While we all love lounging in the living room or spending the day in bed, there’s just something extra relaxing about hanging out in the backyard. The best backyard ideas all have one key thing in common: comfort. Whether it’s a row of chaise lounges by the pool or a group of Adirondack chairs in an open grass field, a comfortable outdoor setup is the ultimate luxury. But you don’t need an abundance of square footage to create a fun and functional backyard. In fact, some of the best backyard ideas can make a bite-size patio or side yard look and feel as gracious as a sprawling lawn.
You don’t have to spend a bunch of money to act on your favorite backyard ideas, either. You can achieve a great backyard on a budget with a few strategic choices like durable seating and a few yard games. How you landscape your backyard also plays into its overall appeal. If you have a green thumb, why not opt for a full English garden or even a hobby farm? If you’re more of the faux-greenery type, choose native plants that are already used to your area’s climate for minimal maintenance. Either way, you can be sure that whatever amount you invest will boost your home’s value.
Ahead, we highlight 10 backyard ideas with East Hampton–style hedges and cottagecore lavender fields as well as city apartment terraces and paved patios. If you’re looking for pool landscaping ideas or patio-specific designs, we have you covered there, too.
