Turn your Backyard into the Best Room in the House: 5 Things to Consider

If your current backyard setup consists of a patch of grass and a few patio chairs, you may not be super excited to spend time there. When you don’t give your outdoor space the same thought you give the rest of your home, you’re not getting the most out of your space, like having a spare room you never use.

It’s easy to leave the backyard as an afterthought when making design decisions, but with a few key pieces, you just may be ditching your indoor space to spend more time outside. Here are five ways to make your backyard as inviting as your living room.

Table of Contents

• Engage All of Your Senses 
• Elevate Your Backyard to 5-Star Status 
• Choose Outdoor Pieces That Do More Than Just Look Good 
• Make Your Space a Reflection of You 
• Invest in Long-Lasting, Quality Pieces 

Engage All of Your Senses

What are your favorite things in your living room? Maybe it’s your comfy couch, the cozy fireplace, and the cedarwood candle on your side table. Notice how all of your senses are involved.

Now think of the sound of crackling wood coming from a fire pit, the smell of steaks grilling on a Friday afternoon, and the comfort of sinking into a soft, cushioned chair at the end of a long day. Your backyard should be designed in a way that makes you want to spend time there.

Try to create an inviting sensory ambiance in your outdoor space for a truly inviting outdoor atmosphere, the same way you would for any room in your home.

Elevate Your Backyard to 5-Star Status

Whatever your ideal outdoor space looks like––whether it’s a 5-star resort with pool loungers and a hot tub, a high-end solo retreat with a private sitting area, or a fully stocked outdoor bar––do it well.

It’s time to give the same level of attention to your outdoor space as you do the rest of your home. Whether you’re hosting friends for a weekend BBQ or simply enjoying a peaceful evening, your backyard should be just as comfortable as your living room. The more comfortable it is, the more time you’ll spend there.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but if you want to use your space more often, making it a truly special escape is a great motivator.

Choose Outdoor Pieces That Do More Than Just Look Good

Functionality is key in any space, and your backyard is no exception. To maximize your outdoor area, opt for pieces that serve multiple purposes—especially if your space is on the smaller side. Think benches that double as storage, a grill with a cover that can also function as a smoker, and a fire pit that provides both warmth and an aesthetic focal point. Think about how each piece can work for you and your lifestyle. Whether it’s a versatile dining set that can be expanded for larger gatherings or a stylish storage solution that helps keep your backyard tidy, take advantage of outdoor pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Make Your Space a Reflection of You

Your backyard should reflect your interests and personality. This may sound obvious, but it's easy to get caught up in trends. This goes for color preferences and textures, but also the type of activities you enjoy doing.

The more geared toward you that your space is, the more use you’ll get out of it doing the things you love doing. If you’re a social butterfly, focus on creating gathering areas, like a comfortable seating area around a warm fire pit, or a dining set where you can host meals for loved ones.

If you like to recharge alone, you may prefer a cozy corner with an egg chair or comfy seat where you can unwind with a good book.

Your backyard should feel like an extension of who you are and how you live.

Invest in Long-Lasting, Quality Pieces

Furniture that looks great but falls apart after a couple seasons won’t cut it if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. Prioritize weather-resistant, high-quality materials like Grade A Teak for a timeless, durable choice––or sturdy, low-maintenance aluminum furniture.

Choosing high quality, long-lasting pieces won’t just keep your space looking good—it will also prevent the need for replacing your entire setup after only a few years.

Final Thoughts:

By adding quality pieces that delight all your senses and showcase your unique personality, you’ll create an outdoor escape that feels like a natural extension of your home. And with top-notch, long-lasting furniture, your backyard will stay comfy, functional, and inviting for years. Need some inspiration? Check out top quality fire pits, outdoor furniture, grills, and more at Ash & Ember to start designing an outdoor space you’ll actually use.