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6 Backyard/Patio Design Rules You Should Break This Year

Friday, June 3, 2022   /   by Teresa DiPeso

6 Backyard/Patio Design Rules You Should Break This Year

Backyard and patio design has come a long way from the colorful lawn chairs and kiddie pool from your childhood. Today, many homeowners see their backyard as an outdoor extension of their living space with the help of pergolas, elegant patio furniture, and decorative accents.

But what if you don’t see your outdoor area in such a fanciful light?

If you’re feeling like 2022 is your year for a backyard design shake-up, you’ve come to the right place. There are so many ways to think outside the box and make your outdoor space shine.

But when planning your open-air oasis, don’t abide by the same old concepts you’ve used year after year. We give you full permission to disobey the following conventional backyard design rules.

1. Lighting is just for seeing

Yes, you need ample lighting to illuminate your backyard. But it’s also wise to think of outdoor lighting as a decorative accent.

“Outdoor lamps, lanterns, and other lighting do more than help you see at night—they give your backyard a warm and inviting appeal,” says Jessica Harris, designer and manager of Production Design at Living Spaces.

To add elegance to your space, Harris recommends placing a couple of lamps on an outdoor dining table or near the bar area. We love this battery-powered outdoor floor lamp with a rattan shade ($229, Article).

You can also bring in a few strands of the ever-popular string lights, but opt for smaller bulbs to up the romantic ambiance.

2. Large carpeting is for indoors only

You’re obsessed with your large statement rug in the living room. But did you know you can take that look outdoors, too?

“Large rugs help define a living space, and that goes for your outdoor area as well,” says Harris. “Today’s outdoor area rugs don’t have to be taken in and out. They are designed so that moisture runs right through them and the colors stay true for years.”

3. Use manufactured pavers

“When it comes to designing your backyard patio, concrete pavers are typically known as the safe option,” says Coleman James, sales representative at MG Brick and Stone. “But to really elevate your backyard space, look further than man-made paving stones and lay actual natural stone instead.”

Natural stone is the best way to incorporate beautiful earth tones into your outdoor space, he says.

“Whether it’s in pillars, a path, a fire pit, or walls, you can blend the real, natural colors of stones in ways that stamped pavers can’t,” says James.

4. Patio set must match

Photo by Eco Minded Solutions

A large, clunky patio set need not be the focal point of your outdoor space.

We are seeing less of the bulky, ornate, wrought-iron patio sets and the mosaic-tile style furniture that was once popular.

Instead, homeowners should opt for seating solutions that have clean lines, neutral colors, natural materials, and modern functionality. Try a sofa bench ($354.99, Wayfair) that has built-in storage, and combine it with a black metal coffee table ($249.99, World Market).

5. Plant profusely


Photo by Studio H Landscape Architecture
Did you get a little carried away with planting and your backyard is now starting to look like a jungle? Be careful not to overplant.

“This creates a headache later when the plants grow into a mess and need to be ripped out. We much prefer an initially sparse garden that has longevity,” says Kate Anne Gross of Kate Anne Designs.

And she recommends avoiding using water-thirsty plants or lawns.

“There are so many lovely alternatives these days that are waterwise,” Gross says. “Embrace the Mediterranean plants.”

6. Small spaces don’t need to be designed


Small backyard? You have lots of big options to explore.

“It’s a complete misconception that you can’t create an amazing outdoor living area with limited space,” says Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes with Belgard. “Microspaces are emerging as a dominant form of renovation in cities and neighborhoods where lot sizes are smaller.”

Even without a big backyard, a variety of outdoor spaces can be created, he says. For example, you can design a small patio and vertical garden space for relaxing or entertaining family and friends.

“You also can utilize space along the side of your home to create a less traditional outdoor living spot,” says Raboine.

Teresa M DiPeso & The DiPeso Group Jersey Shore Real Estate Experts
Teresa M. DiPeso
5901 New Jersey Ave
Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260
609-780-1434

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The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of the South Jersey Shore Regional MLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity thumbnail logo (a little black house) and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing brokers.
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