Planning Your Layout To Get The Most From Your Backyard
8 Tips for Designing the Perfect Backyard Layout
Most of us want to create a backyard oasis that we can relax and enjoy with friends and family, but getting there can be overwhelming. Where do you even start? Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure your outdoor space is both functional and beautiful. Here are eight tips to help get you started on designing the perfect backyard oasis.
Create A Wish List (Ooh, the fun part!)
Before planning your layout, make a list of all the features you would like in your backyard space. This can include things like seating areas, water features, and fire pits or grills. Be sure to consider how much maintenance each item will require before including it in your plan. Your wish list will also help you determine what kind of budget you’ll need for materials and plants. Try making a list of must haves like seating, shade cover, hardscapes, and desired plants. And then begin pricing out those items and change it up or seek less expensive alternatives to achieve the end goal, which of course is the ultimate backyard place for fun and relaxing with family and friends.
Divide Your Space Into Rooms
Dividing up your yard into different “rooms” is an important step when planning out the layout for your new space. Creating separate “rooms” in your backyard is a great way to get the most out of your outdoor space; it allows you to divide up your yard into areas specifically designed for certain activities. This gives the flexibility to have a designated spot for entertaining or dining, a cozy lounging area for reading or relaxing, and even an area that’s perfect for gardening or a designated horseshoe pit. Instead of one big space with different activities all jumbled together, dividing it up into rooms makes everything more organized and visually appealing. The options are endless – it just takes some creative thinking!
Create a Focal Point
Adding a focal point to your backyard can really do wonders in terms of making it an appealing place. Whether it’s as simple as an herb to table garden or water feature and bird sanctuary, or if you want something more substantial like a pergola or outdoor fireplace, having something that draws the eye can be an excellent way to make your backyard complete. Not only will it provide a visually pleasing aspect to your space, but it also enhances the usability by giving you something to plan around. A well-designed backyard may have several different areas and activities but having a focal point ties everything together nicely into one cohesive space.
Connect Areas With Pathways
Once you have divided up the different zones in your yard, connect them with pathways made from hardscaping materials such as stone pavers or pea gravel. These pathways will not only provide an easy way to navigate between spaces but also add visual interest and texture to the overall design of your outdoor area. If you have mostly a lawn out back, then cut out some paths from the backdoor to your hang out area. If you have a blank canvas, even better! Trying using a long hose to layout what might be your new patio area so you can literally place furniture to see if everything you want will fit. You can also use cans of spray paint to draw out edging areas and walkway paths to see if they are the right scale for people to navigate comfortably.
Choose Plants & Features To Match Maintenance Priorities
When selecting plants and other features for your outdoor space, take into account how much time and energy you are willing to put into maintaining them over time. If low-maintenance is key for you, look for drought-tolerant plants that won’t require lots of watering or pruning throughout the summer months—or opt for artificial turf instead of grass! And if you don’t like watering plants on hut summer days, then skip the potted annuals that always need a drink, to perennials that are rooted and come back each year and only need water for a couple of weeks when they’re first planted.
Use Natural Elements For Privacy
Adding natural elements such as fences or hedges is a great way to create privacy between houses or apartments while still keeping an open feel in your backyard oasis.. Incorporate Seating Into Hardscapes. Create comfortable seating areas within any hardscapes by adding benches or chairs made from wood or stone—or use built-in seating along walls or around fire pits! Create a Focal Point. Make sure there is one focal point in each area of your yard that draws attention and encourages people to linger longer in certain spots (think water features, fire pits, etc.).
Incorporate Seating into Hardscapes
When planning out your backyard design, seating should be at the forefront of your mind. Incorporating comfortable seating into hardscapes is a great way to spruce up your outdoor space and make it a place that everyone wants to relax in. Think about how great it would be to have bench seating nestled in between rocks, or tree stump seating around a campfire. You could also include built-in seating in a patio surround for unexpected guests or backyard gatherings. With creative custom solutions, you’ll be able to maximize the capabilities of any space to create elements that are both comfortable and functional.
Draw A Master Plan
Once all these steps are complete, draw a master plan showing where each feature should go so that when it comes time to actually build out the space everything will go smoothly!
When planning the layout for your backyard, it is essential to draw a master plan before you begin building. The easiest way to do this is to use free apps and design tools that allow you to map out exactly which features should go where. However, if you prefer, you can also use your own measurements and drawings. It’s important to plan out the layout of your outdoor space ahead of time- this will set the stage for a successful build and provide a guide for when it comes time to create the backyard of your dreams!
Conclusion
Homeowners who want their yards to be both beautiful and functional should definitely consider following these eight tips when planning out their layouts! Whether it’s creating separate “rooms” with pathways connecting them together; choosing plants & features that match maintenance priorities; using natural elements for privacy; incorporating seating options into hardscapes; creating focal points; or drawing up a master plan – these steps will help ensure that every inch of space gets used efficiently while still making sure that everyone feels welcome and relaxed while enjoying their outdoor oasis!