Summer Backyard Ideas That Make Style Feel Carefree

Summer Patio Decorating Ideas

With a little effort, a small patio can be transformed into a welcoming, comfortable space that's perfect for hosting a summer party. Here are a few decor ideas that will make your backyard patio stand out.

Outdoor Living Room Furniture

Elevate your patio design with the following outdoor furniture items:

• Coffee table: Set up a coffee table to hold board games, snacks and drinks.
• Outdoor sofa: Decorate a sofa with some throw pillows, then sit back and relax.
• Lounge chairs: Maximize your patio space by adding a few stand-alone chairs.
• Outdoor rug: Make your patio soft and cozy by covering it with an outdoor rug.
• Outdoor dining table: Enjoy full meals outside with a dining table.

You can decorate your outdoor living space by following a certain style (such as Bohemian, minimalist or even your own home decor). Conversely, you could just throw together some functional patio furniture items and call it a day.

Patio Lighting

Nothing's worse than enjoying a nice night outdoors, only to have to hurry inside because it's getting dark. Fortunately, with the right lighting, you can remain comfortably outside well into the night. Brighten up your patio with the following solutions:

• String lights
• Hanging lamps
• Floodlights

For the best results, go for subtle accent lighting — if your outdoor area is too bright, you won't be able to appreciate the natural night atmosphere.

Backyard Item Ideas

Your patio isn't the only place where you can have some fun with outdoor decorating. Spruce up your backyard with these items.

Fire Pit

From roasting marshmallows to singing campfire songs, there are plenty of things you can do with an outdoor fire pit. One of the best things about fire pits is that you don't need warm weather to enjoy them; they'll keep you nice and toasty even during chilly days.

DIY Fort

If you have kids, keep them entertained by setting up a fort. Not only are forts fun, but they also supply comfortable shade. You could purchase a tent or DIY your own fort using blankets and branches or poles.

Hammock

A hammock offers the perfect spot to take naps, read books and lounge around. You can prop one up anywhere in your backyard — for the coziest experience, set it up underneath a tree (which will supply you with cool, natural shade).

Gardening and Landscaping Ideas

If you're looking for simple summer decorating ideas, landscaping is a good place to start. There are tons of things you can do with your grass, plants and other greenery. Here are a few leading landscape design ideas.

Flowers

Nothing will beautify your garden quite like flowers. Plant flowers directly into the soil, or speed things up with container gardening (which involves purchasing ready-made flowers in pots and spreading them around your yard). Here are some of the easiest flowers to grow:

• Marigolds
• Begonias
• Sunflowers
• Peonies

If you're not a fan of flowers, try planting fresh vegetables instead.

Bar Carts

Take your gardening to the next level — literally — by using a bar cart. These carts feature multiple levels (usually between two and three) that are filled with anything from flowers to greenery. Leave it in one place or wheel it around the yard.

Trees

If your backyard is bare, fill it up by planting trees. Not only are trees good for the environment, but they also supply healthy shade. Moreover, they can live for centuries, giving you an elevated outdoor space that you'll enjoy for years to come!