Backyard Makeover before and after

Your backyard is an extension of your home, and it’s important that it’s a place where you feel comfortable and can enjoy with family and friends. If your backyard is looking a little dull or outdated, it might be time for a makeover. But where do you start? In this blog post, we’re going to give you some tips on how to plan a backyard makeover that you will love. I’ll also share some pics for our before and after backyard makeovers.

Start with a plan

The first step in creating an ideal backyard is to develop a plan. Start by assessing the space you have and identifying what you want to accomplish. Think about the types of entertainment you enjoy and plan accordingly. Whether you want to create an outdoor kitchen, a dining area, or a play area for kids, your plan should consider each of these elements and how they flow together in your backyard. Make sure to also consider the amount of space you may need for each of these areas. In our backyard makeover the areas we require are:-

• BBQ and casual dining out by our pool.
• A “secret garden” that incorporated a fire with comfortable seating along with an extendable dining table for easy entertaining.
• Our pergola is to be redesigned into a “man cave” which will include a bar, pool table, darts, some seating along with an open air dining table.
• We need to incorporate some paved access to all the different garden elements.
• A revamped guest house that has become a little rundown
• A large shed that did double duty as a workshop and Christmas storage.

Creating a budget

A backyard makeover can get expensive quickly, so it’s important to set a budget before you start planning. Determine how much you are willing to spend on the project and prioritise the changes that are most important to you. Make sure to leave a little wiggle room in your budget for unexpected expenses. Be sure to consider the jobs you can do yourself and those you will need to outsource. In our makeover we are happy to attend to clearance of rubbish, building any walls or structures, painting etc however we are not comfortable laying pavers. We will outsource those jobs as we consider getting that base right an important part of the renovation.

Choose a theme for your backyard makeover

One of the easiest ways to create an ambiance in your backyard is by choosing a theme. This can be as simple as choosing a colour scheme or incorporating elements like a fire pit, water feature, or outdoor lighting. Pick a theme that reflects your lifestyle and tastes, and that will be appealing to your guests and family. For our backyard makeover we chose a colour scheme of black, white and green and we wanted to create several zoned spaces.

Create zones

When considering a backyard makeover it’s important to create smaller areas or “zones” within your backyard. Break down your backyard into different sections where each area serves a particular purpose. This can be accomplished by using outdoor furniture, plants, or even visual features like an arbor, walls, pergola or a hedge. For example, you might want to create a seating area, a dining area, an outdoor kitchen, or a lawn play area.

Plan for the elements

Depending on where you live, your backyard may be subject to harsh weather conditions. Make sure to plan for elements such as rain, wind, and sun when selecting furniture, lighting, and plants. You don’t want your beautiful new outdoor space to be unusable during a storm or be too hot to enjoy on a summer day. In this regard our secret garden area is under a large tree so it will be prone to droppings from both birds and bats. As a result we factored into our budget individual covers for all furniture. We found the best furniture covers and I cannot recommend them enough. They are much thicker and more durable than those you find at hardware shops etc. The company is Covers and All and they make custom covers for a very reasonable price.

Lighting

The use of lighting can truly transform your backyard into an entertainer’s paradise, and also make it safe and functional. Think about the kind of lighting you will require for each area in your plan. For example, uplighting can be used to highlight trees or architectural elements, while downlighting can create a warm ambiance and be used for general lighting. Add any string lights or LEDs for a great decorative touch. For our backyard makeover we have used festoon string lights to illuminate the secret garden dining area, it looks amazing at night.

Consider the long term for the perfect backyard makeover

When planning a backyard makeover, it’s important to consider the long-term maintenance and upkeep of your space. Choose materials that are durable and easy to clean, and select plants that are well-suited for your climate and soil. This will save you time and money in the future and allow you to enjoy your new outdoor space for years to come. You will see that we chose to use a lot of hard surfaces like decking and paving for our areas. We chose these because they’re easy to clean and will look great going forward.

Finishing Touches

It’s the little details that can really make a backyard makeover feel special and personal. Consider adding decorative elements such as outdoor rugs, throw pillows, and string lights to make your space feel cozy and inviting. Don’t overlook adding functional elements such as storage for outdoor toys or a fire pit for chilly nights.

A backyard makeover can be a fun and exciting project, but it’s important to plan ahead and think about what changes will make the biggest impact. Assess your current space, set a budget, plan for the elements, consider the long-term, and don’t forget the little details. By following these tips, you can plan a backyard makeover that you will love and enjoy for years to come.

Related post – The new gardenshed.