Forget Basic Backyards and Say Hello to Firepits and Splash Zones

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Gone are the days of plain lawns and uninspired patios. Today’s outdoor spaces are extensions of the home – places to relax, entertain, and play. Adding unique backyard features transforms ordinary yards into personal retreats packed with character and functionality. From cozy fire pits and ping pong tables to splash pools and outdoor kitchens, the possibilities for upgrades are endless. These features create spaces where families can gather, friends can mingle, and memories can be made.

Whether you crave a lively atmosphere or a luxury escape, here’s how to design a backyard that feels like a vacation.

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Large transitional white home with a retaining wall and firepit sitting area.

Fire pits: the heart of outdoor gatherings

A fire pit instantly becomes the focal point of any backyard, providing warmth, ambience, and a cozy spot for socializing. It transforms outdoor spaces into year-round hangouts, perfect for roasting marshmallows in the summer or sipping hot cocoa in the fall. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of a wood-burning pit or the convenience of gas-powered flames, fire pits create a welcoming environment for guests and homeowners alike.

Design options range from sleek, modern bowls to sunken fire pits surrounded by built-in stone seating. Adding a fire pit near a pool or water feature enhances the visual appeal by combining fire and water elements. Incorporating natural materials like stone or brick allows the fire pit to blend seamlessly with surrounding hardscaping. Add comfortable chairs and soft lighting, like string lights, for a warm and inviting feel.

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Ultimate backyard with aa pool, pingpong table, firepit, pool house with a bar, and an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor games and entertainment zones

For those with a competitive side, backyard games keep the energy high and the fun going. Think cornhole boards, bocce ball courts, and ping pong tables, all of which are great for family and friend gatherings. Try adding storage to keep equipment organized and the area ready for use at any time.

If you have a larger space, multi-use courts can double as basketball, volleyball, or pickleball. Lawn games and outdoor movie screens also provide entertainment options without taking up much space.

Ping pong tables especially bring out the competitive edge of guests, offering hours of entertainment for both kids and adults. They’re portable, require minimal space, and easily integrate into patios, decks, and even poolside areas. During the hotter parts of the year, place the table under a pergola or shaded area to keep players cool. When not in use, it can double as a buffet or serving station during parties.

Large brick home with a plunge pool and firepit area as examples of unique backyard features.

Splash pools: compact and refreshing

One of the most popular unique backyard features right now are splash pools. Splash pools, also known as plunge pools, make a big impact even in small spaces. They’re ideal for cooling off on hot days and provide a stylish focal point for outdoor lounging. These pools come in a variety of shapes and finishes, from linear ground level designs to natural stone textures with a beach entry. Built-in bars, waterfalls, and fountains elevate a pool, while LED lighting adds stunning ambience after sunset.

Splash pools pair beautifully with surrounding features like fire pits and outdoor kitchens, for a resort-inspired vibe. Incorporate organic elements such as stone pavers, wood decking, and tropical plants to complete the look. Overall, for those who want a pool without the heavy maintenance, splash pools provide fun for kids and easy relaxation for adults. Compact, versatile, and visually appealing, splash pools fit seamlessly into backyards while delivering luxury on a smaller scale.

Traditional home with a firepit, lounge area, and outdoor kitchen as examples of unique backyard features.

Outdoor kitchens: dining under the stars

Outdoor kitchens take al fresco dining to the next level, combining function and style in one design. With integrated grills, pizza ovens, and prep stations, they make hosting outdoor dinners effortless. Storage cabinets and countertops ensure you have everything within reach, while bar seating creates a more relaxed spot for guests to gather.

Materials like granite, brick, and stainless steel hold up well outdoors and complement any home style. Adding a pergola or awning provides shade during daytime cooking, and string lights and lanterns enhance the mood for evening meals. Whether you’re grilling burgers or making wood-fired pizzas, outdoor kitchens add convenience and tons of charm to your backyard.

From siding and paint colors to doors and windows, there’s a lot to consider when designing your dream home exterior. Don’t let all the possibilities overwhelm you. Instead, let our team of expert exterior designers handle all the hard work. Learn more about our online exterior design services and exterior design pricing. 

Modern and moody house with an attached pergola, plunge pool, and firepit area - all examples of unique backyard features.

Pergolas and converted patios: stylish shade solutions

Pergola and covered patios bring structure and character to outdoor spaces while providing much-needed shade. They frame seating areas, dining spaces, and fire pits, creating defined zones that feel intentional and functional.

Pergolas with climbing vines or curtains add softness, while wood or metal structures deliver a modern architectural look. Retractable awnings give homeowner’s flexibility, allowing sunlight when desired and shade when needed. For year-round use, try to incorporate ceiling fans and outdoor heaters to take advantage of the space no matter the weather.

Traditional home with a plunge pool, a firepit, and a pergola over a dining table and lounge area,

Can’t choose? Try a blend of features!

Combining unique backyard features create a super dynamic outdoor space that caters to relaxation and entertainment. Pairing a fire pit with a splash pool achieves the perfect balance of fun in the sun and cozy evening opportunities. Adding a ping pong table near the pool keeps guests that aren’t swimming active and engaged, while pergola and outdoor kitchens tie everything together. To maintain a cohesive design, use consistent materials, colors, and textures throughout. Incorporating walkways and landscaping creates natural transitions between spaces, making the entire area feel intentional and organic.

When planning your backyard, consider both aesthetics and function. Durable, weather-resistant materials are a must to keep furniture and other items looking great year-round. Thoughtful layouts ensure each ‘zone’ serves its purpose. Whether you focus on relaxation, games, or dining, any or a combination of these features can transform your yard.

Dark blue cedar shake home with a large pergola covering a lounge area, dining table, outdoor kitchen, and swinging chairs.

Conclusion: There’s an idea for everyone

Say goodbye to boring backyards and embrace a world of possibilities with fire pits, pergolas, splash pools, and more. These unique backyard features add so much value to a home, both functionally and monetarily. Whether you’re hosting the Super Bowl, playing card games with friends, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, the possibilities truly are endless.

Turning your backyard into an at-home destination has never been easier! Our experts at brick&batten can connect you with pros in your local area to start turning your dream into reality. Now is the perfect time to start planning your new backyard. Start today so when the weather’s just right, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new outdoor space. Schedule a complimentary discovery call to see which package is right for you!

It’s not too late to start planning for a new backyard. All we need are your answers to our short questionnaire for our designers to get started creating a custom design. We’ll even provide a shoppable resource list so getting started is as easy as clicking a few links. Get started here.

Author

Originally from Tennessee, Ami currently lives in South Carolina, which has been home since leaving the military in 2016. Interior and exterior design has always intrigued Ami, especially the styles and characteristics seen in other countries as an avid traveler and photographer. She lives for the renewal of older or historic homes that maintain their character, and regularly creates her own mood boards and virtual designs for inspiration or to help others with their spaces. Having always had a passion for design and following their work for years prior, Ami was excited to be brought onto brick&batten’s team of writers. Her writing endeavors actually started in an academic/scientific setting, then in a regulatory aspect. Writing about paint colors, emerging or current trends in exterior design, and so much more revolving around something she’s always enjoyed was a fun and welcomed change!

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