Take a few moments to look out the window at your outdoor living space.
Does it look fresh and inviting or is it a little lackluster? If you haven’t been inspired to step onto your patio or stroll through your backyard lately, that’s OK. It’s never too late to revamp this area and create the beautiful, relaxing oasis you deserve.
Today, we’re sharing a few of our favorite outdoor remodeling ideas to help you get started.
Revitalize Your Outdoor Space with Fresh Paint
There are very few things a new coat of paint can’t make at least a little better! If you’ve grown tired of your existing exterior paint colors, then try changing things up a little to breathe new life and ambiance into the space.
If you’re not sure where to start, then you can check out this list of great porch colors. While you can’t go wrong with a soothing natural white, there are lots of ways to inject a little personality into this area through the tones you select.
Cool shades are a great place to start, as they evoke feelings of calm and relaxation. Some of our top picks include:
- Seafoam green
- Light blue
- Olive green
- Grey/beige (greige)
- Charcoal blue
Of course, don’t be afraid to go a little bold if that suits you. A coat of bright teal or deep navy paint might be exactly what your space needs. One of our top patio renovation ideas is to think about what you’d love to come home to every day and let that guide your design decisions.
Enhance Ambiance with Strategic Lighting
With the right features, the outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. For an inviting and relaxing effect, be strategic with the kinds of lighting you use and where you place your fixtures.
Overhead string lights will add instant ambiance and charm to a patio, while overhead track lighting can be integrated into your porch’s framework for easy access. Pendant lights look beautiful hung over an outdoor dining area, and even a fire pit can be a source of light when the stars come out.
Of course, remember to also illuminate your walkways to keep everyone safe. Low-profile lanterns or hurricane lights can blend seamlessly with landscaping while keeping the path visible. Battery-operated lights are safest, but choose ones with bulbs that mimic an open flame to keep the look warm and cozy.
Design Functional Outdoor Zones
If your yard is feeling like one big, open area with no real direction, then try creating smaller zones to guide the fun. A few spots you can designate include:
- Conversation zone
- Dining zone
- Food prep/outdoor kitchenzone
- Playground zone
- Garden zone
The way you arrange your furniture will help guests know which space serves each purpose. Look for ways to create flow from one spot to the next. For instance, you can add a few stone pavers that lead from the patio to the playground or create a nature trail that leads from the deck to the backyard garden.
Upgrade Landscaping for Curb Appeal
A recent study shows that 75% of homeowners want their landscaping to look impeccable. While perfection might be impossible to achieve, you can take a few steps to clean up your exterior and help your trees, shrubs, and flowers shine. These backyard remodeling ideas can make a major difference:
- Pick up fallen sticks and tree limbs
- Add fresh mulch
- Prune back overgrown shrubs and small trees
- Rake leaves
- Mow, aerate, and fertilize the lawn
Once all of this work is done, you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of all your labor as you take in the serene view. If you have a rooftop patio, then you can enhance the natural ambiance with potted plants and a small herb garden.
Build Inviting Features for Relaxation
The best outdoor spaces are ones that invite us to sit and stay a while. A few ways you can invite your friends and loved ones to kick their feet up and relax include:
- Incorporating soft throw pillows and blankets
- Adding a soothing water feature
- Building a small fire pit
- Adding cozy tabletop lanterns
A project like a fire pit or fountain might take a little more time to complete, but you’ll be able to enjoy their beauty for years. Keep your square footage in mind when browsing outdoor decor trends so you can make the best use of your space.
As you consider outdoor renovations ideas, think about ways to simplify the transition from your interior. Can you create a short walkway to connect your patio to your kitchen? Could you install sliding doors in your living room that open onto your porch? These kinds of projects will take more money and require more legwork, but they can make the finished project as relaxing and practical as possible.
Create Comfortable and Durable Outdoor Spaces
When you invest in pieces for your outdoor space, you want to make sure they’ll last. The best furniture and finishes may cost a little more, but you can be confident they’ll hold up well against the summer run, spring rains, and frosty winters.
Start by selecting weatherproof furniture that will maintain its shape, comfort, and appearance all year long. Today, you can find all-weather sofas, chairs, and loveseats that are both stunning and practical. It’s also smart to choose surfaces and countertops that feature built-in durability, like our HIMACS solid surface.
Available in an unlimited selection of colors, HIMACS is a non-porous material that’s naturally hygienic and ultra-easy to maintain. It would work beautifully as an outdoor countertop, adding sophistication and convenience to your dining space.
If you’re adding new flooring to your patio, consider these sturdy options. Materials like ceramic and porcelain tiles, waterproof vinyl flooring, and stone flooring will look great and be a cinch to maintain.
Establish Privacy with Fencing and Plants
One of our favorite outdoor design tips is to make the space feel warm by closing off any unsightly or obstructive views.
For instance, guests may feel most comfortable in an intimate setting that doesn’t feel exposed to neighbors. If you need privacy, you can build a simple and affordable screen using recycled materials like shutters. If you want more greenery, create a living privacy fence by following this tutorial!
Even tall potted trees in beautiful planters can provide a welcome bit of privacy and shade if you place them strategically around your porch and patio. You can even create a DIY privacy wall by using wood fencing to create tall panels.
Enhance Your Outdoor Living Experience
Your outdoor living area should feel as comfy and chill as your indoor living room. It’s a space for your loved ones to gather and share special memories, so go ahead and make it as inviting as possible!
If space and money allow, then you can go all-out with exclusive outdoor design ideas. Think built-in seating around an expansive fire pit, a long dining table near a high-end outdoor kitchen, and a wide deck with room for multiple hangout areas.
Looking to enhance this area on a budget? Even simple features like new plants, a small fountain, and a few comfy chairs can create the upscale look you crave. The key is to choose items that reflect your personal decorating style and complement your home’s existing decor.
Not sure what style best describes your home? Here’s a helpful guide to the most common ones. Sticking to a similar theme throughout your indoor and outdoor rooms can give your property a cohesive, collected look.
Accessorize Your Outdoor Area
Sometimes, the smallest touches make the biggest impact. If you’re looking for ways to beautify your outdoor space, we recommend starting with the pillars, like furniture and hardscaping installations. Then, go the extra mile by enhancing those fixtures with charming and clever accessories.
Some of the best, low-cost additions include:
- Side tables
- Footstools and ottomans
- Metal artwork
- Wooden tabletop decor
- Hanging lanterns
- Small potted plants
- Serving cart
- Umbrella
Arrange these pieces around your deck, porch, or patio to add personality and visual interest to the space.
Incorporate Low-Maintenance Solutions
Are you looking for patio and deck enhancement solutions that won’t take forever to maintain? If so, focus your search on reliable materials that will do most of the heavy lifting for you. Installations like luxury vinyl plank flooring, easy-care solid surface countertops, and wipeable furniture are all solid picks.
You don’t need to spend a ton of time cleaning and caring for your outdoor space. If you choose low-maintenance solutions now, then you can enjoy your pieces for years.
Try These Outdoor Remodeling Ideas
No matter what shape your yard is currently in, these outdoor remodeling ideas can help you create the alfresco haven you deserve. The secret to optimizing this space is to choose pieces that look beautiful and are built to stand the test of time.
At LX Hausys, we specialize in premium-quality materials that will transform your home inside and out. From durable countertops to waterproof flooring, we’ll help you find hardworking products you can trust. Contact us to discuss your next project!