10 Modern Backyard Ideas
Simple, laid-back, and on-trend. We've got you.
With warmer temps approaching, we can't wait to post up in the backyard from Friday afternoon till Sunday evening. The key to a great backyard? Making the space work for you. Can't wait to host a dinner party? You'll need outdoor dining furniture to show off your grill skills. Prefer to lounge around, glass of rosé in hand? Check out our outdoor lounge furniture.
Once you've got the basics covered, take your space to the next level by checking out our favorite modern backyard ideas listed below.
1. Hang Out
A swing chair or hammock is the ideal move for creating a retreat in your backyard. They take very little time to set up and put away. Pair your hammock with a garden stool instead of a coffee table so you can easily move both to catch rays.
Large backyards can create space for the best of both worlds: dining and relaxing. Keep the two areas separate by zoning off each one. You can use large stones or an outdoor rug as the boundary. We love rolling out a rug underneath an outdoor seating set to make it feel like a second living room.
Modern backyard ideas don't have to be all about furniture. If you have a tall fence or wall, pin a sheet to it and set up a projector for an at-home movie night. Add a couple of throw pillows, popcorn, and a round of Aperol spritz and you'll never want to go back to the chilly theater.
Pro Tip:
Don't forget about outdoor storage. Whether you've got little ones with dozens of toys or you just need a place to store your movie-night gear, make sure you have a waterproof deck box or storage bench to keep things safe.
4. Master a DIY Patio Floor
If you're looking for a modern backyard idea to take your space to the next level, consider redoing the floor with new tiles. Morrocan and subway tiles are two of our favorites. If you have ocean inspo in mind, choose scalloped tiles to recreate a mermaid tail.
Like most of us, the odds that you have a bar cart are pretty high. For the easiest party trick ever, stock your bar cart with margarita essentials, chips, and salsa. Then roll it out to get the party started and back inside to make room for dancing.
An accent tray is a simple way to make cleanup easier. Whether you're bringing out your AM coffee or sparkling water and a book on a Saturday afternoon, make it easy by placing everything on an accent tray. Taking less trips inside and spending more time in the sun? Heck. Yes.
A fire pit is the coziest way to make sure the patio stays open into autumn. A propane fire pit requires little upkeep and lets you adjust the flame. If you aren't ready to commit to a fire pit or you rent your space, opt for a patio heater. Most have wheels so you can roll them out for cooler evenings and easily store them when you want to practice your morning Sun Salutations.
For the hottest months, it's pretty much a given that you'll have to break out an umbrella to keep your backyard cool. A shady spot is also a must if your pup is joining you, because it'll keep the bottoms of their paws from getting too hot.
If your backyard is on the smaller side, consider installing a bench for versatility. A bench makes a great spot for poolside lounging but is wide enough to double as a walk-up bar. Just set out buckets with ice, mixers, and sodas.
If a potting station is more your speed, set up a plant space for all your gardening essentials. On weekends, just slide everything over and serve drinks and snacks from there.
Ready to get outside?
