How to Redesign Your Backyard for the Summer

There’s nothing like enjoying the warmth of the summer season from the comfort of your backyard. It’s the perfect time to relax outside or bring over loved ones to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere together. However, you might be worried about the state of your outdoor space, and you aren’t alone. Around 81% of adults with backyards said they look forward to hosting parties there, but 34% admitted they would have to improve the area beforehand.

 

Investing in remodeling your outdoor space for the summer can breathe new life into the place and prime it for use, allowing you to make new memories at home. Here’s how to redesign your backyard for the summer and how to stay safe while doing so:

 

Add Comfortable Seating

 

 

Summer is the best time to lounge in the great outdoors and enjoy the sun. Adding comfortable seating to your backyard can make relaxing in the pleasant summer weather a breeze.

 

You can create an outdoor living room complete with patio sofas and chairs that surround a coffee table or fire pit, which can be a great gathering space when you have guests over. You can also keep it simple by adding a few lounge chairs and a small side table where you can sit back and relax with a cool drink or set up some lounge chaises for a beachy or poolside vibe, even if you don’t have a pool!

 

Opt for a classic vibe with a bench, which is sturdier and more weather-resistant and can blend in nicely with the natural environment. Spruce things up with colorful throw pillows or a fresh coat of paint to elevate your outdoor space or hang up string lights over the seating area to illuminate it and create a pleasing ambiance for nighttime chilling and outdoor living.

 

Install a Water Fixture

 

 

Water can create a soothing ambiance in your backyard, especially in the summer heat. Installing a water fixture is a backyard landscaping idea that won’t require much effort and can make your backyard atmosphere feel more refreshing. There is a wide range of water fixtures to choose from, so you can look at your space and consider your preferences to figure out which one will suit your backyard the best.

 

A bird bath is a simple and effective fixture that can attract birds who need to drink and bathe. More birds in your backyard can help pollinate your plants, and they can help control insects. Solar birdbath fountains take it a notch up from regular bird baths, as they’re powered by sunlight and keep water moving constantly. This movement helps prevent bacteria and algae build-up, and the sound of moving water can be calming to the senses.

 

Ponds can also be a beautiful, safe haven for various wildlife and blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. For something grander, you can add a freestanding water fountain. They’re not too complicated to install and instantly add pizzazz to your backyard, no matter how simple or opulent the design is. 

 

Enhance Entertainment

 

 

Summer is the best time to invite friends and family over, and your backyard offers a great area for people to gather and enjoy each other’s company outside the house. Don’t limit the fun to the indoors; enhance your outdoor entertainment offerings to make your backyard a space where everyone can have fun or unwind.

 

An outdoor kitchen is a great investment if you enjoy holding backyard BBQs and grilling outside. Cooking can become a community affair and encourage people to bond over good food.

 

You can also elevate nighttime parties and gatherings with an outdoor bar, creating a space for serving drinks and socializing under the night sky. Consider installing speakers outside to play music while relaxing or amping up the party.

 

Tips for Protecting Yourself While Working on Your New Backyard

 

Summer days are hot, so if you’re planning on undertaking the work yourself, you’ll need to implement some smart tips. Stay safe while styling your scene.

 

Wear sunglasses

 

 

Redesigning your backyard can liven up your outdoor space for the season, but the intense summer sun can be damaging if you’re working outdoors. Your eyes are especially vulnerable, as prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause issues like eye sunburn or increase your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.

 

Wearing a pair of 100% UVA and UVB protection sunglasses can keep your eyes safe while working in your backyard. Shades also come with various vision perks. Sunglasses with polarized lenses can enhance color and contrast to make it easier to see in the light and block glare from reflective surfaces.

 

If you need vision correction, you can buy a pair that can address vision issues without compromising sun protection. The McKay SunReaders from Foster Grant are great if you need reading glasses and struggle with near vision, while the Solar Shield Lucy model is designed to fit over prescription glasses or readers, ensuring clear vision while keeping your eyes safe. Keep them on no matter the activity you’re doing or what the weather is like when you’re working in your backyard. 

 

Work in the Shade

 

 

Constant sun exposure can damage your health, from causing sunburn to dehydration. When you’re redesigning your backyard or working on an outdoor DIY project, it’s best to work in the shade as much as possible to avoid the harsh sunlight.

 

If you have to assemble furniture or install a fixture, do so under the shade of an awning or set up a temporary tent in the area that can easily be disassembled after use. Working under an umbrella or canopy can also shield you from UV rays. They’re also a stylish solution for protecting outdoor furniture from the sun to prevent discoloration and premature aging.

 

If you need to move around a lot, a wide-brimmed hat can also keep the sun away from your face and protect your head, neck, and ears. If shade is hard to come by, avoid working during the sun’s peak hours and start earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. 

 

Stay Hydrated

 

 

Redesigning your backyard in the summer can be tough due to the heat. As such, staying hydrated is a must, especially since you’ll be sweating and exerting much effort.

 

Keep a reusable water bottle nearby for easy access rather than constantly having to go back in and out of the house for a glass of cold water. An insulated one can also keep your drinks cooler for longer, so you can stay refreshed and cool no matter how many hours you spend redesigning or remodeling your backyard.

 

A bottle or tumbler like the Klean Kanteen Rise Tumbler can hold up to 36 ounces of water or any other drink of your choice. It also has a splash and spill-proof Flip Lid with straw for easy refilling without removing the lid.

 

Create Your Summer Scene Today

 

 

Investing in redesigning your backyard for the summer can make it a more inviting space, whether you're relaxing alone or hosting a backyard get-together. If you need help getting started, feel free to reach out to our expert design services team for free assistance.

 

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About the Author

 

Regina Jaina is a freelance writer interested in lifestyle and housekeeping pieces. When she’s not researching and drafting her next piece, you can find Regina experimenting with cooking, baking, and decorating at home.