8 Ideas for Optimizing Your Side Yard
When considering how to make the most of your outdoor space, don’t forget your side yard. Though they may be narrow or lack the views of the front or back yards, with a little creative planning, side yards can make just as huge an impact. They can provide intimate and secluded spaces for dining, relaxing, and entertaining, making just as big a splash as front or back yards. Here are some ideas to help you maximize the beauty and functionality of your side yard.
1. Go Green with Plants
Envision a very lush and green oasis with native plants and bluestone paver pathway to help make the space more usable throughout the year. Your best bets for lush garden beds in the side yard are plants that do well in low-light or partial shade conditions, like lady ferns or dogwoods. If you have fence on your side yard, shrubs can help soften the fence line, too.
2. Build a Banquette
A built-in banquette for lounging and dining creates a cozy outdoor living room. Properly designed, it can accommodate your friends, family, and neighbors. Think teak on the banquette as it will warm up your new space and create a vibe that is casual yet polished.
3. Install a Firepit
Fireside seating can anchor one end of your side yard patio. The fireplace will add visual weight to the front of the yard and extend your enjoyment of the space through the seasons. A raised hearth can serve as an extra ledge for resting a glass or overflow seating if the patio furniture is maxed out.
4. Discretely Store Trash Bins
Move trash and recycling bins out of sight. Nothing’s more unsightly than large trash and recycling bins, but they’re a necessary evil. Instead, store them in an attractive enclosure or behind an attractive privacy fence to keep them tidily out of sight in your side yard.
5. Dine Al Fresco
Treat your home chef to a dedicated outdoor kitchen. Transform your side yard into a place of happy times for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Whether you like to host intimate dinners or lively parties, an outdoor kitchen makes it easier and more laid-back. Here’s a suggestion to make an even more memorable: place outdoor lights on a pergola or in surrounding trees for a magical night!
6. Summer Garden, Winter Storage
Your side yard can become your favorite garden work area. Long, narrow side yards are perfect for potting benches and provide a nice, secluded area where you can garden or partake in other hobbies in peace. With winter a few short months away, you may want to take advantage of your space by storing firewood there. Make sure the wood is placed on top of 4 x 4 runners (use a tarp to protect your firewood from moisture) or use a steel firewood rack.
7. Add a Calming Water Feature
Install a refreshing water feature. Suffering from traffic or neighborhood noise? A water feature in your side yard can help solve that. Not only does it look good, but running water tends to relieve stress and is an outdoor feng shui solution. Consider placing a fountain or similar near a home office window or bedroom. Make sure it has a recirculating pump which helps limit the need to add new water by keeping it moving and provides white noise which has a calming effect on the brain.
8. Get Sporty
Add a putting green or bocce ball court. Because they’re typically long and narrow, side yards serve as the perfect spot for these outdoor activities. Conveniently accessible yet out of the way of the main outdoor living spaces, either sport can provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Time for an Upgrade?
If you need a little help sprucing up your side yard with a fence, pergola, outdoor kitchen, or other idea, please contact us at Atlanta Decking & Fence Company. Let us know what you have in mind and we’ll find a way to make it work for your side yard!
