Having a well-designed backyard is the key to better functionality. Designated zones can allow everyone a space of their own, as well as a gathering place for family and friends to socialize. Make your backyard the place you get away to not get away from.
Examples of Zones
- An Entertainment Zone: The happening spot.
- A Play Zone: Where kids can be kids.
- An Outside Kitchen Zone: Home of the barbecue and drink station.
- A Dining Zone: A place to enjoy a meal.
- A Relaxation Zone: Where you unwind and de-stress.
- An Animal Zone: Somewhere your furry or feathered friends rule.
- A Work Zone: The lawn mower and maintenance items live here.
Have a different mind set when thinking of your backyard. Ask yourself, When I step out my backdoor do I want to see just a swing set and some lawn chairs sitting there? No, you don’t. You want to see a relaxed seating area and a children’s play yard. It’s not just rewording it, it’s rethinking it. With a little planning and imagination you can turn an ordinary backyard into your own personal refuge.
Getting Started
Start by making a list of what’s important to you. Do you want the younger kids and the older kids to share a space? Or would it be best to create separate play areas according to age? Would you like separate dining, cooking and gathering areas? Do you have a feisty dog that requires his own area? Do you want chickens? They can get stinky. Will there be a pool or no pool? List everything you want. Why not, you can always adjust for space and budget later.
Scope it Out
Once you have your list, take a look around your backyard and decide what should go where. The size of your backyard and your budget are going to be important factors. Can you fit that dream she shed in, or will you need to scale it down to a she nook? Should the young kids really be that close to where the barbecue is going? Is the in ground pool really an affordable option? Wanting something and being able to have it are not always going to align. Ask yourself, do I have room for it, and can I fit it in the budget? Be realistic now to avoid disappointment later on.
If you have a small backyard you may want to consider combo or multipurpose areas. You can combine the relaxation and entertainment zones by using design elements that fit into both categories. How does several Adirondack chairs around a fire pit sound? It sounds like a relaxing place to entertain guests. Combine dining and entertaining by placing comfy seating and side tables around a dining table. This will allow people to transitions from dining to hanging out simply by a change in where they are seated.
If you have a large backyard don’t just place all your zones near the house. Use all the space you have to make separate and distinct areas that serve a purpose. Have a playground. Have a pool. Have a fire pit and a she shed. Again, why not? You have the room. Use it.
Create a Plan
Now that you know what you want and where you would like to put it, plan it out. Make a drawing to see if your zones connect in a logical manner. Once you get it on paper the way you want, move on to practical things like cost and feasibility. Can you do it yourself or will you need to hire a professional? Will you need to install a deck, will a tree need to come down to make room for it? As part of your plan don’t forget the details. Knowing in advance what kind of swing set you want or the type of outdoor furniture you want will be really useful in designating enough space for that zone. Will it be a built in fire pit, will the hammock be free standing or hung from a tree? Having an organized plan will help you prioritize the order you will begin work in and hopefully eliminate surprises.
Let’s Discuss The Zones
Entertainment Zone: Think of it as your outdoor living room. All it takes is a comfortable couch, some chairs, a few tables and an outdoor area rug and you have the perfect place to entertain. You can even add an outdoor television. Throw in some decorative touches and lighting for ambiance and your guests won’t ever want to leave.
Play Zone: Kids need to get out and enjoy the fresh air. They have boundless energy and a desire to play. Having a designated play area with things to climb on and jump off will directly impact a child’s weight, physical strength and ability to fight off illness. Studies show children burn more calories outdoors, helping to prevent obesity and strengthen bones and muscles. Consider having an outdoor fitness course or Ninja Warrior course instead of your standard play set.
Outside Kitchen Zone:
If you entertain a lot an outdoor kitchen is a must have for convenience and practicality. It may seem like an extravagant expense but in the long run it will add luxury and value to your home. Add an outdoor bar and a mini fridge, and the chef will no longer miss out on half the party. You can keep it simple and still have it feel luxurious.
Image Gardeningschool.org
Dining Zone: Who doesn’t love to eat outside when the warmer months come. Whether it be fancy al fresco dining or just a good old fashioned barbecue. People can’t get enough of it. Take into consideration how many people will usually dine with you so you get a table large enough to seat them. If you have a large family you may need several tables. Make sure you’re down wind of the grill and located close enough to the kitchen, be it inside or out, to make those trips back and for as easy a possible.
Relaxation Zone: This is my favorite zone. For years I lived with a folding lounge chair and a Styrofoam cooler doing double duty as a table. Now that I have my own home that just wont do. Your backyard really should be your escape. Strive for harmony in your design. Let the landscaping blend in with the environment not compete with it. Have the most comfortable seating you can afford, with deep cushions that beckon you to lay upon them. Let the tranquil gurgling of a water feature sooth your nerves.
Animal Zone:
Now this a doggy yard you would not feel bad about putting your best bud in. Give him some shade, create a little dinning area for his water and food bowls, a few toys to play with and Fido is king of the yard. The animal area doesn’t need to be an ugly chain link fence and a ply wood lean to. It should add beauty to your yard not detract from it.
Work Zone: Having a designated space for all those items that help you have a beautiful yard doesn’t need to be an eye sore. You want to have an attractive functional space. If you have a shed, plant some flowers or bushes around it. Have a pretty path lead to it. Place a comfortable bench beside it. But most importantly, keep it neat, don’t let things overflow into the yard. If you don’t need it anymore, get rid of it. Don’t stuff it in the shed.
Ways to Divide Zones
There are many different ways to define an area. Just as you have unique rooms with different functions inside, the same is true for outside. Consider how you divide your space inside your home. Using walls and flooring can work outside as well, only the material you use will be different.
Having different levels is a great way to separate one zone from the next. They can also make a small yard appear larger.
Image hannamariah
Using pretty planters is a simple yet effective way to create a partition.
Image Ariadna De Raadt
In this yard the open lawn and the stone patio are separated by a landscaping feature with a pallet walkway connecting the two.
Image Funky Junk Interiors
There are hundreds of ways you can choose. These ideas are just a few of them.
- You can choose a lattice panel for a decorative and functional divider. You can even a allow climbing vines to grow through the lattice to provide a privacy screen or to create shade.
- Have a meandering pathway that leads you from one zone to the next.
- Fencing around a pool is a safety requirement but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used as a design element.
- Create an outdoor room with the addition of a pergola or a gazebo. Curtains can be added to create privacy.
Here are some other ideas for you to consider.
It’s wise to put the play area in a location that allows for either direct or indirect adult supervision. Instead of having your outdoor furniture facing the garden, have it face the play area. This way the kids get the freedom of playing alone but you get the security of knowing you’re right there if needed.
If you are on a budget and some of these ideas seem out of your reach don’t despair. You can get dollar store planters and grow flowers. Place a bunch of them around a lounge chair and table and instant relaxation zone. Adding even a touch of beauty will make a big difference.
Keep your zones simple, neat and clean. Eliminate backyard clutter by having a space for things to be put away. Even if it’s just a cheap plastic cabinet or a DIY planters rack.
Don’t let your landscaping become overgrown. Not only is it unattractive but the bugs will get more enjoyment from your yard than you will. Plant Lemon Balm and Citronella in large pots. Place them around your dining or entertaining zone as natural mosquito repellents.
Don’t forget lighting. A few tiki torches or a string or two of fairy lights will allow you to enjoy your yard well into the evening as well as insure your family and friends don’t fall off the deck.
I hope you found this post helpful and informative. Now go forth and zone.