It’s easy for people to go on and on about their outdoor rooms and backyard kitchens when they have yards that are the right size and were properly designed for such modern conveniences. Yours, unfortunately, is far from your favorite thing about the house, but here’s the good news: it doesn’t take a lot of work to turn your yard into a place you love spending time in. Here’s how.

Decorate

One particularly good idea is to bring in some new furniture. Organize a nice, comfy suite of outdoor furniture from somewhere like Super Amart Australia and your yard is already much more comfortable to be in and far more pleasing to the eye. Add a number of large potted plants throughout the area and, if you haven’t got a pool, then consider a water feature. The sound of slowly trickling water is extremely relaxing.

Privacy

It can be hard to relax when you know there’s a chance you’re being watched but, at the same time, you aren’t wild about erecting a 6-foot fence around the whole block either. Use trees, vines, or hedges in gardens around the fence line to block the view into the yard and create a little more privacy. If you’re antsy and can’t wait for a bunch of trees to hurry up and grow, then add a trellis or bamboo panels to speed things up.

Lose the Junk

Every yard has a certain amount of garbage that doesn’t need to be there. Old or broken yard furniture? Rusted gardening equipment? Old toys and play equipment the kids haven’t touched in years? If you can’t bear to part with them, premade metal buildings can easily be constructed and used as garden sheds. If they’re in relatively good shape, consider donating them to a local charity or second-hand goods store.

Light It Up

You’d be surprised how many yards don’t have adequate lighting, yet this is crucial to making any backyard more liveable. Lighting is perfect for creating an atmosphere. Simple things like citronella candles and torches will go a long way to keeping mosquitos and other flying insects at bay while you relax. Solar lights are another great option for shedding some light on a pathway too.

Weather-Proofing

You’re not going to be able to enjoy your highly-liveable backyard if it all starts falling apart within a few months, are you? It’s so important to protect everything in your yard from the elements. Sunlight, rain, and wind can all damage your furniture and equipment. Shade sails and portable gazebos are a great way to keep your things sheltered without having to build anything permanent, and they can be made to your exact specifications.

And, with that, most of the hard work is done. You’ve now got a much more inviting, relaxing area of your home where you can take a moment to enjoy some well-deserved solitude or an area to entertain friends and family during the holidays. The best part? You did it all yourself. Now there’s something you can be proud of! What are your favorite ways to liven up a backyard? Share your insights in the comments section below.