Room by Room Design - The Backyard

It's the reason you purchased your house. The potential of the space for entertaining, dream of a pool, or the fenced in yard for the kids and dog to roam free. Whatever the reason or dream for your backyard space, the best way to fulfill your dreams is to tackle it like any other room in the house. I am sure there will be a lot more sweat equity with an outdoor project by the overall outcome still needs to start with a plan. 
Who will be using the space? Having kids and or pets using your backyard is key in deciding how to layout or plan your outdoor space. Small children will need to have areas they can play and be safe for them to use. A pool will most likely need a separate fence just for the pool itself when small children live in the house. Avoiding large change in the levels of the backyard, like sunken fireplaces and concrete steps.  If you have large dogs they could ruin flowers and plants, and will need a lawn or area to run and do their business. 
How will you use the space? What do you or your family like to do outside? Not everyone has the space for a pool or the time to maintain it. Do you like to play sports? What type of sports or activities does your family like? Horseshoes, bouche ball, putting green, batting cage are all possibilities but all require lots of space. Do you envision BBQ parties and happy hour? An outdoor kitchen and place to eat will be key to host those activities.  Like to sit around the fire pit and roast marshmallows? Need places to sit and lay by the pool, and do you want shade options. 
Layout: So now that you have a list of what you want in the space, time to layout the areas in the yard. Pool and an outdoor kitchen. Fire pit and eating area. Putting green and outdoor bar. Or all the above. Walking out the space to see how everything will fit within the limits of your property is key, not to mention if your HOA will allow it. Eating area close to the outdoor kitchen. Fire pit on the opposite side of the yard away from the play set. Pergola attached to the house or stand alone.

Design:  
Let's start with the area right outside your house. A pergola or patio roof will help with shade and keeping area from weather conditions. Outdoor rugs and furniture for the lounge area. Removable cushions or plastic covers are key to making them last long and always ready for use. A cool swing chair is always a nice touch. Dining area for backyard parties with lighting and an area to keep your drinks cold and accessible. 

Walking further into the yard leaves room for one or many options. Putting green, badminton, play set, or fire pit are some great areas to add beside or instead of the pool.  If you do have a pool, lounge furniture comes in all different options. Live the resort life with a cabana or swing bed. This design coordinates all areas of the yard with the same color scheme and style, the same as you would in any interior space. So when you're ready to tackle the backyard, take the time to plan and design your space so it truly becomes apart of your home. 
~gtg  gather transform gain
Click HERE for your online design questionnaire.