In the US, 86% of households may have an outdoor living space, but not everyone knows what to do with it.

A relaxing backyard is a dream for anyone, but it can be a little difficult to know how to accomplish it. When the weather is nice, nothing is better than lounging in a clean, pleasing space outside with a cocktail or a glass of lemonade, but it takes a little bit of work to get there.

Fortunately, by following these tips, you can create an outdoor space to be proud of. Relax with your family or have guests over — the choice is yours!

  1. Get a Privacy Fence

A privacy fence means you don’t have to worry about anyone watching you. If you have neighbors close by, installing a large fence means you can do what you like in the privacy of your own backyard without having to be self-conscious.

Privacy fences are also extremely handy for dog owners, as they’re difficult for the dog to jump over. That means you can have peace of mind while you relax and read your book without worrying about your furbaby escaping.

  1. Have Some Nice Outdoor Lighting

You might think you can just rely on natural lighting outdoors, but this isn’t always true — especially if you plan to spend time out there in the evening when the days are shorter.

Having some nice ambient lighting outdoors can make all the difference to your backyard makeover. String lights are a pretty, effective option, but there’s a lot of lighting to choose from.

Some nice lighting will definitely set a relaxing mood!

  1. Keep Bugs at Bay

Make sure you keep bugs at bay. There’s nothing worse than sitting out in the backyard trying to enjoy some outdoor time and being plagued with bugs.

Keep your trash covered, don’t leave any mess, and try some natural repellants if you’re still struggling with bugs.

Don’t put all that time into a backyard transformation only to have it ruined!

  1. Decorate the Patio

If you have a patio, that’s likely the space you want to concentrate on. Keep it clean and get some outdoor furniture that you and your guests can lounge on.

Backyard furniture comes in a lot of different styles and ranges, so it’s important to choose what you like. Keeping a nice, neutral color scheme and making sure there’s plenty of space for guests to sit means you can’t go wrong.

Just make sure to secure your outdoor furniture whenever there’s extreme weather, if your area is subject to it.

  1. Have Lots of Space

Don’t cram everything you possibly can into your backyard. Leave some space, preferably on the lawn, so there’s still some green around.

If you add too much into the yard then you might find everything just begins to look cluttered and it’s no longer relaxing. It’s easier to add more backyard decor than take it away and return it, so go slow until you feel you’ve hit the right level.

  1. Get Aesthetically Pleasing Plants

Whether they’re real or fake, some plants in the backyard will never go amiss. Have them in the patio or space them around the yard!

You could even plant some small trees, if you’re so inclined. If you’re adding more things to the backyard, nature is always a good idea rather than a plethora of outdoor furniture that will end up looking like too much.

  1. Outdoor Cookware

One of the best things about nice weather is being able to eat out in the yard — and you can also prepare your food there too!

Some people have a simple grill out in the backyard so they can enjoy some finger food when it’s warm out, but you can go all out if you’re so inclined. There are plenty of backyard cooking kits which mean you can prepare whole meals out there.

If you’re a foodie, that might be an idea for you! Your guests will be seriously impressed when you prepare a great meal to eat on your beautiful new patio.

  1. Install a Hot Tub

If you have the money to do it, a hot tub is never a bad idea. When the weather is cold, there’s no better feeling than slipping into some warm water.

They can be enjoyed in any situation. Slip in there alone with a book and have some time to yourself, enjoy some intimate time with a partner, or have fun with a group of friends.

Hot tubs are expensive, but they’re a worthwhile investment if you’re going to use it a lot. If you have the room, why not?

  1. Have a Fire Pit

Not everything in a relaxing backyard has to be expensive. A fire pit can be a great idea.

Instead of slipping into a hot tub, you can sit around a fire as the weather cools down and the nights get longer. Reminisce with friends, or spend some time sitting out there with your spouse and talking.

Fires are extremely atmospheric, and you’ll come away feeling cozy and chilled out. Just remember to follow proper safety protocols!

Your Relaxing Backyard Is Good to Go!

A relaxing backyard can seem like an intimidating task to build from scratch, but think about how worth it the end result will be. By getting some nice outdoor furniture, some plants, and whatever else will make you feel good about your outdoor space, you can create an area that will provide so many good memories to come.

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