Small backyard retreat ideas
Backyard ideas on a budget: Create an outdoor retreat for less
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(Image credit: Grit and Polish)
Are you searching for backyard ideas on a budget? You are not alone. For anyone who lives in a metropolitan flat or tiny cottage, a backyard seems like a luxury – one that requires time, energy, and, above all else, money to maintain.
But, while an outdoor space is a great bonus to any beautiful home, it doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune.
Need proof? Have a look at these innovative yet cheap backyard ideas, all of which are beautiful too. Turns out, all you really need to have a gorgeous garden space is time, elbow grease and some creativity.
Backyard ideas on a budget
Our beautiful but cheap backyard ideas will inspire you to update your space and create your ideal outdoor retreat, whatever your style and budget.
1. Create a vegetable garden
(Image credit: Rocky Hedge Farm)
If you’re looking for a budget-conscious backyard idea that will also allow you to save money on your grocery bill, consider adding some raised garden beds to your space.
The beauty of raised beds is that they can be tailored to your specific size requirements, meaning that a vegetable garden can be fitted into even awkwardly shaped spaces and easily integrated into small backyard ideas.
Sarah Blankenship, the blogger behind Rocky Hedge Farm , created several in her yard with a few wooden planks. Once you’ve constructed the raised beds, fill each one with soil and seeds for a homemade vegetable garden.
2. Add an arbor
(Image credit: Farmhouse on Boone)
Another way to dress up your backyard is with an arbor, perhaps incorporated into your garden fence ideas like in this yard's design. This garden detail can add a whimsical charm to your garden, plus it might discourage critters and nosy neighbors from infiltrating your space.
An arbor might look like a fancy feature, but Lisa Bass from Farmhouse on Boone proves it can be an affordable undertaking. Once you invest in a drill and saw, all you need is some planks of wood, screws, and a fresh coat of paint.
3. Add interest to your patio – on a budget
(Image credit: Hayley Stuart )
Whether you’re curling up with a good book, enjoying a meal al fresco, or simply admiring your garden, a patio never fails to offer an excellent vantage point. But, if you're looking for some fresh patio ideas, consider stenciling a cool design on the floor.
Not only is this an easy project that can be completed in a weekend, but it can also be done for a fair, affordable price. Let blogger Hayley Stuart show you how it’s done.
4. Build your deck from the ground up
(Image credit: I Spy DIY )
Or, if you don’t have a deck or patio in your backyard, you can always build one from scratch.
Admittedly, this budget-friendly backyard requires time and a close attention to detail.
In fact, levelling a sloped backyard can take a few days. But, as this final product from home decor blog I Spy DIY proves, the results are so worth it.
5. Give your small garden the textured treatment
(Image credit: The Grit and Polish)
Want to make a patio from scratch, but not willing to put in that much elbow grease? This patio refresh from the Grit and Polish offers the best of both worlds, making it the perfect backyard idea on a budget.
Here, husband-wife duo Garrett and Cathy used pea gravel to landscape a backyard with visual and textural distinction from the rest of their grassy plot. For a makeshift patio, the couple covered a portion of the gravel with large pavers.
6. Make a splash with a stock pool
(Image credit: Emerson Grey Designs)
Pool ideas offer endless fun and for many they are a backyard staple. However, building a pool can get expensive. If you’re looking to make a splash for less, add a stock pool a la Bri Moysa of Emerson Grey Designs .
The designer accessorized a stock tank with homemade steps, tropical plants, and a fresh coat of black paint to make it feel like an intentional addition to the backyard, not an afterthought.
7. Introduce solar garden lighting
(Image credit: Sugar Maple Notes)
A few strands of twinkling lights are an easy, affordable way to add some style to your backyard. But, unless you have a few trees to hang them from, you might be out of luck.
Fortunately, this idea from Sugar Maple Notes is a good one, creating clever backyard ideas on a budget by using a planter as a base for a post to drape string lights from. Not only aesthetically pleasing, solar garden lighting ideas will also save energy and keep costs down.
'Our DIY planter posts project is so simple, yet makes a big impact in our backyard,' explains blogger Sarah Harmsen. 'The string lights add just the right amount of twinkle to our patio – much needed for summer evenings on the porch.'
8.
Set up a spot for outdoor lounging – and garden shade(Image credit: Future)
A cooling spot for relaxing, entertaining or designed purely as a retreat will make your backyard a joy to use all day long. Think about a planning a shade garden that includes multi-sensory experiences of sight, sound and scent – all that's needed is some draping fabric, wooden posts and a bit of creativity.
