Looking for some quick and easy ways to transform your backyard into an ultimate summer paradise? Well look no further! Here are some easy, fun and great ideas to add value to your yard and make for the perfect summer hangout spot!  

 

  1. Build, Have Built, or Buy a Pergola

    Especially with the heat we have been having, look into a pergola! This can set you up with some much needed shade to allow for outside time to be comfortable instead if feeling like you are melting.
    Jazz up your pergola with an outdoor dining set, or maybe some chairs and couches, or heck, even a hammock will be great! Go as fancy as you want by adding outdoor rugs, curtains, planter boxes to make your pergola feel like a tropical escape!
    Need a cheaper alternative? Look into Gian patio umbrellas! These can look both elegant and be functional in an outdoor seating space!

  2. Outdoor Lighting

    Seems simple right? But some cool string lights, or tiki torches (when there is no fire bans), or even some cool spot lights, can drastically change the vibe of your yard! There are many types of outdoor lights for many different price points. Check out Pinterest for some great backyard lighting ideas and work within your budget! 

  3. Seasonal Landscaping

    Make sure when landscaping, you choose plants for all four seasons. This will greatly improve your curb appeal and also your mood!
    Choose flowing plants for spring and summer, some lovely changing ones for fall, and something that stays green all winter!
    Include it in all landscaping areas.

  4. Build, Have Built, or Buy a Fire Pit

    Home fire pits are always great. They are an easy addition to your yard and add so much fun to one place. They add an awesome appeal and just give the yard that home feel. However, make sure you check your local fire laws before building one. You may need to select a propane fire pit over a real fire pit. Also always remember to check for fire bans before burning propane fires or real fires. They can cost you more then they are worth!
     

  5. Gussy Up Your Garden

    Let’s be real, we all love a home garden. That proud moment when someone is like “wow this is so fresh and delicious” and you flip your hair and say “why thanks, I grew it in my garden”, wink, wink. But the one thing about gardens, is they look bad in the yard. Full honesty! So find a way to gussy up your garden! Whether it’s layered planter boxes, or a vertical wall garden, or a tiny green house in the far back corner of the yard and you disguise it with some shrubs and bigger bushes, etc. Look for some easy and awesome Pinterest ideas. But for the love of your yard and your re-sale value, gussy up that garden!

  6. Make Your Own “Drive-In” Movie!

    Whether it’s the side of your house, or side of the fence with a little projector, you can create such a fun space (we have done this with the kids during fire bans as a fun alternative). Either create a space in your yard or make it up as you go! But all it takes is a projector, a bed sheet, an extension chord, comfy stuff to sit on, and move snacks of course! And viola!

  7. Set Up a Hammock

    A hammock can be an easy and cheap way to really enjoy your yard! Find a comfy spot, maybe some half sun half shade and cuddle up with a good book!

  8. Build, Have Built, or Buy a Shed

    A shed is a great way to hide all the unsightly yard things like cushions storage, gardening tools, lawn mowers, etc. And you can really make a nice looking shed that adds value and compliments your yard depending on how much you want to spend. You can also buy some really nice (Ikea like ready to set up), sets at the end of season. Always make sure the shed is out of the way and not the centrepiece of the yard.

  9. Deck Out

    Again, depending on budget, build, or have a deck built! It can be an aging addition to your yard and extremely functional. Building a deck is not hard if you have the time and are feeling ambitious. There are plenty of build plans online or you can even have a custom build plan done for cheap!


  10. New Pillows!

    For a functional outdoor set you already have and it is just, well, not  “doing it” for you, try just changing out or reupholstering the cushions! It can make the whole set look like new and add a whole new vibe to the back yard without having to buy a whole new set!
    Get some matching outdoor decor, maybe a new outdoor rug, and the space will look like a million bucks! 

  11. Pave the Pathways!

    Seems simple right? Whether its some simple stones, or a stamped concrete, etc, it will look great and add all kinds of value to your yard. And best of all…. Drum roll please… less grass to cut!
    Seriously though, adding pathways adds dimension and dynamic to your yard while serving a functional purpose.


  12. Plant Fruit Trees

    Yes fruit trees! Why not right? These trees normally flower and look beautiful and they can feed the family. Make sure they stay well pruned and groomed and look their best and are not the centre of attention in your yard. Keep them off to the side in the garden with the rest of the landscape.


  13. Game Zone

    Make a fun game zone with horse shoes, corn hole, giant jenga etc. You can set up a little enclosed game space with some adirondack chairs and string lights for the ultimate fun backyard!

 

Summer is not over yet! And with end of season blowout sales it makes it the perfect time to upgrade the backyard. 

 

Happy backyard reno'ing!