Snug Up Your Backyard Space

Simple Backyard Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Spaces

Summer 2018 is here and that means we typically spend more time outside. There are so many ways to snug up SO many spaces. Let’s focus on these simple backyard ideas that your friends and family will love!

It doesn’t really matter how much outdoor space you have, you have enough to get creative!  Even an apartment’s small balcony can become “snug and cozy.”

This is the perfect place to take risks with playful, bold design. Let your personality really shine through here!

Climate-controlled and Shady Spaces

For me, the ideal starting place for outdoor comfort is with temperature consideration.  I am overly sensitive to heat. Crazy that I live in Texas right?

Here in the Lone Star state, venturing outside in this heat and humidity (like now, when the heat index is 103 degrees as I write this), calls for some kind of shade material. Fans or misting systems work well too.

Ceiling fans installed with a covered patio, porch or pergola, prove to be much more convenient than portable fans. They are also more expensive, but not so much if you or someone else can install for free.

Speaking of free labor and diy, saving on labor to build/assemble a permanent, or temporary shade structure is a huge bonus, as well.

Or plant a fast growing shade tree or perhaps a colorful one from the Maple family.

Want a less expensive temporary option? Umbrellas, canopies and shade sails might work for you.

Keep in mind that these temporary structures will be vulnerable to damage from, thunderstorms, wind and even the sun.

When the outdoor budget is small, these temporary shade structures can provide comfy spots to communicate and connect.

You can keep costs down by shopping for bargains at stores like At Home and Big Lots. I have no connection to these retailers, but, do find some good stuff here!

And almost all stores will have these outdoor décor items on sale by mid to late summer. I’ve seen quite a few on sale already.

Uninvited “Pest Guests”

There simply isn’t anything comfortable or cozy about insect bites and stings. Luckily, there are some beautiful and natural ways to repel these critters.

Some of my favorite must-haves to place around the perimeter of my outdoor seating areas are mosquito-repellent plants.

I prefer the low maintenance requirements of the Citronella plant (“Mosquito Plant”) and found some this past week for $4 at Home Depot.

I also love Marigolds (a deterrent to several types of insects). The variety of warm colors that you can find them in makes them even better.

Rosemary is another favorite that is commonly sold to deter mosquitos. Planting herbs such as Peppermint, Basil and Oil of Eucalyptus (recognized as a DEET alternative by some) will also do the trick. Peppermint also repels ants, some beetles and white cabbage moths.

Here in Texas and all across the South, we have to consider Fire Ants when entertaining outside. These pesky bugs will build mounds in your flower beds, mulch and throughout your yard.

Treating these areas prior to your guests arrival, (or calling in a pro), will help your guests to enjoy the space, without these awful bites. Don’t forget to keep your pets away from these treated areas for awhile!

You may also need an exterminator if you see hives, warning signs of several “stinger” bugs.

Be strategic in where you place plants that attract these bugs. I cannot plant Crepe Myrtles near seating spaces in my yard, because they are like magnets to wasps here. Yet, I love these flowering trees, in certain areas of the yard.

Visual and Texture Elements of Decor

Visual aspects of décor are my favorite in decorating the cozy outdoor space. Lots of plump, cozy cushions and pillows in bright and fun colors and patterns are ways to bring energy here. These make up my “happy places” outdoors.

Selecting or sewing these pillows and cushions in outdoor, fade resistant and water-resistant fabrics, will keep these accessories looking beautiful for much longer. Outdoor rugs and curtains in coordinating colors and patterns can make the space even more homey.

Often, designers and decorators encourage “bringing the outdoors in.”  Personally, I suggest the idea of bringing the indoors outside. On a large scale, this might include an outdoor kitchen, fireplace or fire pit. Traditional furniture in weather-resistant teak or acacia wood, or wood (protected with a poly coat or varnish) are practical choices.

Less expensive elements might include lamps, chandeliers, lanterns, a t.v., outdoor speakers, window boxes and shutters, wall art and table linens. Lounge chairs, hammocks, swings or even a daybed offer opportunities to relax and rest for a bit outside.

Many people consider the kitchen the “heart of the home,” and an outdoor kitchen might be similarly significant for them. Adding a countertop, bar stools and cushions to an already existing outdoor kitchen, can enhance this area and invite guests to chat it up with the grill master.

Paint and Stain Colors

Don’t underestimate the value that paint and stain can add to your outdoor space. This holds true for furniture, rugs, storage boxes and baskets.

Some of my favorite furniture and decor pieces are iron wall baskets, planters and lamps that I can easily spray-paint.

Outdoor seating areas are a fun location for incorporating vintage pieces easily found at flea markets, consignment and thrift stores and garage sales. Or maybe you have items handed down to you from parents or grandparents.

I will never part with my wrought iron grape-patterned vintage settee, chair and small side table. I’m still looking to replace the arm chair and matching planter that a neighbor’s negligence destroyed years ago.  Unfortunately, she forgot to put her car in park on a sloped driveway across the street. Oops.

Yes, these things really do happen to me.  No one was hurt at least.  My curb appeal was the only victim.

Nature-watching Opportunities

If you love to watch nature’s creatures, hand a bird house, bird feeder or put a birdbath in the yard.Love butterflies? Plant a butterfly bush. Love the relaxing sound of flowing water? Install a fountain. Planting more shade trees will attract squirrels, eventually.

Landscaping plays an important part in creating a cozy outdoor space. This will require less on a small space, such as an apartment balcony. Flowers and plants can quite a lot of color, fragrance and beauty to an outdoor area. How much landscaping you to (or hire to be done), depends on you.

For those of us who don’t enjoy mowing (guilty here), grass can be replaced with concrete, decking material, paver stones, a rock garden or turf. Other options are tall grasses, drought-resistant plants or a swimming pool.

Factors to Consider in Planning Your Outdoor Space

Your options will, of course, depend on your budget, love of (or aversion to) yard work. You should also consider how frequently you plan to entertain, your allergy triggers (and those of your family), and preferences in color, height and sunlight requirements of your flowers and plants.

Creativity is important, but, there are plenty of inspirational ideas out there for simple backyard ideas to reference. Start by searching for inspiration with Pinterest, books and diy t.v. programs.

Consider home and garden shows, diy classes, decorating themed books and magazines. Visiting model homes and observing places that we drive by every day can show us endless possibilities.

Visit your local nursery or consult with a landscaping company. These sources can help us to create our perfectly beautiful and comfy, cozy outdoor haven to enjoy with others.

What are some of the ways you create an inviting backyard space? I’d love to hear some of the simple backyard ideas and tips you have tried out. You can email me or leave comments with these tips and tricks.

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