Five Back Yard Design Must-Haves for Barbecue Season
By: Alexis B.
Can you hear it? Summer’s close enough that the grill is starting to whisper your name. Evenings are longer, drinks are colder, and the urge to gather with friends over burgers is officially on! But before you even throw a brat onto that grill, you should probably take a look at your back yard design. After all, a great barbecue is about more than just the food!
A thoughtful, well-styled backyard sets the tone for your entire gathering. Whether you’re looking to give guests space to lounge or keep the expert on BBQ in their safe zone, here are five must-haves that can take your back yard design from bland to legendary.
1. A Back Yard Design Layout That Works Hard
We’ve all been there before – you’re enjoying a fun summer day, and suddenly it feels like everyone is crowding around the grill or bumping into patio furniture on the way by. That’s a sign of a layout problem.
A great back yard design separates your space into separate zones. Cooking, dining, and lounging should all have their fair share of the yard!
Keep the cooking zone close enough to the kitchen for easy trips inside, but far enough away from seating that your guests aren’t choking on smoke. The dining area should have some shade or cover, with plenty of space to pull out chairs without hitting anything nearby. Meanwhile, your lounging area should be a more relaxed secondary space, like a fire pit or a hammock zone to spread out.
A zoned layout gives your yard a nice flow while keeping it functional. Plus, it makes your yard feel bigger and more intentionally designed.
2. A Grill Setup That Means Business
Forget that tiny camping grill, it’s time for a full grill station! Whether you’re aiming for charcoal or propane, your grill setup should reflect your lifestyle and fit nicely with your layout. If you find yourself hosting all summer long, a built-in grill with extra counter space, storage, and even a sink can make all the difference.
You’ll also want to consider adding in:
- A prep surface
- Side burners for keeping food warm
- A nearby cooler or bar cart
Not planning to be an every-weekend grill warrior? No worries. Get yourself a grill that’s sleek and serious yet designed to tuck away easily when you’re not using it. Your grill is the heart of your barbecue zone, so don’t skimp out on it.
3. Stylish Shade and Shelter
An unexpected drizzle or a sizzling sunburn can quickly dampen the mood. Adding some shade or shelter is key to keeping the fun going all summer long (without that giant tub of aloe). A few examples include:
- Pergolas: Consider adding climbing vines or fabric panels to add a pop of personality and extra privacy.
- Shade Sails: Perfect for smaller yards or those looking for budget-friendly options.
- Covered Patios: A nice permanent option for those who find themselves enjoying the outdoors often during the summer.
No matter your choice, make sure it blends in with your home’s architecture. If you’re not sure what that could look like, our expert designers are ready to help give you some ideas.
4. Inviting Seating for You and Your Guests
It’s time to toss out those old fold-up chairs. You don’t need to splurge on a full outdoor living room set, but you do want to aim for a mix of comfy and durable seating.
Weather-resistant sectionals or loveseats offer plush, washable cushions that keep you and your guests comfy even on the hottest of days. Outdoor dining chairs are great for a more formal setup, and stackable chairs make winter storage a breeze. To spruce it up, consider sprinkling in a few poufs or ottomans for flexible seating.
Not sure what type of furniture to get? Consider matching your cushions and accessories to your home’s exterior color palette. That little bit of coordination can really tie your back yard design together!
5. Make Your Back Yard Design Safe With Lighting
Just because the sun sets doesn’t mean the party has to. Good outdoor lighting creates a nice ambiance and keeps guests from tripping all over the place.
Just like with any other part of your home design, layering is key here. You want to use a combination of the following:
- String Lights: These add a cozy, twinkly look to your yard.
- Lanterns: Can be mounted on your home or fencing for added warmth.
- Path Lighting: A nice way to illuminate your home while helping your guests safely navigate around.
- Spotlights or Uplighting: Perfect for illuminating trees or your favorite architectural features to add depth to your back yard design.
We recommend using warm bulbs rather than cool-toned, as they tend to look more flattering and cozy even in the outdoors. If you love a smart home setup, you might even want to get some smart bulbs or dimmers so you can control the mood with your phone.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Back Yard Design Your Own
Barbecue season is quickly approaching, and now is the perfect time to upgrade your back yard design. With just a few simple upgrades, you can create an outdoor space that works all year long.
Remember to keep your outdoor space as an extension of your home. You want it cohesive, comfortable, and uniquely yours. If you’re not sure where to start on that, our virtual exterior design services can help you create the backyard of your dreams, one piece at a time.
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