6 Tiny and Budget-Friendly Tweaks to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space This Summer

You’re just steps away from creating the comfortable outdoor space of your dreams—and the best part is, you don’t have to spend a penny to make it happen.

As summer approaches, take the time to implement these six designer-approved tips, all of which are completely free and will help transform your yard into the place you really want it to be in the warmer months ahead. We are all happy, such simple tricks.

Take Cues From Your Indoor Space

“You can make your backyard more inviting by taking inspiration from the interior,” says Rosanna Bassford, founder of Memmo Interiors.

Bassford recommends creating a cozy conversation area by rearranging patio furniture, adding some greenery and flowers from your own garden, or bringing a few pillows and blankets into the seating area.

“You can also move pillows outside your home when you host guests,” adds Jennifer McKissick, founder of Jennifer McKissick Interiors.

“Some of the pillows and blankets on this porch were reused from other parts of the house,” McKissic says.

“They are a great and economical option because they are used indoors during the colder months and then taken outside during the main season to enjoy,” McKissick says.

Laura Williams, founder of ATX Interior Design, agrees that creating a variety of gathering spots is the best option for your backyard.

“Arrange furniture into smaller groups to create smaller, intimate moments,” says Williams.

Embrace Candlelight

Nicole Alexander, founder of Siren Betty Design, says candles can do wonders for making outdoor spaces more comfortable. Alexander suggests putting the small ones on the table and putting the larger ones on the ground.

“Candlelight adds depth and shadow, making the space feel more intimate,” says Alexander.
You can also place candles on trays as you would indoors, creating the perfect outdoor living room.

Brittany Marom, founder of Brittany Marom Interior Design, likes to fill a decorative tray with magazines, candles and a bowl full of cashews to elevate a coffee table or ottoman.

Swap Out Your Bulbs

Bring some indoor lights outside to change the feel of your space.

“Most outdoor lights don’t have dimmers, so you may want to consider downgrading to a lower wattage or warmer temperature bulb to illuminate the space without the functional, glare.”

She adds that if one of your outdoor units has room for two bulbs, you can simply remove one of them to reduce the volume.

Add More Plants

Plants can add a cozy feel to your outdoor gathering space.

“Plants can be expensive, but they can be propagated and divided to make more money for free,” says Hilary Prall, founder of H. Prall & Co.

Prall suggests organizing a plant swap with friends, which will make the outdoor space visually interesting with a variety of plants.

You can also simply move some indoor plants outside. Nicole Cole, founder of Vestige Home, suggests grouping plants together rather than scattering them around to create a dramatic arrangement and add a cozy feel to your entire outdoor space.

“Stools, pedestals and outdoor tables can be used to create height and create a cozy, layered feel,” says Cole.

Shop Your Curb

One person’s trash could be the treasure you’ve been looking for to make your yard feel more welcoming and complete.

Prall is often surprised to see what people throw away at this time of year and encourages others to take advantage of the opportunity.

“You can find furniture and accessories that will add style to your outdoor space without breaking the bank,” says Prall.
Cole also likes to look for gifts in the backyard to add character, and recommends keeping an eye out for stumps when cutting down trees. Cole’s favorite pastime is searching for leftover tree trunks to make pedestals, side tables or outdoor sculptures.

“Their bark texture and warm wood tones can add a cozy feel to an outdoor space,” says Cole.