It would be a real shame not to take advantage of the backyard if you have one but what’s the best way to do that?
The answer is closely linked to elements like the topography of the site, the size of the area, the climate as well as the needs and expectations related to the backyard. Coming up with a plan gets a lot easier once you have a few source of inspiration so let’s check out a bunch of backyard ideas and see what they focus on.
A modern look with clean and simple lines
At the end of the day a lot of design choices are linked to style. For example, if you’d like to go with a modern style in your backyard then its design would most likely include manicured lawn areas, clean and simple lines and not really a lot of outgrown vegetation. For the interior of this house designer Dylan Farrell went with a mix of styles but the outdoor areas were kept mostly modern.
Simple and organic with a farmhouse vibe
If we’re talking about a farmhouse-style backyard then the design can be a bit more organic. Rather then using super clean and straight edges and lines to delineate the whole area you can focus more on some natural shapes and also introduce materials such as stone. Although simple, the backyard of this house designed by Wade Design Architects has plenty of character.
Cozy sitting area setup
Usually, a backyard also includes some sort of sitting area which could actually serve a variety of purposes. Here studio Adam Robinson Design created a lovely corner nook with an L-shaped bench and built-in planters that create a beautiful and fresh backdrop. There’s also lots of vegetation camouflaging the other sides of this small backyard.
A covered picnic area
A patio makeover could also transform a backyard. This could be a perfect spot for an outdoor picnic or dining area with a table, a couple of benches and some warm lighting fixtures hanging from above. Adding a bar or an outdoor kitchen would also be amazing and would give the backyard more purpose. Perhaps this holiday home redesigned by L’Atelier Delphine Carrère can inspire you.
Comfy seating around the fire pit
Don’t let the fact that you’re limited on space discourage you from wanting to make your backyard as beautiful as possible. This design by Nicole Hollis is the perfect example which shows that small backyards have a ton of potential. This really feels like a super fresh and cozy oasis. There’s plenty of vegetation which masks the boundaries of the backyard and a lovely fire pit seating area in the middle.
An outdoor extension with an airy feel
You can also treat the backyard as a natural extension of the indoor living area and, as such, you can furnish and decorate it something like this. Include comfortable furniture like a sofa and upholstered armchairs, a coffee table, accent lighting and some decorations as well. Obviously, potted plants would fit right in. Check out this design by Jane Hallworth for more inspiration.
Layers in a small backyard
This other small backyard is beautifully framed by brick walls which create a super cozy ambiance out here. We love how there’s small potted plants and vines placed along the walls and also the fact that it’s just a flat backyard but it has steps that go down and little nooks in the corners. This is the backyard of a London townhouse designed by studio AND.
Hanging chairs are always a nice touch
Levels make everything more interesting. Here you can see how multiple sections of this backyard have been layered and this gives one more character and helps it stand out. There’s also a variety of different elements here like hanging chairs, a couple of sitting areas with tables and chairs and a small backyard pool as well. This stylish design is part of a project done by CLO Studios.
Tall trees and plenty of shade
You may be thinking there’s no room in a small backyard for tall trees. That depends on what plans you have for this space. If you’d like it to be a fresh little oasis full of plants and greenery then trees would only help with that. They provide shade and they add charm and beauty to the space around them in a way nothing else can. Perhaps this courtyard design by Wyer & Co. can convince you.
A different type of layout
Backyards and gardens are typically not perfectly symmetrical and don’t have super clean and straight edges. That’s why often a more organic design approach can prove to be ideal, even when we’re talking about a modern or a contemporary backyard. A clever interpretation of the layout can allow you to include lots of different features out here. This backyard by COS Design can give you some good ideas.
A great way to take advantage of a beautiful view
Of course, you should always take advantage of a beautiful view if there is one. A backyard that opens onto a lake can look absolutely magnificent. This holiday home designed by Kylee Shintaffer is a great example. It’s really beautiful how the trees along the edge of the lake frame the view.
A treehouse with a twist
Do you know what else you could put in your backyard? A treehouse. It’s not a cliche unless you make it look so and it can a cool feature not just for kids but for the space in general. Perhaps you could build a little platform around a big tree and turn this into a sort of pavilion or a spot from which to admire the surrounding landscape. Let this bungalow designed by Luigi Rosselli Architects inspire you.
An outdoor fireplace to gather around
Another really cool feature that can totally transform the backyard is an outdoor fireplace. It’s the perfect focal point for a comfortable seating area and it can be adapted to basically any style. Check out this modern backyard setup by studio Dumais if you’re a fan of simplicity and elegance.
A cool floor pattern under the pergola
A design like this really makes one feel like they’re in the middle of nature surrounded only by freshness and beauty. The fire pit seating area is clearly the central focal point of this entire space. It sits on a raised platform with a nice tile pattern, framed by a modern pergola and linked to the rest of the backyard by a simple wooden pathway. This is the wonderful work of landscape architect Terremoto.
