Is your outdoor space ready to impress this summer?
You don't need a complete renovation to create an Instagram-worthy backyard. With a few smart touches, you can transform it into an impressive oasis.
Here are seven designer-approved ways to transform your outdoor space that won’t break the bank.
1. Master the Deep Clean
Before you buy anything new, give your existing setup some attention.
"Do you have a deck or patio in dire need of a power wash? Are there any cracks or broken boards that need to be dealt with? Does your current patio furniture need a good scrub or removal of cobwebs and old bird droppings?” said Chrissy Arsenault, owner and designer for Live Original Design. “The goal is cleanliness and safety here."
A solid deep clean is a low-cost way to make your space look completely refreshed.
2. Instant Coziness with Textiles
Transform any outdoor space by incorporating soft furnishings, just like you would indoors.
"The fastest way to make a big visual change is with textiles," said Keely Smith, lead interior designer at JD Elite Interiors. "I like layering outdoor rugs, adding vibrant cushions, and mixing in patterned throws to bring a cozy living room feel outside. It instantly makes guests feel more comfortable and relaxed."
Pick two to three colors and repeat them throughout your space. This creates visual flow without breaking the bank.
3. Add Smart Shade Solutions
Don’t let your guests roast in blazing sun or have to run inside if it starts drizzling.
"To make your outdoor living space even more comfortable to spend time in, consider protection from the elements," Arsenault said.
Options range from budget-friendly to custom builds. Fabric shade sails stretch between posts or attach to existing structures. Prefabricated gazebos are available at a lot of big box stores.
"A wood pergola over your seating space offers some respite from the hot sun while you lounge outside,” Arsenault said.
For serious shade, consider custom pergolas with adjustable louvers that you can control from your smartphone.
Even an umbrella in the right color can act as an accent piece while providing relief from summer heat.
4. Creating Outdoor Rooms
Stop treating your backyard like one big, empty space. Instead, create distinct areas with specific purposes.
"I like to consider our outdoor living spaces in very much the same way we do rooms inside our home," Arsenault said. "We have separate spaces for dining, entertaining/lounging, cooking, and even play. You can achieve this even in a small space by defining these areas with furniture arrangements, planters, or added focal points."
Simple tricks work: Use a large outdoor rug to anchor your seating area. Position planters to create a visual boundary between your grilling zone and relaxation spot.
The result feels organized and purposeful rather than like patio furniture scattered randomly across your deck.
5. Strategic Lighting for Evening Magic
The right outdoor lighting lets you enjoy your space well into the evening and sets the perfect mood for relaxing.
"If you do one thing, hang warm-toned string lights or use lanterns with rechargeable LED candles," Smith said. "It turns a plain patio into a dinner party spot."
Solar options eliminate electrical work or a tangle of extension cords. Consider uplighting ornamental trees, adding post lights to fences or decks, or incorporating glowing garden accents for whimsical touches.
The goal is to create layers of light that make your space feel magical after sunset.
6. Embrace This Summer's Color Trends
This year's outdoor palette celebrates warmth and texture.
"We're seeing a move toward rich earthy colors like rust, olive, sand, and mustard,” Smith said. “For materials, teak is still a classic, but now people are pairing it with darker wrought iron or matte ceramics to get a more grounded look."
These warmer tones create spaces that feel sophisticated yet welcoming.
7. The Sensory Details
Great outdoor spaces appeal to more than just your eyes.
"Another detail that gets overlooked is scent," Smith said. "I'll often bring in plants like lavender or jasmine. It's subtle, but people notice it right away and associate that scent with summer nights."
Consider incorporating water features for ambient sound.
"A decorative 'burbling rock' water feature is another easy way to add an element of sound and ambiance to a garden space near a sitting area," Arsenault said.
These finishing touches engage multiple senses and create memorable experiences.
The bottom line: Small changes create big impact when you focus on comfort, color, and creating distinct spaces.
Start with a thorough cleaning, add soft furnishings in warm earth tones, and finish with lighting that keeps the party going after sunset.
Michael Letendre
Michael Letendre is a writer for NewHomeSource and Builder Magazine.