The patio, balcony, and backyard makeover ideas you see online are undoubtedly gorgeous, but they’re also quite expensive and take a lot of time and energy to complete. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to update your space on a budget in just a few hours.
So, without further ado, here are 20 simple, easy ways to refresh your outdoor space.
1. Furnish Your Space
Nothing is more welcoming than a space that looks lived in. So, if your outdoor space looks barren or unused, the best way to spruce it up is to use it! Nothing is more welcoming than a space that looks lived in. So, if your outdoor space looks barren or unused, the best way to spruce it up is to use it! Add some outdoor home decor like a fire pit or hot tub for your family to enjoy and entertain on the weekends.
2. Add Some Light
Adding lights allows you to enjoy your outdoor space longer without feeling like you will misplace anything. You could hang string lights, install overhead lighting, or even place lamps or candles around your entertaining space. Pick the light option that fits your needs and your space!
3. Update Your Seating
If you already have seating arrangements, try rearranging your chairs for a new look. If your seats look worn or old, consider refreshing them with new paint or stain or updating the upholstery.
4. Make It Cozy
One incredibly easy way to spruce up your space on a budget is to add cushions, throw blankets, and throw pillows. These are readily available at most stores and very easy to switch out. Also, they add a lovely sense of coziness!
If you already have some of these items in your outdoor space, try switching them out for a more seasonal look.
5. Aim for Cohesion
A great way to make your outdoor space look intentional and luxurious is to make it cohesive. Try incorporating similar materials — like wood, wicker, ceramic, aluminum, or concrete — and colors in your decor and furniture.
6. Create a Bar
When the weather is nice, entertaining outdoors is fantastic! Making a bar is one easy way to spruce up your area and make space for hosting fantastic gatherings.
A bar space can work for both large and small outdoor spaces, and they can be as simple as a tall table and a few chairs if you’re worried about a permanent fixture.
7. Update Your Dishware
Consider picking out some durable (but still beautiful) dishware you can use outside. This could include plates, cups, cloth napkins, coasters, and drink dispensers.
8. Add a Natural Touch
Your outdoor space doesn’t have to look like another room in your house to look well-maintained. Incorporate plants, small gardens, and planters around your space for a welcome touch of nature in any space.
9. Update Porch and Patio Screens
A well-maintained outdoor space is the key to ensuring it never looks old or boring. If you have a screened-in patio or porch, inspecting your screens is critical in updating your space.
The best part? Rescreening your porch or patio is a beginner-friendly DIY project if you want to save money!
10. Divide Your Space
Segmenting or dividing up your space is a great way to make smaller spaces feel bigger. You can use your existing furniture, tiles, and other patio or backyard features to do this, or you can DIY new dividers or privacy screens for your area.
11. Put Up a Hammock
Hammocks aren’t only for camping trips or cabins! If you have two strong trees, sturdy posts in the ground, or a hammock frame, you can set up your relaxing hammock wherever it suits you best.
12. Create Some Privacy
Adding a bit of privacy to your outdoor space can be a great way to create a more intimate and relaxing experience for you and anyone else. To do this, you can look for privacy screens or hang some curtains or drapes.
This works for completely open outdoor spaces as well as screened-in porches and can help inject your aesthetic into your space.
13. Don’t Forget the Shade
If you want to use your outdoor space during the warmer and sunnier months, do not underestimate the power of a great exterior shade solution. Whether you opt for a pergola, an awning, or even an umbrella, offering shade in an otherwise uncovered space can dramatically increase the amount of time you can spend in your outdoor space.
14. Use Your Corners
A corner can be an excellent place for a focused entertainment area, a small getaway nook, or even a small garden haven. Creating a dedicated space for your hobbies or guests can be a great way to add variety to your outdoor space.
15. Switch Up the Aesthetic
Changing up your aesthetic, color palette, or theme can dramatically alter the entire experience of being in your outdoor space. So, if you’re looking for a new atmosphere, try giving your traditional patio a modern look with some new furnishings (or DIY upgrades to the items you already have)!
16. Add an Outdoor Rug
A rug can really tie a space together. You can find a variety of outdoor rugs that are beautiful and functional. And, if you’re looking for a statement piece or pop of color, a rug can be a great choice.
17. DIY Some Decor
DIY solutions are a great way to make decor, storage solutions, and furniture that perfectly suits your space, needs, and vision for your outdoor oasis. You can make benches, ottomans, end tables, shelves, and more with items in your garage or a quick trip to your local hardware store.
18. Add Some Storage
If you’re planning on hosting guests in your outdoor space, you’ll need plenty of space for them to place their drinks and plates. Adding some end tables and shelves can be a great way to boost your organization in the area and provide these much-needed surfaces for your guests.
19. Use Tiles and Stepping Stones
Create new walkways or revamp your old and worn ones with fun tiles or stones. Incorporating tiles into your outdoor space allows you to draw the eye around the area, making it feel more spacious and well-thought-out.
20. Refresh Your Paint
Touching up any worn or faded areas of your home exterior’s paint is a fantastic way to make your outdoor space feel brand new. Also, consider bringing some of that new paint over to your front porch or changing up your front door to boost your curb appeal too!
Final Notes
We hope that these ideas help you refresh your outdoor space and transform it into somewhere you want to spend time. Remember, you don’t have to spend weeks or hundreds of dollars to update your space. There are plenty of things you can do on a budget that are both homeowner and renter-friendly!
