Many people consider a house to be the more practical property type, and for good reason. Having a house means you have more than just the interior space. It means, in most cases, you have additional spaces like an attic or a yard.
The backyard is often considered the place where you can combine leisure and practicality, so it’s important to design it right.
You can research online and find countless designs you like, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be a good option for you. This is why it’s essential to consider a few things before deciding on your backyard overhaul project.
Consider the Shape and Size of Your Backyard
Those online ideas you’ve seen may seem cute in a photo, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be a good option for your yard. Before you start adding elements, you should look at the shape and size of the backyard.
This is a personal preference, but to keep it practical, it’s a good idea not to overcrowd the space. Incorporating too many elements may lead to a yard that won’t be of great use apart from looking nice. To be fair, in some cases, it may not even look nice; it will be a backyard with too many items.
Chose the Plants and Flowers Carefully
With over 400 thousand flowering plants in the world, it’s easy to get carried away when deciding which ones to plant. They can make your yard look pretty and unique, but you may run into a problem with practicality.
Choosing flowers based on looks alone can be a problem. Not all of them want the same conditions, which is the second thing you should consider. Aim for flowers based on the yard’s orientation and your house’s location. The idea is to avoid spending too much time growing the plants.
Don’t Forget the Shed
A backyard often means you’ll need some tools to keep it in shape. You can store them in your garage, but since most people want to keep their garages clutter-free, the shed is the best place to store them.
If you’re designing a backyard from scratch, plan where to position the shed. It should be in a place that won’t be in the way but still remains practical.
On the other hand, if you’re remodeling an existing backyard, you may already have the shed, so you can overhaul it. Reorganize the interior to make a practical environment for storing your tools. If it’s an older structure, you should consider getting replacement shed doors to keep the tools away from your kids.
Hardscaping Is Essential
When designing a backyard, one of the many essential things some people forget about is hardscaping. Incorporating structures like decks, patios, or paths can make your backyard much more practical.
A path is an excellent way to reach every corner of the backyard, which is essential for your flowers. If you’re completely against using pavers, you can go for a more natural look and have a grass-covered path. The idea is to have full access to all parts of the backyard for maintenance, which is the practical approach.
Decks and patios are also important if you plan to use your backyard for more than just looking at it from the window. They allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the masterpiece you created.
Having a Shade Is Important
Even though the previous tip revolved around decks or patios, many open designs without shade aren’t the most practical approach. Depending on the orientation of your backyard, you may be looking at a “sunny atmosphere” throughout the day. A little vitamin D never hurt anyone, but having no shade can limit your backyard’s usability.
When designing, it’s a good idea to consider adding shade. The most common approach is to build hard structures with a roof over them. If a bigger tree already exists, you can use it as a natural shade. There are multiple options to ensure your backyard oasis has enough shade to elevate your relaxing experience.
Invest in Lighting
Relaxing in the backyard isn’t something you’ll do only during the day. Although relaxing in the evening after a hard day’s work is a popular activity, it’s not something you can do in the dark. Investing in lighting is an excellent way to ensure your backyard remains usable in the evenings.
Depending on your approach, you can either add more lights or use dim ambient ones. It’s a personal preference, but it’s essential to retain practicality. In addition to that, the visual aspect is also improved, making your backyard “shine.”
When designing a backyard, it is important to combine the visual with the practical aspect. While there are countless more things to consider, these are among the most important ones.