Stone and bricks make a nice combo
There’s no point choosing between beauty and function when you can have both. This backyard designed by studio Outdoor Establishments is a perfect example. It has this cozy seating area connected to the house’s patio which ensures a smooth transition towards the garden. The slightly raised platform create a clear delimitation and the modern pathway design maintains a clean and simple look throughout the whole area.
Layers create a smooth transition
Another good way of adding more functionality to the backyard is by including an outdoor kitchen in the design. In the case of this house designed by Rebecca Naughtin Architect this space is perfectly lined up with the indoor kitchen and the two share a very similar style.
Small and cozy with a modern aesthetic
Having a small backyard means you have to be clever with the way in which you plan its layout and design. You can save space with built-in outdoor furniture and you can create multiple levels in order to give the impression of a larger and more diversified space. There’s plenty of ideas to borrow from this design by Nathalie Thibodeau Architecte.
Turn the swimming pool into a focal point
If you decide to have a swimming pool in the backyard this would most likely be the central focal point of the entire outdoor area. It doesn’t actually need to be placed at the center although that can work out quite nicely in certain cases. Check out this design by studio BIAGIONI/PECORARI Arquitectos for more ideas.
A symmetrical design
Comfort can also be a top priority for a backyard. A small backyard can be entirely transformed into an outdoor entertainment area with comfortable seating, accent tables, lighting and so on and if you have a large backyard then setting aside a portion of it for something like this can the perfect idea. Studio SHED Architecture & Design did a wonderful job at making this space look very inviting.
Tall walls with a beautiful texture
This is not a very big backyard and yet there’s a lot going on here. There’s a pool in one of the corners framed by a cozy wooden deck and tall stone walls, a set of steps that seamlessly go down, a hammock chair hanging from a metal platform and a nice diversity of plants and greenery throughout the entire space. This was part of a project done by studio Taller Mexicano de Arquitectura.
A simplified design without borders
Overcomplicating things is not always a wise idea. Sometimes the simplest ideas are also the best ones, like turning a part of the backyard into an outdoor dining area and not really making a big deal out of it. This house designed by studio Alta Architecture is pretty simple and straightforward in that regard.
Add some decorations for style
There’s also plenty of decorations which can be added to a backyard, like sculptures or actual rocks and boulders. A big tree can also make a really cool focal point and you can also strategically place some furniture out here as well to create a more organic and inviting aesthetic. You can definitely borrow some ideas from this design by The Grid Architects.
A low-profile design with a strategic role
There’s nothing wrong with a flat backyard as long as it looks nice and it suits your needs. In fact, a low-profile topography can allow for a better view of the surroundings and the landscape in the distance. Such a terrain would also suit a contemporary house perfectly. This design by Besonias Almeida Arquitectos is a good example.
A small extension can make a big difference
It’s not just the backyard itself that matters but also the transition from inside the house into this area. A good way to make it feel smooth and natural is through full-height windows and sliding glass doors. Old houses don’t really focus on these features so perhaps adding a small extension would be a good idea. Studio Amos Goldreich Architecture worked on something like that here.
Big windows let the outdoors in
Sacrificing a portion of the backyard to build a house extension can sometimes be a great idea. If you have a small backyard to begin with perhaps the designing the extension on two or more levels can help to keep its footprint small. Studio Rider Stirland Architects worked on such a project recently.
Add a roof for versatility
A big patio or a deck can also help to make the transition between the indoor and outdoor areas a lot smoother and more seamless. Add a pergola or a roof for shade and protection from the elements and this will also give you more freedom when furnishing and decorating these outdoor areas. The space you see here was designed by studio GM Arquitecto.
Mix materials to highlight certain features
Pergolas are great outdoor features that can be adapted to suit every style. They’re also quite versatile and can be incorporated into lots of different designs and setups. Here for example the pergola is placed across the backyard swimming pool. This is part of a project done by NiHu Arquitectos.
Raise the deck to get a better view
Flagstone walkways have a charm of their own and can be fairly easy to set up if you ever decide to turn this into a DIY project. You can be really creative with the design and come up with a shape or a look that suits your backyard in particular. This small backyard designed by Studio Arthur Casas is a really lovely example and a good source of inspiration.
An outdoor home cinema
If you want to you can also try some out-of-the-box ideas when it comes to the design or purpose of your backyard. For instance, you can have an outdoor TV and create a cozy movie theater with a few comfortable seats and an accent table or two. You don’t need a big space for this. Studio Megowan Architectural use that strategy here.
Round tables are super cozy
By adding a small extension with sliding glass walls and keeping the rest of the backyard simple and open SHH Architects managed to really transform this house from London. There was not a lot of space to work with but they made the most of what was available and the results are really great.
Corten steel planters look amazing
We love the look of weathered steel in the backyard or in a garden. It’s a really good fit for a variety of different styles but it tends to go well with modern and contemporary decors in particular. You can see the Corten steel planters looking amazing in this backyard designed by studio KUBE architecture.
