Design InspirationInterior Design

5 Design essentials every backyard should have

(4 min read) At this point in time, most of us who are lucky enough to have a backyard to go out to are probably tired of looking at it. We’ve been spending more time at home than ever before and both its interior and exterior have become bland. However, I bet you ten bucks that most people who live in city apartments are probably thinking of investing in a small house with a backyard full of lush greenery outlined with the traditional white picket fence once this whole shebang with the pandemic is over. This article is for you urban folks, as well as for those who are thinking of redecorating their same ol’ backyards to make them appealing again.

Colorful seating area make a wonderful backyard area
Colorful seating area.


Rich and beautiful Gazebo area.
Classic but rich backyard setting. Design by Emma Courtney.

1. Outdoor grill

First of all, it is of utmost importance to establish what your backyard actually is. It is not just a patch of grass with a seating area. Backyards are always so much more than just one thing. It is a place where we can be alone and at peace, eat burgers, get together with our friends and families, eat burgers, play games, eat burgers, honor traditions, eat burgers, celebrate important moments and last but not least, eat burgers. Can you guess what this first backyard essential is? That’s right — an outdoor grill. Having an outdoor grill will allow you to create the ultimate outdoor fun experience without having to load up your car and haul everything to the local park or beach.

Beautiful outdoor grill area.
Gorgeous outdoor grill.

Stone grill work as a center piece in your backyard.
Charming stone grill with seating area.

2. Cozy seating area

During my thirty-something years on this green earth I’ve seen too many makeshift backyards to know that some people don’t really think that a cozy seating area is a backyard necessity. Trust me, your guests don’t think so. Backyard seats should be inviting and comfy, otherwise, you won’t enjoy your time spent outside. So think fluffy long chairs, multipurpose poufs, colorful lawn seating sets, hammocks, and pillows.

Gorgeous seating area with mosaic floor.
Variety of seating solutions.

Simple and beautiful seating area
Inspiring seating area.

3. GREEN!

If you don’t have a proper garden take your house plants out. Get yourself some rattan or macrame hanging planters, or regular wooden ones with feet, and dot your backyard with plants to give it some garden, or even jungle vibes. You can also use plants to cover up any unsightly or unpleasant things in your yard, such as chipped paint on your fences, pissing patches of grass, etc.

Lush greenery revive your backyard.
Plants will revive any backyard.

Beautiful planters placed in a backyard.
Interesting planters and pots are always welcome. Source Imagenes de Jardines.

Stunning handmade mosaic rug by Mosaics Lab
Chill on a rattan couch surrounded by greenery. Handmade mosaic rug by Mosaics Lab

4. Arbors or patio covers

This comes in particularly handy if you like to enjoy your rainy days outside like myself. However, this is also the most expensive item on this list. I mean building a roof in this economy… The good news is, you don’t have to do it right away to enjoy some rainy summer days. One or two large patio umbrellas will solve your problem right away.

Beautiful and colorful umbrellas add colors and charm to your backyard
Umbrellas solve the problem. Source www.bhg.com.

Gorgeous backyard arbor.
Fabulous backyard arbor.

5. Lighting

Proper lighting can do miracles to the atmosphere. If you like dining al fresco, or spending quiet evenings gazing at the stars, soft market lights or discreet pendant lighting is exactly what you need in your backyard.

Subtle and charming backyard lighting
Subtle backyard lighting.

use subtle and warm backyard lighting
Discreet atmospheric lighting.

In the end, here are some honorable mentions that didn’t make it to the main list, but should also be considered: sun tent, fire pit, sprinklers, bird feeders, cocktail area, Bluetooth surround speakers…

Gorgeous fire pit
Fabulous fire pit area.


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M. Belosh

M. Belosh

Passionate art enthusiast; avid reader (you can find me on Goodreads under the same name); movie connoisseur; intolerable before my morning coffee.

58 Comments

  1. Patricia-Ann Que
    July 22, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    how lovely! i like the green theme and the lighting but unfortunately i live in an apartment, no space for such lovely decors

  2. Cristina Petrini
    July 22, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    These exterior designs really make you want to live the garden at 200%! I wish I had the space! tytyu

  3. Neely
    July 22, 2020 at 2:40 pm

    Feeling some major backyard envy! I would love to have a huge outdoor relaxing area. Right now it’s a lot of toys ?

  4. Konna
    July 22, 2020 at 4:30 pm

    I am obsessed with colourful sitting areas and fireplaces!! Sooo cute!

