Did you know that spending even 120 minutes a week outdoors is good for your health? It reduces anxiety and contributes to heart health!
There’s never been a better reason to get outside and use your outdoor space. If your backyard isn’t set up to be a place you want to spend your time, it’s time for a redesign!
A few outdoor design tips can take your backyard from blah to wow. Don’t struggle for ideas because we have them for you. Keep reading below to find out!
Landscaping
Any outdoor space that lacks flowers, plants, and trees is missing out on the beauty they bring. When redesigning your outdoor space, do a little research to find what works best in your location.
South Carolina has a subtropical climate. It’s humid and has hot summers and wet winters.
There’s a long list of flowers to pick from that work well in this climate! It depends on whether you prefer annual or perennial ones.
Annual flowers grow for a season, but they die in the winter. A few recommended annuals are…
- Marigolds
- Begonias
- Zinnias
- Petunias
With perennial flowers, only the top portion dies in the winter. This means they will bloom again next season.
The list of perennials that flourish in South Carolina is extensive. Some popular perennials are…
- Hosta
- Iris
- Lily of the Valley
- Primrose
Cast Iron, Southern Wood Fern, and Blue Gamma make great additions in the way of plants and grass. Ash trees, both green and white, grow quickly, provide shade, and resist disease.
Choose whatever catches your eye and fits your style. Decorate in and around your patio to bring your outdoor space to life!
Pool
Adding a pool to your backyard adds a neat water feature and entertainment value. Because of the subtropical climate, you can use your pool for about half of the year.
Spice up your pool area by adding a waterfall! Include colorful LED lighting and watch the water glow at night.
Consider the stone pavers you may want to use around your pool. There are many colors and designs.
Deck
Decking instantly upgrades your backyard. It adds levels and polish.
Have your deck descend onto a stone patio area. Outfit the patio area with seating and dining.
A backyard that’s broken up into segments of grass, patio, and deck looks clean. It also is functional and gives you options.
Outdoor Fire Pit
Include an outdoor fire pit in your patio upgrades. In the colder months and in the evening, an outdoor fire pit makes the space warm.
The glow of your fire pit is cozy and a conversation piece. Something about a burning fire encourages chats.
It doesn’t have to be a small circle of stones. Work with a general contractor in Mount Pleasant, SC to build a fabulous hearth.
Your guests will love sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows, and basking in the light. It can be the focal point of your patio.
Outdoor Kitchen/Bar
Take advantage of the gorgeous weather by building an outdoor kitchen and bar area. You could even have a large pass-through window to your indoor kitchen.
When building the kitchen, add a grill, sink, and wine fridge. Have the countertop wide enough that you can set barstools on the other side.
Install fans overheard for the excessively hot days. It’s hot enough when you’re grilling!
Your outdoor kitchen could be attached to your home with an overhanging roof or stand-alone. This helps you determine what kind of stone, wood, or material you use for the look of the kitchen.
Pergola
A pergola or gazebo is a necessity for the hot Carolina sun. This makes the space more liveable.
The last thing you want to do is to spend money on a beautiful backyard, but be too uncomfortable to enjoy it. Having areas of shade and sun relieves this problem.
Go the natural route by leaving the wood stained. Make the pergola more interesting by painting it.
Use accents to upgrade it further. Curtains hanging from the pergola add privacy.
White, see-through curtains can be drawn up against the posts. This gives your pergola area a dreamy feeling.
Lighting
Lighting is an essential tool. Lighting decides the mood of your outdoor space. It also encourages you to use the space even after dark.
String lights are a popular choice. They offer gentle light without making your guests feel like they have a spotlight on them.
String lights add a romantic touch to any outdoor space. They are easily strung up from point to point or around a pergola.
Lanterns are another favored lighting choice. They are great lighting for pathways and cute decorations.
Be sure to light any steps. Small LED patio lights under each step are practical and safe.
Your fire pit is another wonderful source of lighting. If you choose a gas fire pit, you can fire it up at the push of a button.
Stones
Stone pavers for pathways are both functional and pretty. When it’s wet outside, you and your guests still have a way of getting through the yard.
High heels slice through the ground and get stuck. But, stone pavers keep people from losing their shoes in the grass.
Little stones or pebbles added to the flower garden look lovely. They are also good for drainage.
You can set up larger stone pavers in a lined pebble path for an attractive look. Another idea is to use the pebbles to create a unique, custom design in your pathway.
Enjoy Your Outdoor Space
From spring to winter, you want to enjoy your outdoor space. In South Carolina, that’s an easy goal to achieve.
These ideas should help you design the backyard of your dreams. Use both landscaping and hardscaping to get the results you want.
If you’re looking for a general contractor in Charleston, SC, or Mount Pleasant, SC to start your project, we can help. Learn about our work on outdoor living spaces and reserve your consultation today!
