The backyard is a hotspot for entertaining guests, relaxing in the sun, or enjoying a meal outside. Therefore, like the rest of your home, you want this area to be comfortable and welcoming without looking messy or thrown together. But achieving a luxurious look is pricey, right? Actually, design experts say that if you focus on the small details, you can transform your yard into a beautiful oasis. Keep reading for their easiest tips on how to make your backyard look more expensive.
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1 | Keep your yard maintained.
ThreeDiCube/Shutterstock“A clean backyard automatically radiates elegance,” says Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal. You want to make sure any grassy areas are decluttered, remove any dead plants or flowers, and ensure that any rock or gravel isn’t loose.
And don't neglect small things like regularly mowing your grass and keeping your hedges and bushes trimmed, Janna Bradley, COO and co-founder at Landscape Management Network, tells Best Life. Anything like garbage or recycling bins should stay in the garage or out of sight from any guests.
If you don't have the time or energy to take care of your yard yourself, looking into a landscape contractor is a great way to achieve the look you’re going for.
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2 | Use biophilic design principles.
Sheila Say/ShutterstockUsing biophilic design (an approach that allows people to connect more with nature) is a great way to enhance your outdoor space, according to Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Belgard.
"Pristine and well-maintained landscaping that weaves seamlessly with hardscape designs is crucial, he says. "Using a mix of beautiful plants and flowers, manicured lawns, and perfectly trimmed hedges alongside natural stone transitions, irregular edges, and blending boulders creates an organic, upscale look."
Interior designer and hosting aesthetic expert Chantelle Hartman Malarkey suggests travertine as a specific stone that lends a nice texture and pattern alongside greenery.
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3 | Update your lighting.
ShutterstockNothing screams cheap more than old, dingy lights, so one of the first ways to give your yard that expensive feel is to upgrade the lighting.
“String lights, lanterns, or solar-powered lamps are all great options for adding a touch of ambiance to your backyard," says Mark Buskuhl, founder and CEO of Ninebird Properties, who adds that you need to make sure you use weatherproof fixtures that will last through the seasons.
Other elegant options are uplights that highlight architectural features or path lights to illuminate walkways, Raboine tells Best Life.
Keep it simple and avoid using colored lights: Stick with white or blue to maximize the luxurious vibe, Bradley suggests.
4 | Invest in quality furniture.
Shuttertock/Photographee.euGone are the days of plastic lawn chairs and uncomfortable outdoor furniture. Picking quality pieces can change the whole feel of your backyard.
“Choose items that are made from durable materials like hardwood, metal, or wicker, so they last through the seasons,” says Buskuhl. “And remember to keep the colors neutral for a timeless look.”
Malarkey says that oversized furniture is also aesthetically pleasing—as long as it’s not too much—and you can even incorporate larger lounge areas to give your backyard a resort feel.
When it comes to furniture and accessories like throw pillows and cushions, Clayton recommends going with a unified theme. This will ensure that the colors, patterns, and textures all create a cohesive atmosphere.
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5 | Introduce a water feature.
mykhailo pavlenko/ShutterstockFountains or small ponds can add extra charm to your yard, while the calming water sounds can help you and your guests feel relaxed.
“Remember that attention to detail is essential in creating an expensive look,” says Raboine. So, you want to pick a tasteful water element that will enhance your yard and not detract from it. Simple is better in this case.
6 | Add an outdoor kitchen.
imging / ShutterstockOutdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular, and while it might be a lot of work at first, it'll be a worthy upgrade in the long term.
“Building an outdoor kitchen is an excellent way to not only make a backyard look expensive but also increase the value of a home,” says Isfira Jensen, CEO and principal designer at Nufacet Interiors. “Constructing one complete with a built-in grill, cabinetry, and appliances becomes an ideal space to host lavish outdoor gatherings.”
