15 Ways to Refresh Your Yard for Ultimate Summer Enjoyment
Check out these easy ideas for a stylish, comfortable yard that helps you make the most of the season
It may be the height of summer, but it’s not too late to refresh your yard for the season. The following 15 design ideas will help you give your outdoor space a pick-me-up without requiring too much time and effort. The best part is, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy your newly revitalized yard before fall arrives.
2. Bring in a rug. An outdoor rug acts as a colorful accent that also helps protect bare feet from hot surfaces.
While you can grab a rug from inside your home for temporary use, one that is fabricated specifically for the outdoors will be able to take the elements, including sun and rain, and still look good.
Browse outdoor rugs
While you can grab a rug from inside your home for temporary use, one that is fabricated specifically for the outdoors will be able to take the elements, including sun and rain, and still look good.
Browse outdoor rugs
3. Revive your planters. Replace fading blooms with summer favorites. Purchasing plants that are ready to bloom rather than already in full bloom will help you extend the season. You might also want to refresh your potting soil to give the new plants a good start.
10 Sizzling-Hot Summer Container Gardens
10 Sizzling-Hot Summer Container Gardens
4. Refresh with paint. Add a splash or two of an unexpected color to give your yard a new look without a lot of fuss. Start small with a painted pot or Adirondack chair, or experiment with other garden elements.
Look for paint designed for both the surface you are painting and for outdoor use. Also, if you’ll be painting a planter used for edibles, be sure to choose a nontoxic option.
Look for paint designed for both the surface you are painting and for outdoor use. Also, if you’ll be painting a planter used for edibles, be sure to choose a nontoxic option.
Shade Options
A sunny day will beckon you to come outside, but if it’s too hot to be comfortable, you’ll resist the call. Make sure you can still enjoy your yard during summer’s warmest hours by creating shaded spots to spend some time in.
5. Add an umbrella. Use a freestanding umbrella to provide shade in spots other than above your dining table. You’ll find umbrellas in a range of size and colors. Look for a sturdy base so you don’t risk losing your umbrella to the wind. A tilting feature will allow you to adjust your umbrella to the perfect angle.
A sunny day will beckon you to come outside, but if it’s too hot to be comfortable, you’ll resist the call. Make sure you can still enjoy your yard during summer’s warmest hours by creating shaded spots to spend some time in.
5. Add an umbrella. Use a freestanding umbrella to provide shade in spots other than above your dining table. You’ll find umbrellas in a range of size and colors. Look for a sturdy base so you don’t risk losing your umbrella to the wind. A tilting feature will allow you to adjust your umbrella to the perfect angle.
6. Install a shade sail. A shade sail can provide even more protection for a sitting or dining area without closing off the rest of the space. The breezes will still circulate to cool you down, but you’ll have a bit of respite from the direct heat. Even better, you’ll find plenty of color options to choose from so that you can tailor the look to your landscape design.
Go with a single shade or use two or more for greater coverage. Draping the fabric over the beams of a pergola to create ripples or waves will give you a softer effect.
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Go with a single shade or use two or more for greater coverage. Draping the fabric over the beams of a pergola to create ripples or waves will give you a softer effect.
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7. Put up some awnings. Awnings are a great choice for blocking direct sunlight overhead as well as late afternoon sun coming in from the side. Traditional striped versions, such as the ones seen in this Brisbane, Australia, home, pair well with a classic beach look. For a more contemporary look, choose a simple style in a bright color.
Stationary options will allow you to set the awnings in place for the sunny months and then forget them. Retractable options can be adjusted according to the time of day or weather. Depending on your climate, you might need to store the awnings during winter.
Work with an awning installer near you
Stationary options will allow you to set the awnings in place for the sunny months and then forget them. Retractable options can be adjusted according to the time of day or weather. Depending on your climate, you might need to store the awnings during winter.
Work with an awning installer near you
Relaxing Retreats
Create a getaway destination within your yard. A place for sitting or lounging, a nearby table and a plant or two can give you a respite during a hectic day.
8. Seek out a tree. Move chairs and sofas from a spot that’s basking in the sun to a location under a shady tree. The naturally filtered light will help cool things down, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of your yard while reading, sipping or simply daydreaming.
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Create a getaway destination within your yard. A place for sitting or lounging, a nearby table and a plant or two can give you a respite during a hectic day.
8. Seek out a tree. Move chairs and sofas from a spot that’s basking in the sun to a location under a shady tree. The naturally filtered light will help cool things down, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of your yard while reading, sipping or simply daydreaming.
10 Native Trees Landscape Designers Love
9. Add a nook. Don’t have a shady tree? Look for a corner of a deck, patio or porch to create a cozy nook for a similar feel. Nestle a small sofa against a wall or fence, add some plants and pillows, place a table nearby and finish off with a rug and hammock. An umbrella or sail shade will add some sun protection. It’s the perfect place for people — and pets!
10. Hang a hammock or swing. Nothing says summer quite like hanging out in a hammock or drifting back and forth on a swing. If your hangout place is also a brilliant color that matches the colors in your summertime yard, so much the better. Whether you choose a hammock or a swing, make sure it’s securely anchored before you put it to use.
