fun. It is also a good strategy for achieving creative unity and bringing all elements together in an open space.

Likewise, if you anchor your concept and design around a theme, you just might turn your backyard into a mini-resort. That sounds like a good idea, don’t you think so? 

Choose a theme that you are familiar with, something that is doable. Some good examples include beach vibe, barbecue station, a tropical island, mountain lodge-inspired, and Bali or Mediterranean-inspired. 

Use the right outdoor furniture

You cannot use your living room couch for your backyard patio, so you need to find furniture built to withstand unpredictable outdoor elements. It’s important to consider comfort as well, so look for chairs that allow you to relax. You can go for lounging chairs, chaise lounges, swing chairs, and a deep seating set. You might also want to set up a hammock. 

Arrange your patio and make it inviting and relaxing. Place an outdoor rug or carpet and fill it with large soft cushions or bean bags. 

Putting a table or two is also a good idea, especially if you plan to entertain guests or hold gatherings with family and friends. Get your creative juices flowing and decorate the table. You can paint it with dainty flowers or whatever you want. If painting is not your cup of tea, you can cover it with a colorful or festive tablecloth.

You may also consider putting a daybed, where you can relax and read a book after a hard day’s work. Don’t forget to add fluffy, cottony soft pillows.

Add water and fire features 

Water refreshes the soul, soothes and calms the mind, and helps you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Find an area where you can place a small fountain. You do not have to spend a lot; simply look for materials you can reuse, such as old (but still sturdy) wooden barrels. 

If a water fountain is too big for your space, then maybe you can go for a birdbath or a tabletop fountain. You can also place an aquarium somewhere on your patio, but you need to be willing to take care of it the whole year ‘round. 

If your backyard space is big, you may want to consider installing a regular-sized swimming pool or a stock tank pool. You can accentuate the area with lounging chairs and a barbecue corner. Can you imagine yourself relaxing by the poolside now? 

Aside from water elements, your backyard also needs some fire – or heat. Once the cold days start rolling in, your fire pit will help keep you and your family warm. You may also want to consider getting a patio heater for those cold, wintry nights. If you want a safer alternative, choose to use a chiminea - a front-loading oven or an outdoor fireplace that releases smoke the same way a chimney does. 

Don’t forget the lights 

Light up your backyard with outdoor lights. If you want to be creative and festive, use string lights. You can hang them all over the place and create a dreamy, magical, and dramatic effect. You can also use lanterns if you want to create a particular mood. 

If you want to be simple but sure, use spotlights or floodlights.   

Protect your privacy 

You wouldn’t want your neighbors spying on you when you’re entertaining guests or relaxing by the pool, would you? This is why you need to put a fence around your property or backyard. If a fence is too expensive or tedious for you, putting up a garden wall is a good alternative.  

Use umbrellas for shade

If you do not have a patio or gazebo, umbrellas can serve as your protection from the sun and other weather-related elements. Set up some umbrellas near your tables and lounging chairs, specifically those near the pool. 

If you want to go all out in providing shade for you, your family, and visitors, find the time and budget to build a patio or gazebo. It’s a practical and sensible choice, especially when the harsh summer sun and winter winds start hounding you.

Decorate your patio and backyard 

Put décor and accents all around your patio and backyard. Plants and flowers are always excellent choices, so you can start with these.

If you’re worried about plants taking up a lot of space, you can opt for tiered planters since they do not use up a lot of ground space. You can also choose to make terrariums or glass gardens. They are easy to manage as they are self-sustaining and work like a mini greenhouse. 

For something unique and creative, you can put up a potting corner. Nothing fancy; just an outdoor table with pots, seeds, plants, and other stuff you need for potting and growing plants. This is perfect if you love plants and plan to host plant potting parties in the future. 

Hire a landscape artist 

Getting your backyard or garden landscaped is also a good idea. A landscaped backyard is not only pleasant to look at but also calming and rejuvenating. Just imagine all the beautiful greens and flowers surrounding you and how breathtaking such a sight would be. 

Make your backyard child-friendly 

Whether or not you have children at home, it is crucial to ensure that your backyard is safe and child-friendly. You’ll never know when your nephews and nieces will drop by or when the neighborhood kids are going to visit you, so it’s better to be prepared. 

Add a few play structures and fun features such as kiddie slides and swings. A child-friendly picnic table is also a good backyard addition.

You do not have to spend a lot to transform your backyard into a relaxing haven. All you need to start the ball rolling are time, determination, a little help from family and friends, and the tips listed above. 

Guest Contributor: Anna Fox