The Elements of Great Backyard Design

If you are looking to spruce up your patio or back yard for entertaining, family functions, or any other reason, you are likely researching some great ideas you can use to transform your outdoor living space from just another fenced-in lot to something unique, fantastic, and utterly you.

To do that, you have to understand a thing or two about backyard design (yes, that’s a real thing), a combination of art and science with its roots in several different disciplines, including landscaping, gardening, architecture, and décor. You don’t have to have a Ph.D.—although there are expert contractors in the U.S. renowned for the award-winning patio designs they have created—but having a basic familiarity with the elements of great backyard design can go a long way toward helping you create the space of your dreams.

Here is a quick primer:

How Do I Choose a Theme for My Backyard Design?

Select a theme based on your location. The first thing you need to consider is your climate and geography. If you live in the wet, loamy Pacific Northwest, you should probably forego planting a cactus in the back yard. If you live in Southern Oklahoma, you will want to avoid water-hungry flowers like cannas, turtleheads, and elephant’s ears. Of course, that’s obvious, but the point here is that in researching the kind of plants that grow best in your location’s climate, you can select a theme for your foliage. If you like a very verdant, full look, select lots of leafy ground cover, like ivy or ferns. If you are interested in a more manicured look, choose short, elegant trees that have narrow trunks, like Ficus or Japanese maple.

When choosing a theme for your backyard design project in the Las Vegas area, you’ll need to consider the desert landscape. You can opt for drought-tolerant plants, desert-inspired colors, and elements like succulents and cacti. You can also incorporate natural stone, gravel, and minimalistic furniture to create a cohesive and sustainable desert oasis.

What Kind of Gardens Should I Consider for My Back Yard?

Choose a garden theme that suits you the best. If you have plenty of free time and love to get your hands dirty, that vegetable garden you’re considering will provide plenty of food—and lots of beauty—to your new back yard. If you have a hectic schedule or prefer to entertain often, you may consider going with low-maintenance garden plants and flowers such as peonies, miscanthus, sage, daisies, and fireweed.

If you’re in a desert climate, consider xeriscaping with native plants or a succulent garden that will thrive. An herb or vegetable garden can also be practical and beautiful. Alternatively, a Zen garden with sand, rocks, and minimal vegetation can provide a peaceful retreat.

How Can I Effectively Use Space in My Backyard Design?

It can be easy to go overboard with design elements like awnings, fire pits, fountains, and the like, but one of the principles of great design is using space effectively. If you clutter your yard with beautiful things, they all blend and don’t stand out to the human eye. Rather, use space around your best plants and design elements to make them pop. More space also means more walkability and utility, so your backyard is a more versatile area for entertaining, gathering, and spending time outside.

You can use space efficiently by creating distinct zones for dining, lounging, and gardening. You may also want to utilize vertical space with trellises or hanging plants. Be sure to choose furniture that is proportional to your space and can serve multiple functions, such as storage benches or folding tables.

What Are Some Budget-Friendly Backyard Design Tips?

There are many money-saving tips you can use to design the back yard of your dreams on a budget—and the more money you save as you go along, the more you can add or customize as you go through the process. For instance, if you install a barbecue island outside, go with a stainless-steel countertop rather than stone or marble—not only will the cooking and food preparation surface be easier to clean, but it will cost thousands of dollars less.

Another budget-friendly landscaping option is utilizing low-maintenance plants and materials that are locally available. You can also focus on improving one area at a time and prioritize elements that will have the most impact, such as lighting or a focal point like a fire pit.

Why Should I Consider Adding Fire & Water Elements to My Back Yard?

There is something primal in human beings that makes us love running water and gathering around fires. By adding elements of both to your back yard, you will create a unique space with added ambiance, visual interest, and a sense of tranquility. Fire pits can go anywhere in the yard, but they seem to work best as a focal point of the space, with plenty of comfortable seats surrounding them so that people can congregate, talk, drink, and laugh around a roaring blaze.

For your water features, consider the Zen principle of hide-and-reveal: Place a small fountain off in the corner of the yard or somewhere else that is hidden from the general view of the patio, so that you and your guests can always hear it babbling and bubbling, but it has to be “discovered.” This will make it all the more pleasurable, especially if it’s designed to be surrounded by a beautiful garden!

What Are Some Considerations for Adding Water Elements to My Back Yard?  

In the Las Vegas desert climate, consider water conservation when adding water elements. You can opt for a recirculating system for a fountain or pond to minimize water usage. You may also want to incorporate drought-tolerant aquatic plants and use a timer to regulate water flow and reduce evaporation.

There are many, many other principles of backyard design—far too many to list in a single article—but these tips will get you started.

The Local Backyard Design Specialists

If you’re ready to embark on a backyard upgrade and want the assistance of the local experts, look to Proficient Patios. We’re a fully licensed, bonded, and insured outdoor living contractor that offers everything your project could need, and we’d be happy to help design the back yard of your dreams.

Contact us today to learn about the products and services we offer to homeowners throughout the Las Vegas area.