Create Your Own Backyard Paradise

You don’t have to travel to some tropical island to find peace and serenity! Actually, if you have a backyard, you can turn it into your own tropical island with a few tips from the top decorator and design professionals in the industry. You can create a space that is luxurious and bright as well as be able to name a budget and actually stick with it. When people start adding to and designing their backyards, they usually stick to four essential “zones.” These zones include; a zone to grow things, to rest and relax, to play, and of course to eat. It’s okay if you have a very small yard to work with. You can just work with the rest and relaxation zone and the eating zone if necessary. I welcome you to check out some of the tips below and I hope that they help you create the paradise you always dreamed of.

1) Your Grow Zone: People oftentimes talk about how flowers, shrubs and trees “make” a living space. I have to agree! Not only can flowers, shrubs and trees give you a sense that you are away on some other island or another location, but these simple additions are also a cool, easy and cheap way to get more privacy in your yard as well. You might also want to think about adding edible plants like edible flowers and herbs — which are really easy to grow!

2) Your Rest and Relaxation Zone: Whether you have a big yard or a tiny yard, adding furnishings like beach chairs with umbrellas is a really cool and easy way to get that tropical feel that you crave so much. These beach chairs and umbrellas are also a nice option if you have a swimming pool, but it’s not absolutely 100% necessary. If you have a large yard, consider buying multiple beach chairs and umbrellas either all in the same color or utilize beach chair cushions to get the look you really want. Other furnishings besides beach chairs and umbrellas could include tiki torches for nighttime parties, paper lanterns, even repurposed items like old antique doors and metal gears make for an interesting focal point.

3) Play Zone: This zone may not seem as important if you don’t have kids. But, think again. Even adults like to play! Consider adding playful items like a dart board, corn hole table, badminton set, etc. If you have a swimming pool, you can also include a little hideaway box for all of the toys for the swimming pool. Some of these hideaway boxes also have room for things like suntan lotion and towels so if you can afford the space, this would be a great addition to your backyard.

4) Eating Zone: If you are one of those people that has a large backyard, why not consider creating an area specifically where people will eat? You can create an arbor and underneath it place a long table — either brand new or reconditioned to fit your guests. The eating zone can essentially be placed anywhere in the yard, but most people prefer to either place it near the entrance to the home or by the outdoor kitchen or grill. it just makes things a little easier when serving food to your guests. If you have a smaller section for your eating zone, you can still create a vibrant, peaceful and intimate setting that will have your guests oozing with compliments to the host of the evening!

Marilyn Smith specializes in covering the latest trends in summer activities and beach gear, including beach chairs with umbrellas.