A clever and casual way to store firewood
It’s super clever how all the firewood is just casually stored out in the open in this backyard designed by Hufft Projects. Some of it fits underneath the bench and spills out to the side and rather than looking messy it actually adds charm and character to this area.
A seamless transition into the pool
A pavilion was seamlessly integrated into this large backyard without really disrupting it in any way. That’s because the design has been carefully considered and adapted and includes a slender frame and full-height sliding glass walls. Even when it’s closed off this area still feels like a part of the backyard. It’s a design by studio ACA.
Play with color to create a magical decor
We love the choice of blue and turquoise as accent colors for this backyard. The chairs and accent pillows coordinate really well with the swimming pool and give this area a very tropical and vibrant look. This is a design created by studio Reinach Mendonça Arquitetos Associados
Let nature become a part of the design
The terraced design suits this backyard perfectly. The covered deck leads down to a paver patio and the glass railings allow an unobstructed view of the whole area below to be admired from out here. This backyard is part of a project completed by Manuel Cervantes Estudio in Mexico.
Use plants as space dividers
Check out this cool-looking outdoor fireplace with a chimney and everything. It fits perfectly in the back of this small backyard seating area and it helps to maintain a symmetrical and stylish design throughout. There’s also a fireplace just like it inside the house as well. Check out Meyer Davis Studio Inc for more cool projects like this one.
A perfectly framed area
This whole backyard is basically just a big wooden deck but that doesn’t take away its charm. Large outdoor planters break the monotony of the design and there’s even a couple of tree growing straight through the deck. They offer shade and make this space super welcoming during the day. This was done by studio Chris Dyson Architects.
Don’t obstruct the views with furniture and decorations
The view here is magnificent and that naturally meant a big and open backyard that makes the most of it. There’s no tall trees or bushes to obstruct the views and the sunken backyard keeps a low profile for the same reasoning. This house was designed by ShubinDonaldson Architects and is located in Los Angeles.
Start a veggie garden
The backyard is also the perfect space for growing herbs, vegetables and various other things. A small area can be set up like this where the planter beds take up most of the space but there’s still a little area in the middle for a bench and a table. Check out Environmental Landscape Associates for other clever design ideas.
Use topography to your advantage
It can be nice to go with some landscape that feels more organic. Rather than installing a paver patio for example you can just have a small table and some chairs placed directly onto the green grass and instead of retaining walls you can make use of a bunch of stones to make the area look more natural.
Try terraforming the area
On the same note, this beautiful backyard designed by studio ARNOLD Masonry and Landscape has a very authentic and organic look. It makes use of honest materials like stone and wood and it has a fire pit as a focal point with a gorgeous view of a wooded area in the background.
A water feature always looks amazing
A water feature has the potential to completely transform a backyard. A small artificial waterfall is something that can be fairly easily added. Also, don’t forget to add backyard lights to make this place look magical. Check out studio The Landscape Connection for more gorgeous design ideas.
Nature is the best source of inspiration
Rather than just having straight lines and flat surfaces throughout the backyard try to add a bit of variation and visual interest with a custom layout. This brick patio by KD Landscape has a big cut out that acts as a large garden bed, separating it into two main sections.
Take up gardening
Considering dedicated a section of your backyard to vegetables and herbs. Growing a few things yourself is very rewarding and it’s nice to have a fresh ingredients for your special dishes. If you’re not a fan of that perhaps planting flowers instead would be a better option. Either way, you may find inspiration in this design by studio Surrounds.
Create points of interest
This is a pretty spacious backyard, big enough to have a nice patio at the front and a topiary garden area with a pathway leading to a lovely gazebo area at the back. This was all designed and built by studio Oliver Design Associates.
Break a flat design with greenery
Add a bit of color to your backyard to fill it with energy and give it a more vibrant and fresh look. There’s lots of different ways in which that can be done. Furniture is one option and greenery is another. Combine these two to create a beautiful design like this one by Studio H Landscape Architecture.
A fire pit instantly changes the mood
A fire pit, as you know, is one of the best focal points for a backyard no matter the size. Even a small fire pit can completely change the look and feel of the space around it. This backyard seating area designed by studio B. Jane Gardens is perhaps the best example.
Create a cozy seating nook underneath a tree
What can be more charming than sitting in a comfortable chair underneath a big tree? You don’t really need a lot to create such a dreamy space in your own backyard. As long as there’s a tree out here everything else is easy to set up. This little nook created by studio Landscape East & West is one of our favorite designs.
Add a pergola for variation in your design
Looking for inspiration for a contemporary backyard design? This one by Chateau Construction Company has a little bit of everything. It has a nice green area, a big wooden deck with comfortable furniture, lighting and even a pergola and there’s plenty of variation in its design.
Show a pond some love
There’s one more gorgeous feature that you should definitely consider adding to the backyard if you have the space for it: a small pond. This one by Modern Rustic Homes looks so dreamy with all the lily pads and flowers around it.
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