No matter the size or shape, your outdoor space can be a great addition to your home. The right landscape renovation can make a dramatic difference in how you feel about your home and the curb appeal of your property.
You can achieve this in many ways, including installing an outdoor kitchen or fire pit, adding lighting for safety or ambiance and refreshing plant beds so they look healthy and vibrant again.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Landscape renovation projects require careful planning and consideration before starting. |
| – Sustainable landscaping practices can help save money and protect the environment. |
| – Outdoor furniture can be a significant expense, so it’s essential to invest in the right pieces at the right time. |
| – Creating an outdoor living space requires creativity and design skills to make it functional and inviting. |
| – There are many resources available online, from expert guides to budget-friendly tips, to help homeowners transform their outdoor spaces. |
Install a fire pit
It’s always a great idea to gather your friends and family around the fire pit for some good times. Fire pits can be installed in any number of ways, from buying a premade model, to building one yourself with some cinder blocks and your bare hands.
You might even consider using an old barrel instead! If you do this, just be sure you have it inspected by an expert first. It is imperative that you follow all safety guidelines when using a fire pit and especially if you’re using anything other than city water (like rainwater).
Sustainable landscaping can be achieved through simple steps that don’t require too much time and effort. Our 15 Simple Steps to Sustainable Landscaping for the Busy Homeowner article provides an easy-to-follow guide on how to create an environmentally-friendly outdoor space.
Update Your Outdoor Kitchen.
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to bring the comforts of your indoor kitchen outside. It’s the ideal place for a cookout, or just hanging out in the evening with friends and family.
A simple outdoor kitchen can be as small as a grill, sink and refrigerator. Or you can build an elaborate cooking area complete with sinks, stoves, ovens and refrigerators.
Replace Your Old Fence with a Modern Perimeter Fence.
Modernizing your home’s exterior is an essential step in transforming your property from dated and uninspired to modern and inspiring. One of the best ways to do this is by replacing any old fencing with a new one that reflects the style of your entire landscape redesign.
A perimeter fence surrounds your entire property, separating it from other properties or neighbors’ yards.
A metal fence might be more durable than wood, but it also has a steeper price tag so if you’re building a new house or looking for some upgrades around your existing house, there are plenty of options that can give you an updated look without breaking the bank.
If you’re planning a landscape renovation project, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. Our Ultimate Guide to Landscape Renovation: What You Need to Know provides expert advice and insights to help homeowners make informed decisions before starting any landscape renovations.
Replenish Plants, Trees and Flowers
If your outdoor space is bare, or if you have plants that are no longer thriving, it’s time to replenish. Replacing your current plants, trees and flowers can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s easy enough to find cheap landscaping supplies from places like Walmart or Lowes.
You can also check out your local thrift store for cheap items that are still in decent condition. Remember: the more money you spend on plants, trees and flowers initially will mean less work in the long run!
If planting new plants isn’t an option either because of cost or because there just isn’t enough sunlight where they would grow, consider repurposing old pots instead of buying new ones: simply wash them out using soap and water then fill them with dirt (or even sand) before transplanting existing shrubs into them!
If you’re planning on transforming an area that currently has grassy areas into something more visually pleasing such as a vegetable garden (if only we could all live off our own produce!), consider digging up some soil from somewhere else within your backyard since this project will require a lot of digging regardless of what kind of plant life will eventually populate those beds next year.
| Plant Type | Light Needed | Soil Type | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daylilies | Full sun to partial shade | Well-drained, moderately fertile | Early to late summer |
| Hostas | Partial to full shade | Moist, well-drained | Summer |
| Peonies | Full sun to partial shade | Rich, moist | Late spring to early summer |
| Hydrangeas | Partial sun to shade | Moist, well-drained | Summer to fall |
| Blue Spruce Trees | Full sun to partial shade | Well-drained, loamy soil | Year-round |
| Japanese Maple Trees | Partial to full sun | Well-drained, loamy soil | Fall |
Replenishing plants, trees, and flowers is an excellent way to add color, texture, and style to your outdoor space. Here are some popular plant options that can thrive in your garden, depending on their light, soil, and blooming needs:
Daylilies: Known for their vibrant and long-lasting flowers, daylilies can bloom in a wide range of colors, from yellow and orange to pink and red. They also require minimal care and can thrive in most soil types.
