The COVID-19 pandemic has opened our eyes to the importance of bringing the elements of nature into our home backyards and lawns to create a safe haven for some good old fashioned family fun. There is so much unrealized potential in the spaces outside our homes whether it is our lawn, backyard, terrace or even an unused car park.
Do you find yourself lost or overwhelmed when it comes to furnishing and decorating your backyard?
Whether your backyard is big or small, these ideas will let you enjoy the beaming sun and the starry nights in a relaxing and well-designed space while completely transforming it into the best hangout spot just outside your door.
THE BASICS
There are a few things to consider when designing your outdoor space. Firstly, start with analyzing the amount of space available in your backyard. And secondly, think about the functionality; how do you want to use the space? Do you want the space to be used for entertaining family and friends? Do you want to provide a space for your children to play? Or do you simply want a cozy area to lounge in after a hard day’s work?
Now keeping available space and functionality in mind, you can decide what furniture and décor pieces you need. If you’re looking to entertain, you’d want more dining and seating options and maybe even a barbeque set and a gazebo. If you’re looking to create a place that your kids can enjoy, you would want to include outdoor toys like swing sets, slides or maybe even a trampoline. For a cozy area to lounge in you may want to opt for a comfy cozy swing set or a sofa bed.
CHOOSE A THEME
Once you have a good understanding of the space available and established functionality, you’re all set to decide a theme for your garden. Choosing a theme for your outdoor space is a lot like choosing a theme for your living room. After all, your outdoor space is an extension of your home and the design shouldn’t look starkly different from the décor of your home.
We love channeling an almost vacation like vibe when designing an outdoor space. Who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re on a mini getaway every time they step out into their garden! Mixing and matching furniture pieces, choosing pieces with vibrant colors and designs, going for lush green tropical prints, landscaping or flooring to suit the theme, the options are endless when designing this blank canvas that is your backyard.
Whether you stick to a neutral theme with pops of color, modern, tropical or even bohemian style, choosing a theme would make the goal of a breathtaking backyard a lot easier.
SET THE STAGE
The next step in designing your dream garden is deciding what kind of flooring you’d want in the space. The latest trend (that we’re sure is here to stay) is the grass carpet. Grass carpets add vibrancy to your backyard and make it look livelier. The best part about this is that it will stay forever green without the hassle of watering or fertilizing unlike real grass that’s entirely dependent on weather conditions and good garden maintenance. The landscaping possibilities with grass carpets are endless.
Apart from artificial grass, other flooring options include wood panels, parquet, cement and so much more. We recommend grass flooring as it gives the feeling of a natural green space. The evergreen artificial grass is even great by your backyard pool too as it does not get muddy or messy under wet, straight out of the pool feet.
If you need privacy in the outdoor space, you can opt for either curtained gazebos or creatively use artificial plant hedges to fulfill this purpose.
LIGHT IT UP
It cannot be stressed enough how important lighting is. A backyard can look cozy and relaxing by day but dark and gloomy as the sun goes down if it is not well lit. Using as many outdoor lights wherever necessary can make it more inviting even during late evenings and nights for get-togethers with friends and family. Lighting can also be used creatively to emphasize on the parts of the backyard that you want to highlight.
String lights are always a great addition to any outdoor space. They give a wonderful, whimsical feel to the space while almost acting as ceilings without obstructing your view of the gorgeous starry night.
Lighting is especially essential if you plan on having dinner parties in your backyard. A great option is having a gazebo with a dining set under it and a beautiful chandelier in the center of the gazebo roof providing ample light when eating your meals.
It is also important to have properly lit passage ways when you walk to the backyard from your home. Landscape lights are great for this purpose as it provides visibility while looking absolutely ambient.
Make sure to install proper outdoor lighting in the kids play area as well so as to make sure your kids are safe while they have a good time playing late into the evening specially since the sun sets earlier in the latter half of the year.
SIT, LOUNGE, SWAY OR DINE
Whether you’re playing the host to grand garden parties or laying back and enjoying the weather outdoor on your own, you will need seating options that make the outdoor space functional. Here’s a list of different furniture options to suit different purposes:
For garden parties: When it comes to garden parties, the more seating, the better! We recommend our Ajanta all in one Gazebo set that can seat up to 14 people at a time and provides spaces for dining, swinging and just having the best time in your backyard. If you have a smaller backyard space, invest in multifunctional furniture that serves more than one function. An outdoor sofa set that doubles up as a dining set is great for smaller spaces. You can enhance the look of the space with string lights that form a tent pattern above the dining area. If you want shade from the sun but do not want a covered gazebo, pergolas and parasols are a great option. With parasols or umbrellas, you can open and close the canopy as per your requirement.
For a relaxed me-time: When it comes to relaxing and unwinding outdoor, the best option is a sofa bed for lazy lounging. Swings are also a great addition to the space that offer a delightful sitting and swaying experience while enhancing the overall look of your outdoor space. Swings are also a great way to keep any children in the household entertained as well. Completing the look of the space with outdoor rugs is a great way to add charm and make the space more warm and inviting.
Backyard pool lounging: When it comes to seating options by the pool, you’ll want to look at fabric upholstery that is waterproof. Check out the Aura lounger that’s cushioned for comfort and reclines for a happy sunbathing experience.
THE ENTERTAINMENT ZONE
Apart from outdoor dining sets that make a statement while providing ample seating, you will need an entertainment zone that allows you to play the role of the perfect host. Check out our Kelly Bar and Grill counter that’s perfect for any backyard entertainment area. We’re sure you’ll be inspired to concoct some wicked cocktails and mocktails in this space.
A garden party is incomplete without Barbeque which is why the next thing on our list is a Barbeque set that will allow you to create the best steaks and grills ever! Go for our Magneto Barbeque station if you love making tasty barbequed chicken, meat or vegan delicacies for your friends or family.
An entertainment zone must offer uninterrupted music too! Opt for a sofa cum dining set that comes with a power socket to plug in your Bluetooth speakers or phones and keep playing that funky beat that will set the perfect garden party ambience. We’re sure this entertainment zone is going to make your backyard the go-to hangout spot in town!
ADDING THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Adding garden ornaments is important to enhance the look of your garden. These little details are what elevates the mood of the space and makes it more charming and inviting. While garden gnomes have been around decorating outdoor spaces from a very long time, it is time they move over and make way for more creative alternatives like honey bee statues and cutesy little frogs some of which double up as additional lighting too.
Fountains are also a great option as they would effortlessly add sophistication to your backyard and add a touch of whimsical charm to the space. Fountains don’t have to be an expensive purchase that would break your bank. There are plenty of budget friendly alternatives that would be just as beautiful in your outdoor space. They are also found in various styles to match just about any décor style.
SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS
Adding kids play equipment like swing sets, slides or trampolines is the perfect way to encourage kids to move away from their screens and get out and play. Such spaces help kids enjoy the outdoor and get some much needed Vitamin D while providing ample movement that’s good for their physical and mental development.
Playing outside with your kids is a great way to bond with them too. Encourage them to get out of the house and play. Do this and we’re sure you’ll thank us later!
With these tips, you’ll be able to create a backyard garden you’ll never want to part with. Be sure to share images of gardens you’ve created using our products on Instagram and tag us too as we’d love to see it!
Happy backyard decorating!