Pick the Right Hammock for Summer Lounging
Pick the Right Hammock for Summer Lounging
Prep for Entertaining
Summer evenings are made for outdoor entertaining. Make parties or impromptu gatherings memorable by going beyond the essentials and adding some fun features to your yard.
11. Light things up. Supplement your existing outdoor lights with lanterns and candles that will enhance the ambiance. Opt for large statement pieces, such as lanterns like the ones seen here, or place smaller pillar candles or tea lights around your entertaining areas for a soft, continuous glow.
Whatever type of lighting you choose, be sure that it is study and place it so it won’t be knocked aside or tipped over easily, especially if you have live flames. Consider making things even safer by opting for battery-powered versions.
Summer evenings are made for outdoor entertaining. Make parties or impromptu gatherings memorable by going beyond the essentials and adding some fun features to your yard.
11. Light things up. Supplement your existing outdoor lights with lanterns and candles that will enhance the ambiance. Opt for large statement pieces, such as lanterns like the ones seen here, or place smaller pillar candles or tea lights around your entertaining areas for a soft, continuous glow.
Whatever type of lighting you choose, be sure that it is study and place it so it won’t be knocked aside or tipped over easily, especially if you have live flames. Consider making things even safer by opting for battery-powered versions.
12. Designate a place for drinks. Borrow the idea of a bar cart for your outdoor space. You won’t want to keep the drinks there full time, but having a set location and a few accoutrements handy, including a tub for chilling drinks and bar tools, will mean you’re ready to go when it’s time to bring things out. A bar cart also can do double duty as a table or counter when not in use for drinks.
Closed cabinetry will let you keep some glassware and cutlery as well as any bar tools outside. To make juggling everything you’ll be bringing out from the kitchen even easier, consider having a weather-friendly tray on hand.
If space is tight, look for other possible options when it’s time to entertain: the end of a counter, the top of a storage cabinet or even a potting bench.
Closed cabinetry will let you keep some glassware and cutlery as well as any bar tools outside. To make juggling everything you’ll be bringing out from the kitchen even easier, consider having a weather-friendly tray on hand.
If space is tight, look for other possible options when it’s time to entertain: the end of a counter, the top of a storage cabinet or even a potting bench.
13. Bring on the games. Set up some games, or at least have them nearby, so you’re ready to play at a moment’s notice. Cornhole, croquet, badminton and volleyball are perennial favorites.
Is the heat making you long for something a little less active? You also can find outdoor versions of favorite indoor games, from giant Jenga and chess to oversize Scrabble tiles.
Is the heat making you long for something a little less active? You also can find outdoor versions of favorite indoor games, from giant Jenga and chess to oversize Scrabble tiles.
14. Gather around a portable fire pit. Extend the evening by gathering around a fire. It’s the perfect way to relax, sip some drinks and maybe make a s’more or two.
If a permanent fire pit isn’t in your budget or landscape plan right now, look for smaller portable options, including some that use propane or electricity for the flames. They’re generally readily available and less expensive than built-in fire pits, and they have the added advantage of allowing you to place them wherever the action is for the evening.
10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your Yard
If a permanent fire pit isn’t in your budget or landscape plan right now, look for smaller portable options, including some that use propane or electricity for the flames. They’re generally readily available and less expensive than built-in fire pits, and they have the added advantage of allowing you to place them wherever the action is for the evening.
10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your Yard
15. Take movie night outdoors. Turn your yard into an outdoor movie theater. A full outdoor theater is a commitment, but for an occasional family-and-friends movie night, especially if you aren’t fussy about quality, you can get by with a portable screen, white sheet or wall; a reliable projector or favorite movie player; speakers that can compete with ambient nighttime sounds from traffic noise or windy gusts; and some comfortable lawn chairs or lounges.
Locate your screen in a spot that’s relatively free from adjacent lighting, and set up the projector and sound system. Also, be aware of how your location will affect your neighbors. You don’t want to blast them out with loud sounds or project something unsettling, such as a horror flick, to the neighborhood. Then just add popcorn and enjoy.
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Locate your screen in a spot that’s relatively free from adjacent lighting, and set up the projector and sound system. Also, be aware of how your location will affect your neighbors. You don’t want to blast them out with loud sounds or project something unsettling, such as a horror flick, to the neighborhood. Then just add popcorn and enjoy.
10 Etiquette Rules for Outdoor Living
More on Houzz
Read more landscape design guides
Browse thousands of outdoor photos
Work with a landscape contractor in your area
Shop for outdoor products
Swap the softer hues that define spring and early summer decor for bolder colors that are the perfect foil for the summer heat. Many of summer’s brighter colors, especially reds, yellows and golds, also do double duty as options for the fall months.
1. Change out pillows and cushions. New pillows and cushions go a long way toward giving furnishings a fresh look. Bonus: Many retailers put their summer-theme offerings on sale at this time of year. And while you’re at it, you might also find just the right chair or table to fit the new look.
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