Hostas: These low-maintenance perennials are perfect for shaded areas and can add interesting foliage and interesting texture to your garden. They are available in various sizes and colors and can bloom in the summer.
Peonies: Famous for their fragrant and showy flowers, peonies are a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and elegance to their landscape. They prefer moist soil and need to be pruned after blooming.
Hydrangeas: These versatile shrubs can be used as borders, hedges, or focal points and offer beautiful blooms in shades of pink, blue, purple, or white. They prefer partial sun and require regular watering.
Blue Spruce Trees: These evergreen trees are known for their striking blue-grey needles and can provide year-round color and texture to your landscape. They are well-suited for colder climates and require well-draining soil.
Japanese Maple Trees: These ornamental trees offer a stunning display of colors in the fall and provide a beautiful focal point in any outdoor space. They prefer a partially sunny spot with well-draining soil.
Add an Outdoor Living Space.
Outdoor living spaces are great ways to add value to your home, and they can easily be added in a weekend.
- Hire a contractor to help with the installation. It can be difficult to find contractors who specialize in outdoor living spaces but do not charge an arm and a leg for their work.
- Use these tips when choosing the right outdoor living space for you:
- When it comes time to decorate your newly renovated space, there are several things you should consider:
- Make sure all of the furniture is weatherproof by using waterproofing products or spraying it with water before sitting down or lying on it (as well as applying sunscreen if needed).
- Consider bringing some pillows so that people have somewhere comfortable to rest their heads while napping under trees during summer days spent outdoors.
Investing in outdoor furniture can be a significant expense, and it’s important to know when to do it. Our article on When to Invest in Outdoor Furniture: A Guide for Homeowners discusses various factors to consider, such as the climate, the type of furniture, and the available space, to help homeowners make the right investment decisions.
Upgrade Your Patio with a Pergola or Cabana
If you’re looking to add a little shade to your patio or backyard, installing a pergola or cabana is an easy way to do it.
A pergola is essentially an open-air structure that provides shade and shelter for your outdoor seating areas. You can build yours from scratch (this will require some carpentry skills), but it’s much easier if you purchase a kit, which can be assembled by someone with only basic tools and skills.
Pergolas come in many different shapes and sizes, so think about how you want yours to look when choosing materials.
Cedar wood is generally considered the best choice because it’s sturdy, durable and weathers well but if you prefer something more traditional-looking then pick up some treated pine instead.
Whatever material you choose should be able to withstand ocean winds while also providing plenty of support when combined with sturdy posts at each end of the structure; these posts should be spaced evenly apart so there’s no risk of sagging over time due to excessive weight on one side versus another (which could cause structural damage).
Cabanas are basically just small wooden structures located near beaches where swimmers like myself often sit down after taking breaks from swimming laps in order to enjoy some fresh air before heading back into deeper waters again!
Cabanas aren’t used much anymore except maybe by fishers who’d rather stay out of sight while fishing; they’re also pretty expensive compared with other types though they do provide excellent protection against sunburns because they’re usually made outta plastic sheeting which blocks out harmful UV rays too bad news though: these days most people still get sunburned anyway even without staying indoors all day long since there isn’t enough ozone left anymore.”
Creating an inviting and functional outdoor living space requires careful planning and design. Our Maximizing Your Outdoor Living Space: Expert Tips and Tricks article offers professional tips and tricks on how to make the most of your outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment.
Plant New Ground Cover and Mulch
A good ground cover is essential to create a lush and tidy look. Ground covers are easy to maintain, require very little water and are relatively inexpensive. They also provide an ideal surface for mulch, which adds needed nutrients that feed the plants’ roots.
