No space in the home has received so much attention lately as the outdoor living space. In the past, this space was frequently overlooked at the expense of upgrading the interior design and making it cozy, homey and comfortable. It’s still equally important, but now, the focus has slowly shifted towards the outdoors and giving ourselves the chance to enjoy it as well by making it an extension of our indoor space.
Luckily, there are plenty of ideas on how to remodel your patio, deck, porch or the entire landscape in a budget-friendly way, so here are several suggestions.
Add greenery
Your first go-to decorating idea can be going green since it’s quite affordable and easy. Incorporating plants into your design will definitely add more texture, vibrancy, and color. One way to do it is to add a vertical garden that will make an excellent backsplash and a true focal point. You can make them without spending a lot of money by using simple wooden boxes, hang them on hooks and put in the succulent plants, herbs, and even low-growing vegetables.
By adding lots of different colors you can quickly transform any space and make a powerful impact. Go for inexpensive annuals and shrubs, and plant them in containers, planters, and vessels that follow the similar color palette of the plants, and arrange them around the patio.
DIY projects
Nothing says budget-friendly more than DIY projects, especially if you want to update the furniture. Backyard furniture can be quite a big investment. However, there are ways to make simple chairs, tables, benches, and seating by yourself using concrete blocks that are simply dry-stacked and covered with foam pads. Alternatively, you can repurpose wood pallets and combine them with the blocks to give the furniture more texture.
Little details can make a lot of difference, so consider adding stepping stones as pathways. Cast them by yourself and scatter them around your backyard, and you’ll get a cottage-inspired, rustic look for a low cost.
Custom-made bar/cooking area and fire pits
Custom-made elements are usually very pricey but if you opt for creative recasting and repurposing, you can achieve the same look at a much lower cost. The previously mentioned concrete blocks can also be used to elevate the deck with reclaimed wooden boards so that you can create a bar/cooking area with high seating.
Additionally, in a different configuration, the same materials can be used to create larger outdoor dining tables, smaller side tables, and even cozy fire pits. These can be particularly warm and inviting during chilly nights when you gather around it with your friends and family over late-night drinks and barbeque.
Vintage Finds
Incorporating vintage finds and salvaged pieces into your outdoor design can add a lot of charm and character to it. Instead of putting up expensive light fixtures, repurpose old industrial pendants and hangers, or you can even use non-working chandeliers for a touch of a rustic feel and a bit of elegance.
Whether it’s old chandeliers, corner brackets, carts, baskets or chairs, these rustic, old accessories will add a lot of charm and character to your space without breaking the bank.
Hardscaping
Hardscaping is one of the most expensive backyard upgrades, but if you use stone leftovers, you’ll get equally satisfactory results without spending too much money. These stones, placed together or stacked, will give your backyard a natural element that will go well with all the greenery and wood pieces. For a more casual and softer surface underfoot, opt for crushed rock and gravel in the dining areas and seating nooks.
Furthermore, a lot of hardscaping elements, such as trellises and arbors, are available at flea markets and salvage shops. They will add height to space and define the traffic flow.
Comfy nooks
Going simple is usually the best option, so consider dividing the space into zones and nooks by rearranging the furniture. Add colorful rugs, cushions, and draping, and don’t forget the power of good lighting: put overhead string lights on your pergola and add scented candles on the tables for a warm and inviting setting.
It doesn’t take much to have a beautiful backyard space, and a limited budget is surely no obstacle for a creative and resourceful mind. With tips listed here, you’ll have a gorgeous and inviting outdoor space in no time without breaking the bank!
[su_box title=”About The Author” box_color=”#777b8a”]
Catherine is a passionate home design consultant from Melbourne. She loves making homes beautiful and buildings sustainable, but she also likes sharing her advice and knowledge with people. That is why she is also a regular contributor to the Smoothdecorator blog. Besides all this, she loves reading and enjoys a superhero movie from time to time[/su_box]
