Is Your Backyard Lifeless? Join the Club!

pictures courtesy of house beautiful and country home

This summer brushing up the backyard was at the top of our priority list.  It's been much more fun than last year's project which was finishing and organizing the garage.  The backyard is definitely a work in progress.  It seems that no matter how much landscaping we add it, it is still a vast, empty space that needs some personality!  We're still waiting on a few things and then I'll be posting pictures of our improvements.  Here are five tips to adding some life to the backyard:

1.  In your mind break up the backyard into smaller rooms.  One corner of our backyard is dedicated to bonfires and another is the kids swing set and sand box area.  Another part of the backyard is our vegetable and cutting garden and so on.....

2.  Mix fabrics.  Try to keep furniture cushions upholstered in outdoor fabric in case they get caught in the rain, but don't be afraid to bring out comfy pillows, blankets and tablecloths.  My favorite thing is cuddling up with the kids  on the hammock at night with comfy pillows and blankets.  I've also made floor cushions to take outside when we have guests over for a bonfire.  

3.  Just like the inside, lighting adds ambiance.  Use candles and/or Christmas lights year round.

4.  Flowers are great in the landscaping but cut flowers in vases also add another dimension.

5.  Again, like in the inside mix old and new.  I love my vintage picnic table mixed with my more modern, comfortable seating.  My advice is anything you need to invest more money in and things you don't want to replace buy new.  Things like accent chairs, tables, planters and accessories buy vintage!