Outdoor patio dining area with string lights, a brick wall, and surrounding tropical plants.

19 Ideas to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

June 30, 2021

Every little effort you can make toward building a better backyard — or front yard — will make your outside time that much more enjoyable.

Plants

Shrubs: Adding some curated plants pulls together your outdoor space.
Flowers: Garden beds with flowers make any outdoor space look gorgeous.
Herb garden: Set aside a section of your garden for herbs or plant pots on the deck.
Trellis with ivy or roses: Climbing plants can be woven into trellises.
Bug zapper or spray: Zappers, candles, and other insect-mitigation tools keep biters away.
Outdoor furniture: You can lounge more easily with suitable furniture.
Pillows/blankets suitable for outside: Weather-friendly accessories for warmth and comfort.
A fire pit: Provide a spark of something extra with a fire pit.
A water feature: Add a fountain or make lawn upkeep easier with sprinklers.
A message board by the front door: Tired of missing people? Your front door needs a message center.
Light fixtures by the door: Modernize your outside with new light fixtures.
Solar lights lining garden paths: Solar lights or fairy lights give your yard ambiance after dark.
Shades to protect from the sun: Patio umbrellas or retractable shades protect from the sun.
A storage shed: Stash lawn and garden tools, games, and more.
Outdoor bar: Establish a space to store drinks, ice to keep them cold — or even a wet bar for mixing.
Birdbath: Make your outdoor space a bird haven by adding a birdbath.
Bird feeder: Feeding birds is another great way to entice your avian friends to flit around the yard.
Fence: A sweet little picket fence can delineate your yard and make it all look nicer.
Trees: Whether you want fresh fruit or some shade, consider adding a tree.