Choosing a ground cover can be overwhelming; there are so many options! The best time to plant new ground cover is in late spring or early summer before the weather warms up too much, but you can also apply it in fall as long as you make sure not to get it wet until after frost has passed.
When applying mulch over newly planted ground cover, make sure there’s about 3 inches between each layer of mulch so that air can reach the soil beneath it.
You’ll want at least 1 inch’s worth of mulch on top of what’s already there; anything less may cause weeds or pests because there isn’t enough protection for your plants’ roots from moisture loss due to evaporation through sunlight exposure (which could lead them toward drought stress).
Install Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting can add to your home’s curb appeal and help you create a sense of privacy, security and safety. If you’d like to add landscape lighting to your outdoor space, consider these factors:
The style of lighting you choose. When shopping for outdoor lights, look at the options available in different styles. You want something that complements your home’s architecture as well as its overall design scheme.
How much light is needed in specific areas. While there are many different types of landscape lights including spotlights, wall-mounts and post tops it’s important to know how much light each produces in order for them to be effective at providing illumination where it matters most within your property lines (or perhaps even beyond).
Install Landscape Lighting
| Type of Lighting | Cost Range | Lifespan | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar | $20-$150 | 2-5 years | No wiring required, Energy-efficient, Low maintenance |
| LED | $30-$200 | 15-25 years | Energy-efficient, Durable, Long-lasting |
| Halogen | $20-$60 | 2-5 years | Affordable, Bright, Dimmable |
| Low Voltage | $40-$300 | 5-10 years | Energy-efficient, Safe, Customizable |
Installing landscape lighting can improve the safety, security, and aesthetics of your outdoor space. Here are some popular types of lighting to consider, along with their costs, average lifespans, and features:
Solar: For an eco-friendly and low-cost option, solar lights are a great choice for pathways, gardens, and patios. They don’t require any wiring, as they rely on the sun’s power to recharge, and can last up to five years with proper care.
LED: One of the most energy-efficient and long-lasting options, LED lights are suitable for both residential and commercial settings. They come in various styles and colors and can last up to 25 years with minimal maintenance.
Halogen: An affordable and bright alternative to LED lights, halogen lights emit a warm glow and are dimmable, making them perfect for creating ambiance. However, they are less energy-efficient than other options and have a shorter lifespan of around two to five years.
Low Voltage: These lights use less energy than halogen or incandescent bulbs and are relatively easy to install. Low voltage lights are often used to highlight specific features or illuminate walkways and can last up to ten years with proper care. They can also be customized with different lenses, wattages, and styles to fit any outdoor space.
Refresh Mulch and Plant Beds
Mulch is a great way to add color and texture to your landscape. It can also help keep soil temperatures cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which means you don’t have to worry about your plants dying from heat or cold damage during those seasons.
Mulch is also great at preventing weeds from growing a huge benefit when you’re dealing with an established lawn!
When planting new trees or shrubs, make sure that there is enough room for them before placing them into their final resting places so that they will be able to grow as expected for many years down the road.
Sustainable landscaping practices are becoming increasingly popular as people seek to reduce their environmental impact. Our Top 15 Sustainable Landscaping Practices You Need to Know About article details some of the best sustainable options, from using native plants to installing rain gardens, to help homeowners create beautiful and eco-friendly outdoor spaces.
Create Curb Appeal with Updated Walkways or a New Driveway
When you’re thinking about remodeling your driveway, it’s important to consider what purpose it serves. Is the driveway a place for family and friends to gather? Does it provide access to your home or garage? Perhaps you want a beautiful walkway leading up to your front door.
Whatever your goals, they can be accomplished with one of three common types of materials: concrete, gravel or brick pavers.
For some homeowners, the idea of using recycled materials is appealing because they may think that saving money on their project is an added bonus.