  5. Stephanie
    July 22, 2020 at 6:16 pm

    We are doing a lot of work to our backyard area right now. My husband and his dad are in the middle of building a custom playset for our boys. Then we plan to get rid of their big sand table since the new playset will have one and build a grilling area/outdoor kitchen where that is. And we already have the comfy seating under a pergola. Now it just needs to cool down and the wasps need to go away!

    • July 23, 2020 at 11:24 am

      wow!!! You must be super excited for the new backyard deco…minus the wasps of course lol…

  6. Viano
    July 22, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    These designs are lovely. I don’t even know which to choose. Absolutely stunning.

  7. Cynthia
    July 22, 2020 at 7:57 pm

    We’re in the process of remodeling our yard. A cozy seating area is a must!

  8. Heather
    July 22, 2020 at 11:06 pm

    I am obsessed with these backyards. When we buy our home next year, I’m hoping to make ours an oasis.

  9. norma
    July 23, 2020 at 1:05 am

    You are so right all these design are so lit and perfect for any backyard.

  10. Ana
    July 23, 2020 at 7:00 am

    These are such great ideas! I loved that cosy seating area design a lot ☺ Thanks for sharing these tips.

  11. Krysten Quiles
    July 23, 2020 at 7:21 am

    Because we’re stuck at home we’ve been working on making our backyard more of an oasis. Might as well enjoy it!

    • July 23, 2020 at 11:23 am

      yes absolutely! That is exactly what I did…

  12. Ramil Hinolan
    July 23, 2020 at 8:03 am

    I love of all the designs, especially the backyard outdoor grill. We do not have the luxury of space in our backyard and we love grilling. When I will have a new house, I will ensure to incorporate any of these designs.

  13. Marie Phillips
    July 23, 2020 at 8:08 am

    Every single one of these is amazing. My poor yard is so hurting right now. I actually loved every single one with a fireplace above. So perfect for when the nights get chilly.

  14. PED
    July 23, 2020 at 9:03 am

    I so agree, and I’m glad we had invested in our backyard years ago. Firepit, BBQ, seating area… Never more used than now!

  15. Talya
    July 23, 2020 at 10:42 am

    We really love the idea of having an arbour in our garden and have been looking into getting one. All these things really make for a great garden.

  16. Alicia Yarrish
    July 23, 2020 at 11:28 am

    Our backyard needs some serious love. Thanks for breaking down the different elements we need to plan to get our backyard to a fun and cozy area we actually use! I never thought of lighting but there are definitely ways to be creative with that.

  17. Amber Myers
    July 23, 2020 at 11:34 am

    I love all of these. Our backyard looks pretty sad at the moment. At some point we want to improve it.

  18. EWW
    July 23, 2020 at 11:52 am

    These designs and ideas looks so stunning and interesting one..glad you shared these with us..loved them…

  19. Marya
    July 23, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    I love all the ideas! But for my realistic budget, I think the green one is for me. Wish I can do it in the near future. Thanks for sharing, thanks!

  20. Catherine
    July 23, 2020 at 12:17 pm

    So many beautiful designs and atmospheres. I especially love the one by Emma Courtney…that is my dream backyard!

  21. MELANIE EDJOURIAN
    July 23, 2020 at 12:19 pm

    These are all great suggestions. A nice seating area with lighting is always lovely for the summer days and nights.

  22. Monidipa
    July 23, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    I had been reading a lot about backyards now a days. And these essentials are simply awesome. I wish if I had a backyard…

  23. joanna
    July 23, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    I am in the middle of redecorating my garden and I am looking for a nice way to recycle the pallet furniture already existing. Your post gave me a couple of ideas, color would definitely make them stand out.

  24. Laura
    July 23, 2020 at 3:30 pm

    So many great options here. I think I’ll have to go with “subtle backyard lighting” and that pool!

  25. Marysa
    July 23, 2020 at 3:57 pm

    I love all of these backyard oasis designs! I would really like to have any of these!

  26. Natalia
    July 23, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    I wish I had a backyard! These ones look pretty amazing! Love them all! 🙂

  27. Bella
    July 23, 2020 at 4:59 pm

    Omg these backyards look amazing. I cant wait to have a back yard. so jelly

  28. Elizabeth O
    July 23, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    These are stunning backyards and they make me wistful for my home with a huge backyard that I sold last year. We didn’t spend much time there because we had a lot of deer and they brought ticks with them but, we enjoyed the view and planted some flowers and shrubs.