If your budget allows, invest in a small pond or water fountain. The trickling water will feel cooling and add a relaxing soundscape to your sensory garden.
9. Enhance a sense of garden privacy
(Image credit: Diana Elizabeth)
For a backyard ideas on a budget that are both affordable and space-efficient, consider decking out your privacy fence.
'Because of the small footprint, we decided to use vertical garden ideas – and add plants in unique vessels on the fences,' explains Penny D. Francis, designer and owner of Eclectic Home .
'Half -round brass wall vessels were perfect for the succulents.
We created a planter made from white oak that extended the length of the fence that also doubled as a bench for guests.'
The result? A small yard that doesn’t sacrifice style.
10. Defy gravity with a trellis
(Image credit: Eclectic Home)
Speaking of your privacy fence, you can also spruce up often overlooked fence or garden walls with a DIY trellis.
Blogger Diana Elizabeth used floral wire to create a diamond-shaped trellis on her wall, allowing her jasmine plants to reach new heights. It’s a budget-conscious idea that can appeal to all of the senses.
Kelsey Mulvey is a New York-born, San Francisco-based freelance journalist who covers lifestyle and design content. She started her writing career while studying magazine journalism at Boston University, where her work was syndicated by top digital publications like USA Today and MSN. Upon graduation, Kelsey covered lifestyle content The Wall Street Journal, Off Duty and Business Insider.
In 2017, Kelsey started her freelance journalism career, where she contributes to design publications like AD PRO, Elle Decor, Wallpaper*, and more. W
Ideas for Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard a Relaxing Retreat
ByJennifer
There’s nothing like being able to head home at the end of the day and have a relaxing place to unwind. Even if you can’t go far from home you can turn your outdoor place into a personal oasis. Check out these ideas for easy ways to make your backyard a relaxing retreat !
Make a relaxing backyard retreat by bringing in lots of greenery with either landscaping foliage and/or potted plants.
Even if you have a smaller patio or deck area, potted plants can add ambiance and the feeling of nature. Plants at staggered heights in shade areas such as pots of ferns, figs and tropical plants , and for areas with more sun exposure banana trees and bird of paradise make great container plants that well in the summer heat.
Hedges such as arbor vitae can create privacy and green backdrop.
Add furnishings that feel more like the indoors, but can hold up to the seasonal weather.
Outdoor furniture and decor now has a more refined feel than a few years ago. By adding rugs that look more like indoor area rugs, throw pillows with patterns that don’t scream “back deck” and even outdoor lamps that look more like indoor lamps (solar powered!) give a more “cozy” feel than decor that looks like it was made to sit outside. Adding patio furniture that feels more like furniture with nice cushions instead of plastic lawn chairs is not only more comfortable to sit on, but looks more aesthetically pleasing.
Adding a gazebo, awning, pergola, patio umbrella or overhead covering to the outside lounge area creates a false ceiling and makes for a cozier and more enclosed outdoor living room.
Overhead elements such as DIY lanterns and chandeliers create more of a relaxing outdoor space feeling and add interest.
Adding privacy to your backyard can also make it feel more like a private oasis, especially if you have a hot tub. Build a DIY outdoor privacy panel or even a standing wood panel to hide ugly eyesores.
A panel or even a trellis can also add interest and a place to add more plants such as these staghorn fern plaques.
Create moments of private seating with egg chairs, hammocks or porch swings. This creates the perfect place guests (or your family!) can go to take a break from the busy-ness of the day and relax. Add pea gravel for a relaxing and zen-like crunch to your landscaping.
Mood lighting such as solar powered lanterns, string lights, or even solar powered chandeliers can make the outdoors feel like a resort in your own backyard and let you stay outside to enjoy the season even longer.
Adding features such as a fountain, fire pit, or even water feature such as a small pond can add to the resort-like outdoor feel.
Even a small fountain with the sound of running water can be relaxing and help to mask distracting noise such as traffic or noisy neighbors.I hope these tips for creating and outdoor living space can make your backyard your new favorite vacation spot this Summer!
Top 11 backyard seating ideas • inTrends
You look out the window at your backyard and want something better. It's small, but you're determined to turn it into a livable place. Maybe you could convert it into an outdoor living room. Or do you like a summer kitchen.
A small patio can still serve you well despite the lack of square meters. You just need to reduce the size of the furniture and find the right design. So why not check out these fun small patio ideas in your backyard and do something about your boring patio?
Inexpensive Backyard Ideas
You don't need to hire a contractor to remodel your little patio. Do a DIY project and make an inexpensive patio renovation. Even with minimal investment, you can enjoy beautiful outdoor space.
