10 Easy Ways To Give Your Backyard Personality

Hi there friends! My friend Shauna is hosting an Outdoor Extravaganza and this week is all about outdoor decorating & entertaining ideas. This is the time of year we are all eager to spruce up our outdoor spaces and make them peaceful and inviting once again, so I thought I would give some easy ways to bring personality to your backyard.

[All the links to the other fabulous projects are at the bottom of the post]

As most of you know we just re-did our backyard, before it was a sad little space and now it serves 3 functional purposes & is a place we love to be. Through the process of doing it all ourselves I learned a ton along the way. You don’t need a lot of money to make your backyard feel cozy and pretty, you just need to be willing to get your hands dirty and be creative.

Here are 10 easy ways to bring personality to your backyard…

1. Add illumination. You can create an inviting mood in your outdoor space quite inexpensively by layering in string lights, lanterns and votives, they add that little something extra that make the nighttime a time to treasure under the stars.

2. Bring in some warmth. The best thing we did for our patio is bring in the fire pit. My boys beg to sit out here at night, the little one thinks he is camping and the thing I love is we get to talk, while being warm and cozy of course. The s’more making is always fun too.

3. Create a kitchen/bar. We got creative when putting together an area we could cook & serve from. We knew outdoor kitchens were functional & wanted one desperately but also knew they were expensive. So…we added a painted potting bench to our modular grill and viola, we now have our own DIY outdoor kitchen & serving station.

4. Layer in the Lush Greens. By bringing in plants of varying sizes and shapes you can emulate your own tropical paradise. Last year I brought most of mine in for the winter and they survived {yay me}, so if you buy a few at a time they are a small investment you can use year round.

5. Make a Cozy Place to Lounge. Creating a distinct area in your backyard where people can lounge is important but doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Even if the budget doesn’t allow for a large sectional you can bring in mismatched wicker or Adirondack chairs that will work around a focal point like a fire pit or coffee table. Check yard sales as well, you would be surprised what a little paint can do.

6. Add Privacy. Making your backyard feel encapsulated can make the space feel like a private oasis. You can plant hedges and grasses, add a privacy screen or use planter boxes to create a barrier and achieve this look.

7. Add a Table With Flexible Seating. Adding a designated area in your backyard where people can dine is a necessity. You can think outside the box for this one, it all doesn’t have to match. I used a beautiful driftwood table with yard sale wicker chairs and a bench. The bench is awesome for kids and can fit a good amount of people.

8. Use Plenty of Pillows and Throws. When trying to create a cozy atmosphere in your outdoor space it is key to layer in the layers. By using pillows and throws it gives another texture that makes your space feel like an extension of your home. I do bring in the fabrics and blankets that aren’t meant to be outside when not in use, I get this ? a lot:).

9. Grow a Garden. It is amazing the ambiance a herb/vegetable garden can give. We built our garden a few years ago and although I am still learning I love having one. It adds that something extra to the space when we are out here, makes us feel close to nature on our small piece of property.

10. Play Music. We all know music is good for the soul so why not bring it outside. Whether you have large outdoor speakers [which we don’t have] or a small device it adds a special something everyone will enjoy.

How to Protect Your Outdoor Cushions by The Happy Housie

Country Farmhouse Porch Decor Ideas (with a Boho Twist) by The DIY Mommy

Easy Ways to Give Your Backyard Personality by City Farmhouse

Moss Chandelier Wreath by Craftberry Bush

Flea Market Style Outdoor Table Setting by Satori Design for

Rome wasn’t built in a day and your backyard doesn’t need to be either. We have spent years planning and executing our space & through each step we enjoyed making it better than it was. I hope this post inspired you, let me know if you have any questions at all.

Have a beautiful day!