If you’re tired of your backyard, or if you’re trying to boost the value of your home, you may decide to completely overhaul your existing landscaping.
But with so many different directions to follow and so many different installations to consider, where are you supposed to find inspiration for improving your own home, specifically?
Possible Directions for Your Backyard Overhaul
There are many possible directions to take for your backyard overhaul, and you aren’t necessarily limited to only one.
These are some of the most common options:
- An outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchen ideas are relatively easy to come by, given the exploding popularity of outdoor kitchen installations. With an outdoor kitchen, you’ll be able to cook outside, taking advantage of the fresh air and open space while you prepare some of your favorite dishes. It’s an easy way to beautify your backyard space with a functional installation, and it has the potential to boost your home value significantly.
- A pool. A pool isn’t a good fit for all homes, but if you like the idea of cooling off in the summer and don’t mind the extra maintenance, it could be right for you. In addition to the pool itself, you can design and build a lounge area surrounding it to make the most of this space.
- Thriving plant life. When most people think of improving their backyards, they think about landscaping with better plants. That could include overhauling the lawn, planting trees along the edges of your property, creating flower beds or raised beds for growing crops, or just filling your backyard space with native plant species.
- Walkways and paths. You can also spend time building more walkways and paths, especially if there are multiple features of your backyard that you want to enjoy without disturbing the grass. There are countless options for materials, shapes, and designs.
- Patios, decks, and seating. Another common option is building a patio, deck, or some other area where people can sit together and enjoy each other’s company. Again, there are practically countless options here – hence the need to find inspiration to choose a direction.
Finding Inspiration
These are some of the best ways to find inspiration for your backyard makeover.
- Neighbors and friends. One of the most convenient options is to look at the yards and landscaping of your neighbors and friends, especially if they live close to you. You’ve probably seen their backyards before, but you may not have carefully considered the choices they had to make to sculpt those backyards. Looking at local options is also advantageous because it can help you identify and eventually utilize plants that grow in the area naturally.
- Local landscaper portfolios. Another good choice is to look at the portfolios of local landscaping companies, even if you choose not to work with those companies. You’ll get a feel for the most beautiful and interesting options chosen by people in your city or community – and you’ll get to see what professional work looks like. Also, if you choose to work with the landscaper, this doubles as a great way to perform introductory research.
- Social media. If you still can’t find the inspiration you’re looking for, turn to social media. A quick search on almost any social media platform should be all it takes to introduce you to hundreds of new landscaping and backyard renovation ideas.
Keys to Consider
When browsing different sources of inspiration, keep the following in mind:
- Budget. Unfortunately, some options are likely to be inaccessible to you. Some highly beautiful and functional installations are very expensive, even if you shop around for the best deal. Consider setting your budget in advance.
- Climate and ecosystems. You may also need to consider your climate and local ecosystems. Not all forms of plant life are suitable for all environments.
- Functionality and subjective value. Some backyard changes are strictly more valuable than others. Certain additions are going to be highly functional, helping you pursue new activities or enjoy your space in new ways. If you want to spend more time outside with your family or host more outdoor gatherings, this is especially important.
- Home value increases. Next, think about potential home value increases associated with each change. Many of your additions will offer a handsome return on investment (ROI).
- Maintenance. For some people, low-maintenance landscaping choices are ideal. If you have extra time or money to work with, maintenance is no big deal.
It may take you several days, or even weeks of research to generate a list of ideas that you find palatable. But once you have it, you’ll be in a prime position to take the reins of your backyard makeover and finally establish the lawn of your dreams.