10 Ideas for Decorating a Long, Narrow Living Room

Your backyard is more than just a plot of land behind your home; it's an extension of your living space. With the right vision and a little creativity, you can transform your backyard into a breathtaking space that complements your home's aesthetic and suits your lifestyle.

Whether you're looking to create a cosy retreat, an entertainment hub, or a lush garden sanctuary, this guide will help you turn your backyard into a stunning masterpiece.

Tips for a backyard makeover

Define your vision

Before diving into any backyard makeover project, take time to envision what you want your outdoor space to look and feel like.

Are you looking to create a peaceful retreat, an entertaining space, a family play area, a vibrant garden, or a combination of these? Understanding your primary goals and needs will serve as your roadmap throughout the makeover process.

Plan your layout

Sketch out your backyard's layout and divide the space into different zones based on your envisioned purposes. Common zones include seating areas, dining spaces, gardening areas, and recreational spaces. Determining these zones will help you allocate space for each function.

Choose weather-resistant furniture

Opt for weather-resistant materials like teak, aluminium, or synthetic wicker that can withstand the elements. From cosy sofas and lounge chairs to balcony sets and hammocks, the right furniture can enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space.

Also, consider getting furniture covers to protect these pieces from the elements, especially when they’re not in use during off-season months.

Our furniture covers are made from polyester and PVC, making them water-, fade- and mildew-resistant.

Add more greenery

Even though your backyard already has some greenery like grass and trees, don’t be afraid to add more!

Get your hands dirty and plant a mix of flowers and shrubs, or place potted plants in the seating areas. Consider vertical gardens and hanging baskets if you have limited space to work with.

5 backyard makeover ideas

A modern outdoor oasis

A modern design involves creating an outdoor space that combines sleek, contemporary aesthetics with comfort and functionality.

Opt for neutral colours like white, grey, or black as your primary colours, choose furniture with simple, straight lines, and avoid ornate or intricate decor. Consider modular sofas and sectionals with crisp lines, low profiles, and upholstered in durable, weather-resistant materials.

To create your very own modern outdoor setting, consider pieces from the Sorrento Outdoor Collection. It has a laidback yet refined look that boasts contrasting shades of beige, black, and wood tones, perfect for creating a modern setting.

@ashleyfultz creates a modern oasis with the Sorrento Outdoor Sofa, 2 Lounge Chairs and Coffee Table Set.

Sorrento features an airy design with slim armrests and a slatted backrest. Choose from a 3-seater sofa or modular options to create a seating arrangement that suits the layout of your backyard.

If you have a smaller space, the Balcony Round Foldable Table with 2 Newport Chairs Set makes a great alternative.

The Balcony Round Foldable Table with 2 Newport Chairs Set.

A beachy, coastal vibe

Creating a beachy coastal outdoor space is all about capturing the relaxed, breezy, and soothing atmosphere of the beach.

Opt for a soft, ocean-inspired palette - think aquas, whites, sandy beige, and muted greens to evoke the sea, sky, and sand. Consider furniture made of natural materials like wood and rattan to mimic the look of driftwood or beachside resorts.

The wicker collection, Malta, would make a good choice if you want to create a beachy look for your outdoor space.

@ellisandhale creates a cosy seating arrangement with the Malta Outdoor 3-Seater Sofa, Lounge Chair, and the Round Drum Coffee Table.

Made from weather-resistant wicker woven to form webbings, this creates a prominent coastal aesthetic. The rounded shape of the lounge chairs and sofa helps add a cosy vibe to your outdoor space.

Place the Malta Lounge Set on your deck in the backyard, coupled with some coastal-inspired decor like woven baskets or ropes to really tie the look.

@nest.out.west creates a coastal vibe with the Malta Outdoor Build-Your-Own Lounge Set.

A rustic farmhouse setup

The modern farmhouse aesthetic is a popular interior design style and for good reason. It creates the perfect blend of rural farmhouse living with modern touches.

Modern farmhouse designs typically feature muted and earthy colour palettes. Think creams, greys, and terracotta. These colours create a calming and cosy atmosphere. Also, choose wooden furniture that exudes farmhouse vibes, such as the Rio Outdoor Collection.

The Rio Outdoor Dining Table, Bench, and Chairs are made from durable teak wood. Picture credits: @charlotteshappyhome

Made from teak wood sourced from Indonesia, the pieces in this collection are highly durable and resistant to the weather.

The dining table features an angular and boxy design with U-shaped legs that slightly taper inwards at the top. You can also choose from dining benches and chairs to create a balanced and cohesive rustic farmhouse dining area.

A chic bohemian retreat

Creating a stylish bohemian outdoor space involves infusing a sense of free-spirited creativity and a mix of textures and patterns.

Opt for natural materials like rattan, bamboo, and jute for furniture and decor as these materials add warmth to your outdoor space. Wooden furniture with a weathered or rustic finish can also complement the boho aesthetic.

Low-to-the-ground seating like the sofas and lounge chairs in the Sierra Collection are great options for a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Plush cushions are supported by a natural rattan weaving that creates a beautiful contrast with the black aluminium frame.

The Sierra Outdoor Sofa, Lounge Chairs, and Coffee Table Set with vibrant pillows and decor to create a bohemian aesthetic.

Sierra also has modular options so you can configure various L-shaped seating configurations to create the ideal arrangement for your outdoor space.

Consider adding hammocks or hanging chairs to complement the Sierra collection and highlight the boho vibes.

A tropical makeover

Tropical design often features bold and vibrant colours inspired by nature. Consider using shades of turquoise, deep blues, and lush greens to create a lively atmosphere. Incorporate tropical plants like ferns or birds of paradise and palm trees in your backyard to mimic the tropical landscape.

For furniture, opt for wood furniture with a natural or weathered finish. Teak, bamboo, or eucalyptus are durable wood choices for outdoor use that would suit the tropical vibe.

Pieces in the Maui Collection would be ideal for creating a tropical oasis. Maui is made from a hand-woven rope backing and acacia wood leg frame, which is sturdy and durable - perfect for outdoor use.

@noa.styling.design places large leafy plants to create a tropical aesthetic with the Maui Outdoor 2-Seater Sofa, Lounge Chairs, and Coffee Table Set in Taupe.

The 2-seater sofa and lounge chair also feature curved backrests and armrests, boasting a sleek and sophisticated design.

Giving your backyard a makeover is an exciting project that can significantly enhance your quality of life and create an inviting outdoor space. With careful planning, the right choices in furniture and decor, and a touch of creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a paradise that reflects your style and meets your needs. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to transform your backyard into an outdoor sanctuary!