5 Backyard Upgrade Ideas for 2021

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We can’t all have an HGTV home remodel, unfortunately. Yet, that doesn’t mean we have to accept boring homes that leave us feeling uninspired. Background upgrades are all the rage, and they’ll transform your outdoor living space into somewhere to celebrate.

Backyard Upgrade Ideas with Swimming Pool

Your home is where you go every day to relax and unwind. Is your space working for you? If not, it’s time to consider one of these exciting upgrades to take your home to the next level. Let’s make 2021 the year of upgrades. Here are the trends we’ve got our eyes on for the next year.

1. Swimming Pool Paradise

Adding a pool to your space definitely isn’t a small change, but it’s one that makes your house its own oasis. Having a pool is not only perfect for familiar and those who love to entertain, but it’s also a way to increase the value of your home. Today, that’s more important than ever thanks to rising housing prices.

According to House Logic, adding a pool is a must if you live in an up-and-coming neighborhood or one with already-high housing costs. Not having a swimming pool might be keeping you behind your neighbors in terms of home value. To see how much this upgrade will cost for your unique home and goals, search for high-end swimming pool contractors in your area.

beach ball in the swimming pool
Image via Unsplash

2. Above Ground Pools

While permanent pools require a significant financial investment, above ground pools are like the fun cousin everyone wants to hang out with.  Whether you find a single-season inexpensive version, or a studier semi-permanent version, an above ground pool is sure to draw people into your yard for lots of laughs. They come in many sizes, shapes and price points, so you can find just the right one to fit your particular home and needs.

One of the great qualities of these types of swimming pool is their less than permanent life-span, so as your lifestyle changes you aren’t tied to a big hole in the ground requiring upkeep, electricity use, and yard space. Whether you decide at the end of summer or when the last child goes off to college that you are done, it is much easier and less costly than a permanent pool to change. Yet…you have tons of fun memories made to savor. 

3. Environmental Sustainability

In a world facing global climate change, we could all stand to be a little greener. One area of your home that can benefit from a green facelift is your backyard. No matter how big or small your home is, you can make changes that affect the environment and your home costs. One of the easiest ways to make a difference is simply by adding greenery. Plants help eliminate carbon dioxide, making the world a cleaner place.

Add sustainability to your outdoor space by planting trees, growing a garden, or even installing solar panels. Making the most of the space you have will affect not only your utility costs but also the state of our planet. Let’s all vow to be more sustainable in 2019.

4. Natural Stone

One of the biggest trends of this year and the next is natural stone. This adds a layer of natural beauty to your backyard, and it’s also affordable. While traditional pavers or brick might be a nice alternative, stone has a charming quality that’s hard to deny.

It’s perfect for entertainment space or building your own garden path. The only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need lots of hands to install it since it’s quite heavy.

5. Firepit

Firepits are natural gathering places. They’re comfortable, inviting, and perfect for every season. No matter how you currently use your outdoor space, a backyard firepit will change it for the better. Who doesn’t love cooking smores around a fire in the summer?

You can purchase a ready-made firepit or build one yourself. A firepit is not as expensive as you think, and they’re a big upgrade. Some will take some DIY know-how to light while others ignite with the flip of a switch. No matter your lifestyle, there’s a firepit for you.

people sitting around a firepit
Image via Unsplash

6. Water Feature

You might have a lot of greenery in your backyard already, but what about water? Sometimes we all need a little bit of balance, and a water feature does just that. Water features act as a focal point in your backyard and add a statement.

Think beyond fountain and ponds. From reflection ponds to stacked vases, the options are endless with a little bit of imagination. Just make sure your water feature is sustainable and easy to maintain.

7. Walk the Plank! Do It Up with Decking

Nobody likes wet grassy feet as you enter the swimming pool. Right along with above ground pools, decking comes swiftly to mind. Putting decking around a pool, whether in-ground or above ground, not only raises the value of your home, but gives it polish and, more importantly, increases the functionality of your space.

It is a great place to put a barbecue, and table and chairs for outdoor dining. It creates a focal point for entertaining and certainly jumps home value right away.

8. Light Up Your Life

Nothing adds subtle ambiance to a space with sophistication as lighting can.  There are tons of options in every style to select from such as wired or solar wireless, different metal and paint colors, sizes and heights.

Lights can bring the eye to features that would otherwise fade into the background such as a beautiful palm or by adding a charming touch with stringed lights on an umbrella or arched across a fence.  Lights can create that warm cozy feeling that makes visitors and family alike feel at home in your space.

9. Decor You Can Eat

Consider planting trees or plants that bear fruit or vegetables. These plants look great and add balance to hardscape while giving you something to eat. Think about planting a grapevine on an arbor or pole beans on a trellis rather than the bougainvillea when the chance comes. 

Before plants produce, they flower first, so you will get the beauty of the flowers and then enjoy the fresh produce. There is nothing more tasty than home grown fruits but they do take about four years to produce so plant that peach or apple tree now.

10. Add Some Character

We all like to personalize our homes and the yard is just the place to have some fun. Add some whimsical but tasteful yard decor such as the larger, metal windmills or statues to get away from being just another yard. I would suggest not over-accessorizing, however, as this can get tacky.

Perhaps spend a little more on fewer select pieces rather than cluttering with many lesser quality items. You can really make a statement and combined with focal point lighting, ramp up your yard a notch while individualizing it to your taste.

Your backyard deserves the best. If your outdoor space isn’t working for you, it’s time for an upgrade. Now is the best time to invest in your greenery, whether that means installing more sustainable features or redoing the paving. What changes will you make next?

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