How to Make Your Backyard Look Expensive on a Budget: 10 Simple Hacks
If you’re looking to give your backyard a makeover this year, you can absolutely do so without spending a fortune. Small yet effective changes can elevate your aesthetic, especially if you utilize the power of plants!
You don’t need a large budget for these creative ideas. If you have limited funds to spend on your yard, I recommend focusing on smart shopping, a bit of DIY gardening, and some decorating.
Below, I’ll go over some things you can do to bring you closer to enjoying a stylish retreat in your own backyard.
Whether working with a small patio or a sprawling outdoor area, these budget-friendly backyard design ideas will help you achieve a lush and inviting look!
1. Define Spaces with DIY Pathways
One of the simplest ways to make your backyard look well-designed is by defining different areas with pathways.
If you’re only covering a small space, stone pavers are gorgeous, though you can opt for more affordable materials like pea gravel or stepping stones.
A well-placed and designed path adds visual appeal and helps guide the eye throughout your yard, making it feel more structured.
Budget Tip: Check local marketplaces, construction sites, or salvage yards for free or low-cost materials.
2. Create an Outdoor Seating Area
A cozy outdoor lounge space instantly makes a backyard feel more high-end. Instead of splurging on an expensive patio set, consider upcycling thrifted furniture or DIY-ing your own seating with cinder blocks and wooden planks. Adding comfy cushions and throw pillows in stylish patterns will elevate the look.
Shopping Idea: Wait for sales, which often happen around big holidays.
3. Add Lights for Instant Ambiance in the Evenings
Lighting plays a huge role in making any space feel warm and inviting. String lights that you hang on vertical garden walls or patios, spotlights that you place below a focal point like a large planter, and lights you place along a paved walkway are all affordable ways to create an elevated vibe in your outdoor area.
For a magical touch, drape string lights along fences, weave them through tree branches, or hang them over a pergola.
Budget Tip: Opt for solar-powered LED string lights to save on electricity costs while still enjoying a dreamy nighttime glow.
4. DIY a Fire Pit for Cozy Evenings
A fire pit adds a touch of luxury to any backyard and serves as a focal point for gatherings. Instead of buying a costly pre-made one, look for something on the smaller end, which are often much more affordable.
5. Use Outdoor Rugs to Define Areas
An outdoor rug, even a simple one like the one shown above, can make a patio or deck feel like an extension of your home.
It helps define the space and adds depth and texture, and a nice contrast against all the greenery. Instead of buying an expensive one, look for budget-friendly options. It doesn’t need to be high-end!
Where to Shop: Discount home stores like Home Goods and Marshalls, online marketplaces, and end-of-season sales offer great deals on outdoor rugs.
6. Add Vertical Gardens for a Lush Look
Greenery instantly makes a backyard feel high-end, and vertical gardens are a great way to add plants without taking up too much space. Use repurposed wooden pallets, hanging planters, or wall-mounted baskets to create a lush, eye-catching display.
Best Budget-Friendly Plants:
- Succulents (low-maintenance and stylish)
- Herbs (functional and fragrant)
- Trailing vines (like pothos or ivy if your garden gets a lot of shade)
- Annuals (They’re less expensive then perennials, but they only last one season. They pack a significant punch in color and flower blooms, though! Perfect for containers and hanging baskets)
7. Upgrade Fencing with Paint or Slats
Old or worn fencing can make a backyard feel outdated. A fresh coat of paint or stain can instantly refresh its look. For a modern upgrade, add wooden slats or lattice panels to create a stylish privacy screen.
If you have a small space, like an outdoor side patio, try building a vertical garden wall like the one shown above. Here, you can plant low-maintenance plants like succulents, which thrive year-round in the right climate.
Adding a vertical garden wall against a bare wall can do wonders for elongating the space and making it appear larger than it is!
Budget Tip: Use outdoor-safe paint in deep or neutral tones to give your fence a sleek, high-end appearance without replacing it.
8. Use Gravel or Mulch for an Affordable Ground Cover
Instead of installing expensive pavers throughout your yard, or lawn grass artificial turf, you can affordably cover areas of your backyard with gravel or mulch. Gravel pathways and mulch-covered seating areas give a designer look for a fraction of the cost.
Where to Find It Cheap: Many cities offer free mulch through recycling programs, and gravel is often available at lower prices from local landscaping suppliers. Or, simply buy mulch at your local hardware stores; it’s affordable, especially compared to other options.
9. Add Water Features for a Luxe Touch
A water feature instantly elevates a backyard’s ambiance, making it feel tranquil and high-end. While large fountains can be pricey, there are plenty of DIY options:
- Turn a ceramic planter into a bubbling fountain.
- Use a solar-powered water pump in a repurposed bowl for a simple water feature.
- Create a mini pond with a lined container and floating plants.
Pro Tip: Place water features near seating areas to enjoy the calming sound of running water.
10. Incorporate Outdoor Accessories for a Polished Look
The final step in making your backyard look expensive on a budget is accessorizing with stylish decor. Fairy gardens, lanterns, pretty planters, thrifted sculptures, and garden accessories like gnomes can all add character and personality.
Try making your own fairy garden for a personal touch!
Where to Shop on a Budget:
- Thrift stores and flea markets for unique finds.
- Dollar General often carries gardening supplies
- End-of-season sales for discounted outdoor decor.
- DIY projects like painting terra cotta pots
- Repaint your old planters in a color that you love
- Repurpose old items you have at home to create unique succulent arrangements
You don’t need a huge budget to create an elegant and inviting backyard. You can achieve a high-end look without the luxury price tag by making small, intentional changes—like adding lighting, defining spaces, and using affordable materials.
Good luck!