We all want our backyard to be an escape from the world, somewhere we can relax and chill out. But we don’t necessarily want to spend a fortune to make it happen, and we don’t want it to take the entire summer to create.
It’s easy to waste hours on Pinterest looking at inexpensive ways to DIY your outdoor space. Then, after purchasing all the required tools, you realize that it costs more than buying them from the store. These 12 ideas are easy to do, quick to create, and won’t hit your wallet too hard.
So, how can you turn your backyard into a relaxing haven without spending a small fortune to do it?
Hammock
We’ve all seen pictures of hammocks strung between palm trees in Caribbean islands. Why not recreate that beach oasis feel in your backyard? You don’t even need the trees, as many are free-standing.
Pick a quiet, shaded spot, preferably among the plants and greenery, and you’ll have a lovely secluded sanctuary. A space away from the world where you can read, listen to music, or simply relax.
Top tip. If you are using trees to secure your hammock, the distance between the anchor points should be slightly more than the length of your hammock.
Water Feature
There is something very soporific about the sound of water. It soothes the soul and lets your mind wander without worrying about the things on your “to-do list.” Installing a small water feature is the perfect way to achieve this.
I have one in my garden next to my swing chair, and it’s my favorite place to sit and read. There is a little light at the bottom, and the water runs softly through it, making a gurgling sound similar to a stream. It wasn’t expensive, and I use it regularly.
Top tip. Select a solar-powered water feature. They are energy-efficient and easy to install, with no complicated wiring.
Outdoor Rugs
Soft furnishings are a great way to enhance your outdoor space. They can transform a deck or patio by bringing together all the elements. And an outdoor rug can also hide a multitude of sins if you have some patches that need renovation, hiding areas you’d rather not have on show.
Plus, they’re a great way to add a pop of color to a dull space, bringing the comfort of the inside to your backyard.
Top tip. Choose rugs made from weather-resistant materials like polypropylene or polyester. These materials are durable, easy to clean, and withstand rain, sun, and mildew.
Solar Lights
Solar lights give your garden a magical feel, lighting up areas you might not usually see as nighttime falls. They’ve become much cheaper and more accessible in recent years, and as they’re solar, there’s no need to run electric cables.
They’re easy to install and require zero maintenance, but their effect enhances the area around them.
Top tip. Choose solar lights with adjustable heads and stakes to direct the light precisely where you want it.
String Lights
An alternative to solar lights is string lights, which have solar options. String lights are flexible; you can string them through the trees, over a fence, or even drape them around a pergola or column.
They’re so pretty as they twinkle away and create a lovely ambiance on a balmy summer’s evening.
Top tip. Secure the lights with outdoor-rated clips or hooks to ensure they stay in place, even in windy conditions.
Outdoor Curtains
Another way to add a cozy element to your space is to hang curtains. Like rugs, they add color and define a space, providing shade and protection from the elements. Hang them around the perimeter of a covered patio or deck to create a cozy, private space.
The best fabrics are polyester, acrylic, or olefin, as these materials are weather-resistant, durable, and often treated to resist mildew and fading.
Top tip. For installation, use sturdy curtain rods or tension wires designed for outdoor use and ensure proper anchoring to withstand wind.
Meditation Space
Use natural elements such as rocks, pebbles, and sand to add a Zen element to your backyard and a sense of stillness. Include plants and greenery like bamboo, bonsai trees, and moss, and keep the space uncluttered.
I have a Buddha statue in my garden, which you can see below, and I just love this area of my garden.
It will promote peace and allow you to enjoy meditation or quiet time without distractions.
Top tip. Find a sheltered spot where you can use it regardless of the weather.
Wind Chimes
The origin of wind chimes can be traced back to ancient China, around 1100 B.C. Ancient Chinese civilizations hung wind chimes to ward off evil spirits and attract benevolent ones. As they move in the breeze, they bring a sense of calm and tranquility to your space.
Their gentle, melodic sound is a great way to mask background noise, such as traffic or neighborhood activity.
Top tip. Choose a location with plenty of airflow and ensure it’s high enough to avoid being knocked over.
Mirrors
We often talk about bringing the outside in, but I love flipping that on its head and bringing the inside out. Mirrors are a great way to enlarge a space, so they’re perfect for a smaller garden that looks a little crowded.
There is something rather lovely about seeing a rustic mirror hanging in an unexpected corner in the backyard. It’s almost reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland, and a great way to recycle old mirrors you no longer use indoors.
Top tip. Remember to apply a weather-resistant sealant to the frame and edges of the mirror to protect against moisture and temperature changes.
Aromatic Plants
One of the joys of having a backyard is the fragrances that come from the plants and shrubs. Plants like lavender, rosemary, mint, and jasmine emit soothing scents that promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Lavender, for instance, is well-known for its calming properties and can help alleviate anxiety. Rosemary not only smells lovely but can also improve concentration and memory. Mint’s fresh scent can help uplift your mood, while jasmine’s sweet fragrance often promotes better sleep and relaxation.
Top tip. Plant them along pathways, near seating areas, or in containers to maximize their fragrant impact.
Outdoor Art
I love outdoor art, and the name of the place where I live inspired me to buy a sculpture for the garden. It’s a great way to add fun to a dead space where you can’t plant anything. My brightly colored cockerel has become a conversation-stopper.
There are so many ways to incorporate art into your garden. Mosaics, made from colorful tiles or pebbles, can decorate garden paths, walls, or furniture. Murals can transform plain fences or walls into stunning backdrops.
Top tip. When choosing outdoor art, consider materials that can withstand the elements, such as metal, stone, or weather-resistant wood.
Fire Pit
A garden isn’t just for the summer months. It’s a space you want to use all year round. One of the best ways to achieve this is to install a fire pit.
They are cozy and warm, perfect for winter, and create a lovely atmosphere. There is something mesmerizing about listening to the crackle of wood burning on a fire. Plus, you can find them relatively cheaply from your local DIY store.
Top tip. Choose a portable metal fire pit. They’re easier to move around your yard. Look for options with a mesh cover for safety and a built-in grill for added functionality.