Summer is in full swing in the PNW, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably been spending lots of time outside (except when it’s 95º+, are we right?). Whether you love your backyard or are still dreaming up the perfect space to accompany your home and family’s needs, we think there’s always something to be improved.
No matter how big or small your yard may be, if you look close enough, you can probably find a space or two that doesn’t have a real purpose, and these spots are the perfect opportunities to enhance your space and create a cohesive and special environment.
Read on to get four creative ways to fill wasted space in your backyard that will add both functionality and beauty.
1. Get multi-purpose furniture
One of the easiest ways to efficiently and effectively use wasted space (or make better use of space that’s already taken) is to get creative with furniture – after all, a backyard entertainment space is only as good as its functionality!
There are plenty of great options on the market today for two-in-one furniture, but this is also a great way to get creative and build something custom for your space and needs! For example, a comfy bench that also holds firewood for your fireplace, or a couch with storage under the cushions for blankets or smores supplies.
Bottom line: if you can dream it, a good carpenter and a skilled designer can make that dream a reality!
2. Design a custom water feature
Water features are one of the most versatile and customizable pieces you can add to your backyard because they can be custom designed and built to fit nearly any space of any shape and size. After all, not every yard can accommodate a stunning waterfall, and some yards may need something larger to fit the scale!
Have a small corner of your yard that’s creating an eyesore while you’re outside? Consider designing a unique fountain or bubbler that not only looks great but gives your yard an upscale touch (who doesn’t love the sound of running water while enjoying a morning cup of coffee?). Have a massive spot that you just can’t find the right use for? Then, maybe a waterfall or pond would be the perfect option for you.
3. Go vertical with hanging plants or a living wall
One of the most common challenges in the backyard landscape design world is figuring out what to do with vertical space. While massive backyards are not incredibly rare, they are certainly a luxury in the city, so making the best use of taller spaces, like the sides of your home or a large span of fencing is crucial.
A very popular landscape trend these days is living walls that allow you to plant herbs, flowers, or other greenery and hang them in larger vertical spaces. The wonderful thing about living walls is that they are not only interesting to look at (and super trendy!), but they can also be functional if you don’t have a lot of space for a proper garden or like to have fresh herbs on hand for cooking.
4. Create a whole new space to fit your family’s needs
If you’re lucky enough to have a larger yard, maybe you have the opposite problem from most: figuring out what to do with all the extra space! With more space comes more opportunities and more room for creativity to build a yard to fit all your family’s wants and needs.
Have kids and pets? Consider a space with artificial turf to play lawn games, run through the sprinkler on hot Summer days, or play fetch without wrecking your green grass.
Have a dream of being the ultimate entertainment destination for friends and family in the Summer? Maybe it’s time to build a fully stocked outdoor kitchen or a cozy seating area complete with a fire pit.
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While these are just a few of the more popular ideas we’ve seen in our biz these days, making use of wasted space (big or small) can feel a little daunting, especially if you need to make changes that are cohesive with your larger dream or are dealing with a totally blank slate in need of a major makeover.
Whatever your situation, Greenhaven Landscapes’ team of landscape design experts is well-equipped to help you turn any dream into a reality! Give us a call or contact us to get in touch, and let us help you make the most of your backyard space.