13 Clever Ideas to Bring a Little Bounce to Your Backyard
Don't let your mower spend more time in the backyard than you do. Make your backyard somewhere you always want to hang out
If you’re bored of the typical lawn-and-patio backyard, then maybe it’s time to add some fun to your outdoor living space. From surfboard showers to freestanding bathtubs, here’s how you can put some character back into your yard.
2. Create a vine-covered party pad
Make a lush, jungle oasis by training climbing vines over garden walls and stringing up rows of glowing lights. A long, low outdoor fireplace is the perfect spot for gathering around, while weatherproof modern chairs add a colourful touch.
Make a lush, jungle oasis by training climbing vines over garden walls and stringing up rows of glowing lights. A long, low outdoor fireplace is the perfect spot for gathering around, while weatherproof modern chairs add a colourful touch.
3. Plan a secret seating area
Follow a path lined with bamboo plantings to a hidden seating area and discover the perfect place to kick back and relax. The wicker lounge provides another layer of privacy when you’re seated, making this an ideal hideaway.
Follow a path lined with bamboo plantings to a hidden seating area and discover the perfect place to kick back and relax. The wicker lounge provides another layer of privacy when you’re seated, making this an ideal hideaway.
4. Mimic ancient ruins
A tiny, lush meadow leads to a secluded garden room. Partial stone walls look as if they have been crumbling there for centuries, fire-filled stone urns mark the entrance, and an antique burbling fountain provides soothing sounds.
A tiny, lush meadow leads to a secluded garden room. Partial stone walls look as if they have been crumbling there for centuries, fire-filled stone urns mark the entrance, and an antique burbling fountain provides soothing sounds.
5. Add a lava rock shower
Yes, this outdoor shower is in Hawaii, but that doesn’t mean you can’t snag a similar look wherever you live. The lava rock wall provides a natural backdrop for the outdoor shower, while tropical plantings, a teak towel rack and wide stepping stones add appealing texture and a resort-like vibe.
Yes, this outdoor shower is in Hawaii, but that doesn’t mean you can’t snag a similar look wherever you live. The lava rock wall provides a natural backdrop for the outdoor shower, while tropical plantings, a teak towel rack and wide stepping stones add appealing texture and a resort-like vibe.
6. Or how about a surfboard shower?
Resurrect a favourite old surfboard by turning it into a unique outdoor shower.
Resurrect a favourite old surfboard by turning it into a unique outdoor shower.
7. Use colourful tile
Spice up your outdoor kitchen with a colourful patchwork of tiles. If you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, a patchwork-tiled table or bench would be just as eye-catching.
Spice up your outdoor kitchen with a colourful patchwork of tiles. If you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, a patchwork-tiled table or bench would be just as eye-catching.
8. Set up an outdoor tub
Could there be anything more freeing than bathing in the great outdoors? If privacy is a concern, a roll-down screen can help you feel less exposed but still connected with the surrounding landscape.
Could there be anything more freeing than bathing in the great outdoors? If privacy is a concern, a roll-down screen can help you feel less exposed but still connected with the surrounding landscape.
9. Capture a dragon instead
Bathing in the yard not your cup of tea? Then make way for a dragon, or any other creature sculpture, in a vintage tub to create a statement-making fountain.
Bathing in the yard not your cup of tea? Then make way for a dragon, or any other creature sculpture, in a vintage tub to create a statement-making fountain.
10. Set up a dining table
Add a dining table and chairs to your backyard to encourage your family to dine al fresco.
Add a dining table and chairs to your backyard to encourage your family to dine al fresco.
11. Lay down a stone path
Make the journey through your backyard enjoyable by laying stone mosaic paths instead of the typical concrete or stepping stones.
Make the journey through your backyard enjoyable by laying stone mosaic paths instead of the typical concrete or stepping stones.
12. Arrange a living room right on the lawn
Why stick with furniture only on the verandah or deck? Create an outdoor living room that really embraces the outdoors by positioning your furniture in an area of your yard planted with grass or a foot-traffic-friendly ground cover.
Why stick with furniture only on the verandah or deck? Create an outdoor living room that really embraces the outdoors by positioning your furniture in an area of your yard planted with grass or a foot-traffic-friendly ground cover.
13. Let your outdoor room ramble
Instead of filling your entire backyard with grass, try layering connected outdoor rooms, paved in natural stone and interspersed with trees and native plantings.
TELL US
Are you itching to make changes to your backyard? If you could wave a magic wand and change anything about your current yard, what would you do? Let us know in the comments section below.
Instead of filling your entire backyard with grass, try layering connected outdoor rooms, paved in natural stone and interspersed with trees and native plantings.
TELL US
Are you itching to make changes to your backyard? If you could wave a magic wand and change anything about your current yard, what would you do? Let us know in the comments section below.
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This gorgeous built-in mosaic bench reminds me of the whimsical designs of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona. A piece like this would be a welcome change from standard backyard furniture that needs to be protected from rain and sun.