Have you always dreamt of having a fabulous backyard retreat of your own? Click here for help designing the backyard retreat you’ve always wanted!
A backyard should feel as cozy as the interior of your home. It should be a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – a place to kick back your feet and enjoy nature. Of course, this is often not the case.
Read on to learn how to design the ultimate backyard retreat!
Perennial Plants
It’s important to think about what type of long-term commitment you can make while designing your backyard. You may find it tempting to choose an assortment of bright, seasonal flowers, but they may require levels of care that you aren’t equipped for.
Focus on low-maintenance landscaping that will survive the seasons!
Perennial means “through the years,” and this is true for these hardy plants. They can survive for up to three years. Herbaceous perennials are non-woody plants that grow and bloom throughout the spring and summer.
Moreover, perennials require minimal upkeep compared to annual and biennial plants.
Considering all these things, having a perennial flower garden in your backyard can be an excellent idea.
There are some perennial flower garden ideas that you may want to consider for your backyard retreat. For example, you can arrange the plants by height or play around with contrasting colors to come up with a dynamic color combination. If you want maximum visual appeal for your backyard garden, create a mix of cool and warm colors of perennial plants.
Also, if you want to add balance and flexibility to your flower garden, consider planting in containers. You can use colored pots to make your garden more colorful and attractive
Pathways & Decks
Garden paths, walkways, and decks help structure your backyard retreat. Not only are they practical, but they also add a sense of whimsy through curving shapes or unique materials.
Flagstone walkways create a rustic, romantic feel. Once they’re installed, they’re durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Wooden walkways aren’t as difficult to install as flagstone, but they require annual maintenance.
Here are some other pathway and deck material ideas:
- Mulch
- Gravel
- Composite Wood
- Brick
- Spotted Gum Timber
- Pebble Mosaic
- Lounging Areas
Consider using flea market or old recycled furniture to give your backyard some vintage charm. Choose bright slipcovers to add pops of color to your patio, or use neutral colors to make the colorful flowers stand out.
Chaise lounges allow you to sunbathe and create a feeling of luxury, while outdoor daybeds encourage afternoon naps and evening introspection. If you have close clusters of trees, consider hammocks – they’re appealing to both adults and children.
Outdoor sofas and sectionals help bring some of the insides out. They create a focal point for comfortable conversing and sharing a cocktail.
Fire Pits
Fire pits can act as the centerpiece of your backyard. They create a cozy lounging area for warmth or an interesting light feature while entertaining.
Consider using materials that are prevalent throughout your backyard or similar to the exterior of your home for a cohesive look.
Stucco is one of the most affordable options, while stone and brick veneers create a natural and timeless look. You can also cover the outside of your fire pit with tile, but ensure that it’s rated for outdoor use and can withstand high temperatures.
Fill material is as important to the aesthetics of your fire pit and have as many options. Popular materials are lava rock, river rock, and recycled glass. Recycled glass can come in many different colors, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
Shade
If you don’t have many trees in your backyard, having a structure that provides shade throughout the year is important. Not only do you want to keep cool, but staying in the shade also helps safeguard against harmful sunlight.
Fabric is an easy and cost-effective way to provide shade. You can anchor your fabric canopy to deck railings, or drape a moisture-resistant tarp over a slatted ceiling or pergola. Ensure that the fabric you choose is fade resistant so that you don’t need to replace it as often.
Outdoor umbrellas will always be popular and can add some vintage charm to your backyard. Umbrellas of different colors will create a cheery focal point, while neutral umbrellas add elegance.
Pergolas can be as large or small as you desire, either to cover a grilling space or to create a cool nook for lounging areas. Consider adding Wisteria to your pergola for an enchanting, magical feel, and providing some natural shade.
If you’re looking for a more natural shade, the trees, especially a big one, may be an excellent option. For instance, you can build a deck around a big tree in your backyard to provide an adequate amount of shade. It can also help control your home’s temperature during warm months. So, if you think about cutting a large tree down, think twice as it can be used as an amazing shade for your backyard retreat someday.
Play Areas
If you have children, play areas are important to keep them entertained and active. Decide how large your play area will be early on in the designing process so you can ensure there’s enough room.
If you have large trees, keep a space open to hang a backyard tree swing. You can use an old tire for a rustic, country feel, or a board to keep it simple.
Backyard playsets can be as visually appealing as the rest of your backyard retreat. They can be wood, vinyl, and metal.
Most basic playsets come with two swings, a slide, a ladder, and a covered platform or clubhouse.
Just make sure to choose durable and reliable swing set attachments to guarantee it’s safe for you and your family. So, if you’re looking for high-quality and safe swing set accessories, you can check out some online shops to find the best one for your backyard retreat.
On the other hand, you can also add rope ladders, monkey bars, a fireman’s pole, or a rock-climbing wall. If you don’t have the room or budget for a playset, consider sandboxes. After finding an area that’s shady and has good drainage, construction is relatively simple. They can be made of wood, cast concrete curbing, or recycling an old tractor tile for more rustic charm.
Worried about what you’ll do with it once your children outgrow it? Convert it into a raised bed vegetable garden.
Backyard Retreat of Your Dreams
Many elements go into designing a backyard retreat. Narrow down specific features you want to see in your yard, such as play areas, pergolas, and fire pits. Once you have these down, choose decks and pathways. You can add plants at the very end to fill in spaces and add pops of color.
Keep reading our blog for more ideas on how to create the perfect outdoor space!
