How to Create a Relaxing Backyard

By Guest Author Harper Reid

Backyards are meant to be a relaxing haven, a place for the entire family to enjoy. Picture an oasis, where you can let the stresses of life drift by. If your backyard doesn’t fit this picture, you can make some simple improvements. You will be astounded by the ease of a transformation.

Enjoy the sweet warmth of your own cosy fireplace

An outdoor fireplace oozes luxury. When you’re hosting loved ones in the backyard, why let nighttime dictate when it’s time to pack up? The crackling warmth and light provided by an outdoor fireplace will see you laughing well after the sun has disappeared.

The fireplace is also a creative way to cook meals for those you are hosting. You can create wood-fired meals, and the kids can even roast marshmallows over the embers for dessert.

Proper management will negate any hazards posed by an outdoor fireplace. Make sure you install the fireplace correctly. Also, always keep water nearby, should the fire get out of hand at any stage.

Furnish your outdoor living area with quality tables and chairs

Incorporating the perfect outdoor furniture completes your backyard. At a bare minimum, you need an outdoor table and chairs.

To create a relaxing space for your family, you will want to splurge on some more luxurious furniture items. One piece you should consider incorporating is a swinging chair.

Swaying gently through the summer sun with a book and your favourite drink is one of the best ways to spend a weekend. Children will enjoy the swinging motion of the chair and the breeze on their face. What better way is there to enjoy the weekend and relax in the backyard?

Protect your eyes and skin from UV rays and harsh weather

Every outdoor space needs some protection from the sun. When the sun is beating down, it prevents you from relaxing and poses a danger to your health. To ensure your backyard is enjoyed safely, add a shaded retreat.

Umbrellas are a cheap and effective way of adding shade to your backyard. What’s more, you can move umbrellas around to provide shade wherever necessary.

Your children are especially susceptible to the sun. Keep their young and vulnerable skin in mind when adding shade and UV protection to your backyard. Everyone should also be wearing hats and other sensible protection when exposed.

Invest in long-lived trees to protect your privacy

The feeling of someone’s eyes on you can ruin your relaxation in your backyard.

To combat prying eyes, you should make sure that your backyard has enough privacy. What’s more, your backyard will feel like your own private oasis with enough plants and barriers around.

Incorporate fences and garden walls to add to privacy and contribute to the solace of your backyard. Pergolas and lattices are also great ideas to the same effect.

Make outdoor time quality time with the kids

There is no point in creating a relaxing backyard space if the whole family cannot enjoy it.

Encourage kids to leave their devices inside and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors with you. Kids who help out in the garden develop better immune systems and are often keener to try new vegetables at mealtime.

Gardening is not the only way to spend quality time with your kids in the backyard. Joining in with their games is a great way to bolster relationships. Your kids create an association with the outdoors as being a place of laughter and fun. Your input is minimal but has massive benefits for your children.

A relaxing backyard should be a haven from the world which accommodates the entire family. Incorporating these simple tips ensures that your backyard is safe and relaxing.

Author bio:

Harper Reid often writes about home, travel and lifestyle topics. When she’s not busy with freelance work, Harper likes to spend time with family and friends. Say a quick hello to harper on Tumblr