However, many contractors advise against using recycled materials for driveways due their lack of durability and their inability to withstand harsh weather conditions year-round (such as freezing temperatures).
Depending on the size and shape of your yard space available for landscaping projects such as installing a new driveway will determine how much this project costs; however if all goes well with selecting a reputable contractor then expect expenses between $3 per square foot up until around $15 per square foot depending on how elaborate each design feature might be
| Materials | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Durability | Varieties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | 15 | Durable, Low maintenance | Stained, Stamped, Colored |
| Brick | 20 | Long-lasting, Classic look | Pavers, Cobblestones |
| Asphalt | 5 | Affordable, Easy maintenance | Black, Grey |
| Gravel | 3 | Low cost, Natural look | Stone, Pea Gravel, Crushed Shell |
Updating your walkways or driveway is a great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Here are some popular materials to consider, along with their associated costs, durability, and varieties:
- Concrete: One of the most versatile and affordable options for walkways and driveways, concrete is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, such as stamped or stained concrete. It’s also long-lasting and requires minimal upkeep.
- Brick: For a timeless and elegant look, consider using brick pavers or cobblestones for your walkways or driveway. While they are more expensive than concrete, they are also longer-lasting and require little maintenance.
- Asphalt: One of the most common materials used for driveways, asphalt is a budget-friendly and easy-to-maintain option. However, it may require resealing every few years to prevent cracking and fading.
- Gravel: If you want a natural and rustic look, gravel is a great option for walkways. It’s also very affordable, making it a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. However, it may require more maintenance than other options to ensure proper water drainage.
Conclusion
Renovating your outdoor space can be a daunting process. However, if you’re willing to take some time and plan ahead, you will be rewarded with a beautiful new space that is sure to impress everyone in your life.
You may have thought about renovating before but didn’t know where or how to begin, now you do!
Further reading
Here are some additional resources to help you transform your outdoor space:
10 Ways to Transform Your Outdoor Space: This Old House shares practical tips and ideas for revamping your outdoor area with minimal effort and cost.
Create an Outdoor Space That Inspires: The New York Times’ guide to creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space includes expert advice on garden design, furniture choice, and maintenance.
How to Transform a Boring Backyard Into an Exciting Outdoor Space: Rock Water Farm’s blog post is a comprehensive guide on how to upgrade your backyard with stunning features such as water features, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens.
FAQs
What are some cost-effective ways to renovate my outdoor space?
You can revamp your outdoor area without breaking the bank by implementing some simple and budget-friendly improvements, such as decluttering, landscaping, painting, and adding lighting.
How can I make my outdoor space cozy and inviting?
To create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, add some comfortable seating options, such as couches, chairs, or hammocks, as well as some decorative elements, like cushions, throws, and rugs. Also, consider adding features that can enhance the space’s ambiance, such as lighting, sound systems, or fire pits.
What plants are best suited for my outdoor space?
Selecting the right plants for your outdoor space depends on various factors, such as the climate, the soil type, and the amount of sunlight and water available. Some popular options for outdoor landscaping include succulents, herbs, shrubs, and flowers, depending on the space’s purpose and style.
How can I protect my outdoor furniture from the elements?
To ensure your outdoor furniture stays in good condition over time, it’s vital to protect it from harsh weather conditions, such as rain, sun, and wind. You can use furniture covers to shield the pieces from rain and snow, as well as apply an outdoor sealant or paint to protect them from UV radiation and moisture.
How do I maintain my outdoor space once it’s renovated?
Once you’ve transformed your outdoor space, it’s essential to maintain it to keep it looking its best. Some basic upkeep tasks include watering plants regularly, cleaning furniture, sweeping and raking leaves, and removing debris. You can also trim bushes and mow the lawn periodically to keep the space tidy and healthy.
Hi! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a landscape designer in Los Angeles. I’ve been working with homeowners and businesses to help them improve the look of their properties for over 10 years.