  29. Rhonda Albom
    July 23, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    Fabulous! We redid our deck and terrace section last year, but are still missing a fire pit. We talk about it, but then something else comes up. Thanks for the reminder, it is back on the top of the list. Your yard photos are really lovely.

  30. Cindy Batchelor
    July 23, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    Wow I love this! My dream backyard for sure! These ideas are fab and love the photos!

  31. Adrienne
    July 23, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    I love these outdoor looks. The backyard is enchanting in summer, have to make the most of it!

  32. Chei
    July 24, 2020 at 2:23 am

    Wow! I love your backyard designs. They are all pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing.

  33. Kiwi
    July 24, 2020 at 4:23 am

    So many backyard goals. This makes me want to renovate my backyard patio.

  34. Lyosha
    July 24, 2020 at 5:09 am

    I wish I had a backyard to use these tricks! so beautiful!

  35. Jordan Campbell
    July 24, 2020 at 6:35 am

    I want ALL of these backyards!!! They look gorgeous.

  36. Lyanna Soria
    July 24, 2020 at 6:47 am

    Those are some wonderful ideas to keep in mind. I’m excited to decorate our backyard when we finish constructing our house.

  37. MO
    July 24, 2020 at 8:14 am

    These backyard designs look really great! Now I’m wishing we had a backyard so I could also decorate it! I’m glad you got to share these with us, thank you!

  38. Kristine Nicole Alessandra
    July 24, 2020 at 8:35 am

    Beautiful! I can only dream to have a backyard setting like that. If I would win the lottery, I will use your blog as a reference for home designs I love.

  39. Purva Bhatia
    July 24, 2020 at 10:43 am

    We live in a rented apartment. Such homes are a dream right now 🙂 I love the cozy seating area. I can imagine sitting there most of the day reading a book and sipping coffee!

  40. Aishwaryaa
    July 24, 2020 at 1:03 pm

    Beautiful pictures looks great backyard. You got a great ideas to make it looks beautiful and lovely. I love to do it but maybe 2 years after. Thanks for sharing ❤️ love.

  41. shruti
    July 24, 2020 at 1:05 pm

    I love all your designs. I wish I had backyard where I could implement some of these ideas. Thanks for sharing this with us.

  42. Puja
    July 24, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    I love how cozy these backyard designs are. Great ideas to design your dream home.

  43. Edward
    July 24, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    Great designs and ideas..Thanks indeed for sharing these..loved this and truly as always found your blog post very effective and helpful one…

  44. ESHR
    July 24, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    Some of these super green backyards just jump at me. I’m currently working on my own yard and was looking for ideas. These are great!

  45. Heidi
    July 24, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    These are all great ideas and tips! Thank you for sharing!

  46. Trot
    July 25, 2020 at 7:50 am

    Gosh they are all so stunning!! Loved the one with the swing and that fireplace!

  47. July 25, 2020 at 8:11 am

    These designs are gorgeous! I’ll be sure to keep these in mind, thanks for an interesting article!

  48. Aishwaryaa
    July 25, 2020 at 9:00 am

    Aww so cool and obsessed with the sitting areas. Looking so good and pleasant.

  49. rachel
    July 25, 2020 at 9:09 am

    I truly DREAM of having a backyard like these!

  50. E.Q.
    July 25, 2020 at 10:37 am

    Yeah do agree with you that design truly looks so adorable and mesmerizing..

  51. Anne Marie
    July 25, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    We hope to add a firepit with outdoor seating to our yard next year, maybe with the tax refund!

  52. Rosey
    July 25, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    Lighting does make a big difference for the way backyards look. We tweaked my sister’s backyard area and it was the lights that made the biggest impact.

  53. Marta Skeledžija
    July 25, 2020 at 3:35 pm

    Oh my thise are beautiful. Just so calming and cozy.

  54. Jackline A
    July 25, 2020 at 7:56 pm

    Wow those backyards are all stunning. Thank you for all the inspiration.

  55. Namrata
    July 27, 2020 at 2:16 am

    They are great!. I love the backyard and I’ll save your post for future reference and will definitely opt some for my own backyard.

  56. Hannah
    July 27, 2020 at 4:50 am

    Love this article because it’s giving me backyard inspiration! I am looking for a beachy boho vibe and a sort of hanging chair. Thanks for sharing!