If your patio is covered with concrete, try another cover on top. Artificial grass will look lush green all year round, hide ugly concrete, and create a comfortable base for your outdoor living space. Other popular ideas for a small seating area are to paint concrete or lay tiles. Then lay down an outdoor rug to give the space a living room feel.
If you don't have concrete, try using fine gravel. You can cut the grass, level the ground, lay the landscape underlay, and then lay the gravel. It is simple, modern and easy to maintain.
Backyard Gazebo Ideas
Just because you have a small patio doesn't mean the sun isn't bad when you're there. If you're avoiding using your backyard for lack of shade or cover, then why not build a gazebo? Then you will have a covered patio that you can enjoy all year round.
Pergolas are popular in backyard patio ideas because they can be scaled to suit the space. For a small patio, you will need a simple structure that you can assemble yourself.
There are simple ones made of wood. Others are more elegant and use metal, composite materials and concrete.
You can even make the top of the pergola movable to change the angle, to protect from bright direct rays as the sun moves across the sky.
Easy backyard seating ideas
Having a small patio means you have to go out of your way to create a beautiful space. A few ideas for an outdoor patio in the form of a selection of furniture, plants and decor will do. They will make a small patio look overly stylish, but to some it will seem sloppy and cluttered. Take a look at the suggested over-the-top and meticulously manicured patios and pick out some simpler but more suitable ideas for you. Place some potted plants around the coffee table and set up a couple of chairs.
Or place two armchairs opposite each other with a coffee table in the middle. For a tiny patio, mount a fold-out table into the wall and arrange four bar stools around it. So you will have a bar counter.
Backyard Lounge Furniture
When choosing your outdoor furniture, be mindful of the space. Resize as needed so they don't clutter up the patio. You should be able to move freely around your living room. Look for furniture with a more open design and legs. They will make the space more open and airy.
Use the same principle for potted plants. Resize the pots according to the space you plan to place them in. Instead of opting for bulky and wide planters, opt for something tall and narrow. They take up less space and also visually increase the height, which is good for your patio.
Modern ideas for a small backyard seating area
A modern approach to a small backyard turns it into a useful area. You can simply upgrade your BBQ grill or build an entire summer kitchen. Then you can cook, eat and relax without having to go inside the house. This backyard design will require plumbing and electricity in the home.
Another option is to create a quiet backyard garden.
Your little backyard will be your mental retreat from the stresses of the world. Plant tall trees, bushes, and other plants with large leaves. This will muffle the street noise from the side.
Then add smaller colorful plants to attract butterflies and birds. Add a small fountain or pond for relaxing sounds of nature. Complete the space with a small seating area where you can enjoy the atmosphere of relaxation in search of peace of mind and balance.
Hard surface recreation area ideas
Using paving stones, bricks or stone to pave open spaces is not a cheap idea. Fortunately, your patio is small, so it is in your power to improve it with paving stones or bricks, without large financial expenses. You can even choose something more creative, like stone tiles or noble stone.
Try paving stones or stone in different colors and sizes. They are able to give your patio an individual design and visual interest. They will also help the space look more sophisticated and out of the box.
It is best that paving stones or stone are laid by professionals. It is in your best interest that the installation is durable and stable, which means that you will definitely need experience with these materials.
Narrow backyard seating ideas
If your patio is long and narrow, work with the space, don't fight it. Instead of placing a standard table and chairs next to it, look for a long and narrow option. Then build a bench attached to the wall and place chairs on the other side. This approach reduces the width requirements. Another option is to purchase a coffee table and some chairs for it. They are smaller and do not require much space.
Consider hanging a hammock along the length of your patio. It will create the perfect seating area for relaxing with a good book. If a hammock isn't your style, build a long bench along your patio. Place a pillow on it for comfort. You can also make a small fire pit and place chairs around to fill the space.
Small Patio Pools
Just because you have a small patio doesn't mean you can't have a pool or hot tub.
Think about how to place a small-sized pool in it and create a recreation area around it. Your water-filled pool will refresh your family during the hot summer months. Ideal for 1-1.5 meters deep with plenty of built-in seating.
If you don't just have a medium sized patio or a large yard with a full size pool, turn it into an outdoor shower. Install a shower stall outside the house and run water from the house to it. You can add a bamboo screen for privacy, it will make the shower a little more structured.
Fire pit ideas for small backyards
The great thing about fire pits is that they come in a variety of styles and sizes, and you're sure to find the right one for your yard. If you can’t find a suitable option, build your own, inspired by stone patio ideas.
