How To Create A Backyard Space You’ll Actually Use

When people talk about creating an outdoor space, they often immediately think about what it should look look, what furniture to buy, what plants to grow, and so on. But although that’s all very important, it’s definitely worth asking something else as well – how do you want the space to make you feel? 

In other words, do you want to relax in it? Entertain people? Let the kids run around? Have a quiet coffee in the morning sunshine? The fact is that if you’re not sure what the space is for, it’s hard to know where to begin with the design. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more about how to create a backyard space you’ll actually use.

Make It Comfortable, Not Just Pretty

Comfort doesn’t have to mean expensive, and what it really means (or what it should mean) is inviting. You’ll probably know what we mean if we talk about great patio sets that looked perfect in the store or online, but that were stiff and uncomfortable in real life – that’s where the difference really is. And that’s why you need to choose furniture you’re actually going to want to use (and of course, you can always add a few cushions to make it better too). Plus, you’ll want to think about shade because a space can look great at midday but be completely useless a couple of hours later if it’s too hot or too dark. 

If you love spending evenings outside, you’ve also got to think about lighting. String lights, solar path markers, or even a small lantern setup can totally change how a backyard feels after dark for the better, and it really doesn’t have to be complicated either. You may also think of adding artificial turf. It will give your yard a lush, green look year-round and create a welcoming atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining guests. It’s just got to be turned into a place you want to spend some time. 

Think About Movement And Flow

Just like in a house, how you move through an outside space really matters, and you’ll definitely want to avoid dead zones (awkward areas no one uses because they’re not set out right or they’re not comfortable). So you’ll need to plan pathways that make sense, and leave plenty of room between things like seating and your plants, for example. If you’re lucky enough to have a large backyard, you can create little zones in it, depending on what you want to do, whether that’s gardening, relaxing, playing with the kids, and so on. 

And if your backyard is small, then remember that less is more. Your best bet is to choose a few key things that suit your space and try to resist the urge to cram in too much. If you don’t like clutter inside, you’re not going to like it outside, and it’s just going to mean you don’t enjoy using your backyard as much as you could. 

Choose Plants You’ll Actually Look After

It’s tempting to fill your backyard with lush greenery and loads of colourful flowers, and if you’re someone who’ll be able to keep up with the maintenance, that’s great because it’s going to look wonderful (and you’ll enjoy the work you need to put in). If, however, you’re not a natural gardener or you’ve not currently got enough time to do what needs to be done to keep things looking good (which is totally fine, of course), then it’s better to choose plants that don’t mind being ignored now and then. Native varieties tend to be a safe bet, and pots are a great option if you want flexibility without having to do a lot of digging. 

In the end, you don’t want to feel guilty when you look at your backyard – you want to feel good. So if you only include plants that you know you can easily take care of (or ones that basically take care of themselves), that’s going to help massively. 

Storage Should Be Included

Nothing ruins a backyard like all the stuff that comes with using it, like cushions, gardening tools, kids’ toys, and so on. If it’s all lying around everywhere, you’re just going to see the mess rather than anything else, plus it’s going to be hard to move around, and we already know that’s important. That’s why building storage into your design from the start can really help and save a lot of effort later on. You can include things like benches with lift-up lids, deck boxes, or even a small shed if that’s going to help and you’ve got the space for it. 

And if you’re planning on entertaining, it helps to have a spot to stash extra chairs, tableware, blankets, and so on because once the sun goes down, it does tend to get chillier. 

Add Some Privacy

One of the biggest reasons people don’t spend more time in their yard is quite simple – it doesn’t feel private. You can fix that without building a massive wall, and with a few plants or trees, a fabric screen, or a well-placed pergola, you can have much more privacy if that’s what you’re looking for. 

Plus, you can think about good fencing at this point too. It’s not just a visual barrier, it can be a safety measure too, and that’s always a good thing. If you’ve got a pool or garden area, making it secure and family-friendly really is essential, and options like pool and garden fences can help you get just the right balance between style, function, and – crucially – peace of mind. 

Keep It Flexible

Your needs for your backyard space are more than likely going to change over time, and that’s why flexibility is important. Maybe you’re currently focused on having space for younger kids to play, but in a few years you might want a spot for grown-up get-togethers instead, for example. So you can choose features that can be moved or reworked later without starting from scratch. 
We mean things like portable fire pits, foldable furniture, modular seating, and so on, and that’s all going to help you adapt to changes that you need to work with. That way, your backyard is going to be able to evolve with you, and it keeps getting used no matter what’s happening in your life.