Big Backyard Design Ideas for Atlanta Homes | Get inspired

A backyard can be many things. A place for entertaining, another home within the same vicinity of your beloved home, a haven for rest and relaxation, or an area for sport and activities. 

Regardless of the many ways you may use your backyard, maximizing your space on a budget can often be a challenge. 

Even if you were to hire a trusted landscaping service, you may not even know what backyard design to begin with. This is why we’ve decided to share with you the most common ideas we discuss during a one-on-one backyard landscaping design consultation.

Invest in a large patio 

If you are looking for a long-term, low maintenance solution, we highly suggest the investment in a large patio. Not only is this the easiest way to maximize your space, but a patio’s versatility is endless.

P.S. you don’t need a fancy fire pit or pergola either, comfortable seating, a table, and some decorative pillows can help elevate any outdoor space. For the more DIY types, create your own cabana with some PVC pipe or wood. 

If you are concerned about repairs, we suggest installing a paved stone patio over a concrete patio. Concrete or stamped concrete patios are more susceptible to cracks or stains and matching the color can be a painful process. On the other hand, if there is a crack in your paved stone a professional can easily replace it.

Create Functional Spaces 

Different materials – wood, river rock, and paving stone – can all work together to create a unique but still visually attractive backyard space. While installing multiple patios and decks may seem like a fun project, it is recommended to enlist the help of a professional when doing this to ensure a clear plan is set in motion. 

Outdoor living area ideas include:  

• Outdoor kitchen or built-in BBQ
• Reading nook or small area for intimate gatherings 
• Open area for entertaining/dinner parties
• Deck for meditation or yoga 
• Firepit area (s’ mores anyone?) 
• Putting green
• Outdoor movie theater
  

The Grass Is Always Greener When It’s Artificial 

Having a lush and vibrant lawn may be wonderful, but the maintenance and steep water bill that accompany natural grass are not. Enter synthetic turf. An option that continues to disrupt the lawncare game, providing homeowners with low maintenance, long term value.

The benefits of artificial grass include preventative exposure to potentially harmful pesticides and fertilizers, as well as: 

• Minimal to no maintenance – say goodbye to watering, mowing, weeding and hello to more time spent enjoying your lawn with your family
• No puddling – before installation, the ground is smoothed out to eliminate grooves and valleys 
• No stains – enough said. Roll and lay in your grass as much as you want. 
• No ruts – since artificial turf is resilient, you don’t have to worry about any bare spots even if you are hosting. This also makes it great for recreational activities such as bocce ball, tennis, or putting greens
• No sun? No problem – artificial grass will maintain its color and size come rain or sun

Don’t Break the Bank with these Low Maintenance Materials 

A great low-cost option for your backyard would be to cover the area with bark, gravel, or wood chips. They are also the quickest way to cover a large area without actually installing a patio or deck. Pro tip: Add some tables or patio furniture to create visually appealing living areas. 

Additionally, looking into affordable mulch alternatives is another best budget backyard hack. Alternatives include compost, leaves, grass clippings, pine needs, newspapers, and stone. 

Save More with Less Water

Xeriscaping or installing drought-resistant landscape design into your backyard can help keep your water costs low. A rock garden or walking path can add interesting textures to the overall look and feel of your yard. 

Make Use of Affordable Lighting 

Any type of lighting – whether twinkle or clear globe – can elevate the look and feel of your backyard. Whether you decide to wrap the strands around outdoor pillars or through your trees and flowerbeds, the soft outdoor glow will make your large backyard more inviting and warm. 
Want to learn more? Schedule a free consultation and get a free quote today.