When choosing a fire pit, consider the size. It must fit proportionately into the space. This will allow you to easily move around the patio while lit, and it should also be large enough to provide enough warmth during the colder months.
Think about what kind of fuel it will burn on. Some fire pits are made for wood, others use propane gas. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the type you choose will depend entirely on your preferences.
Backyard Lounge Lighting Ideas
Adding lighting to your small backyard will create a cozy atmosphere and make the space feel special. The light will also allow you to spend more time in the backyard. The setting sun will no longer prevent you from enjoying the outdoors.
The most popular option is to hang garlands. These are electrical cables with large bulbs evenly spaced for even and warm light. Hang them along the fence or hang them from above to illuminate all areas of the territory. The more garlands you add, the more light you will have.
Be sure to buy durable outdoor luminaires. You may also need tall poles dug into the ground to support the lanterns, as the lanterns can be heavy.
Another simple option is to add candles.
They are a great alternative if it is not possible to connect a garland from outside. Place large candlesticks or special lanterns around your small yard to give the area a romantic glow.
Decking ideas for a backyard seating area
Too often a small backyard turns into a mud pit. Don't be discouraged if your yard looks like this. It's hard to maintain a healthy lawn when it's tiny. The solution is to remove all the dry and withering grass and lay down a deck. Since your yard is small, this would be a good idea for an allotment.
Expect to cover most of the space with decking that can accommodate all of your outdoor living space. You can turn it into an outdoor dining area. Or set up a fire pit and arrange a sofa or seating area in an L or U shape around it. This way you have a place that is ideal for entertaining.
For a natural feel, use wood flooring. However, if you are looking for a low maintenance option (and wood tends to age), consider using a composite material.
It's a bit more expensive to install, but with long-term maintenance, you'll save a ton of money. It also comes in a variety of colors, so you can customize the look of your flooring to your liking.
30 creative small yard design ideas
Original and practical ways to organize a small yard. Do not be afraid to combine seemingly incompatible objects, use optical illusion and zoning techniques.
You are sure to find your own, comfortable and amazing design that will bring you pleasure and delight others!
Plan!
The area must not be flat and easily visible. Do not lay straight paths that visually reduce distances.
Plan your yard to include functional areas. Arches, screens, container plants, paving with different materials, terracing will help you zone the site.
Make even a short walk around the site rich in sensations: plant spicy, fragrant plants; a gravel path can rustle pleasantly underfoot; berry bushes will give you the opportunity to eat some delicious berries.
Make paths large enough for two people to walk on.
Organizing storage areas and matching colors
Where do you store your garden tools, children's toys, bike or watering hoses?
Decide where to store these items. Then there will be more free space in the yard, the look will not cling to piles of scattered objects, the feeling of clutter will disappear.
For a smaller yard, limit the color palette to a few soothing shades. For example, white, silver, pearl, sand colors will be a great contrast for plants and yard elements, and will also be clearly visible even at night.
Light colors will visually make the space lighter and more voluminous. Cold shades of blue and gray will visually push the boundaries of the yard.
Dark plants in the background will create an extra depth effect. Your territory will appear larger than it really is.
Using lighting
The level of illumination plays a big role in the perception of the space of the yard. Brightly lit areas immediately catch the eye, shady areas are convenient for secluded resting places hidden from view. Be sure to consider these nuances when planning.
Use artificial lighting, because even at night you can highlight interesting elements or entire areas: a patio, a central path, a bench, a beautiful plant or a flowerpot.
The LED lighting options are sure to please you with their cost-effectiveness and ease of placement. Such a backlight is easy to install and invisible in the daytime.
Flowers and plants
Do not plant a lot of different plants if the area is limited.
Stop for a few spectacular views, trees with a neat, narrow crown.
Place tall (evergreen) plants in the background, in the middle plant low bushes of hydrangeas, roses, astilbes, and in the foreground low-growing petunias, pelargonium, coleus, hosta, geyhera, lobelia.
Use vertical landscaping and use other surfaces with good access for planting and lawns (eg garage roof).
Pay attention to landscaping the yard with moss! With a small area, this method is definitely not to be overlooked. As a result, you will get mega green spaces without any loss in area. Be sure to check out how it works and see for yourself!
Use container plants to quickly change the layout of your yard.
Recreation area
There are many ways to incorporate a barbecue area, hearth or fire pit into a small backyard design. The warmth and glow of such a garden hearth is no less pleasant than from an expensive and large one.
