When it came to optimizing your backyard, it used to be about creating the ideal outdoor living room. Nowadays, homeowners are more focused on creating “wellness yards.” These backyard spaces are dedicated to well-being, whatever that looks like for you. Perhaps you enjoy meditating and yoga. Maybe you also enjoy hosting friends around the fire pit. Regardless of what you use your backyard for, creating a wellness yard doesn’t require major renovations to achieve. All it takes are some intentional design choices.
Here are five easy ways to get started on your wellness yard:
1. Designate areas for specific tasks.
Just like inside your home, you can segment your backyard into different parts and arrange furniture to meet the needs of that space. For example, if you plan to host al fresco evenings for your friends and family but also want a place to curl up with a book, you can achieve that through separation. In one area, you can create an outdoor dining space by arranging seating around a central element like an outdoor kitchen, rug, or fire pit. In another section of your backyard —think under a tree or awning — you can set up a comfortable chair or cozy swing and a small accent table to relax and unwind with a book. Frame these areas with decorative planters to keep everything visually organized.
2. Invest in comfortable seating made for the outdoors.
Whether you’re trying to get more zen or you’re planning to eat every meal outside, you’ll want something comfortable to sit on. There are plenty of great options when it comes to outdoor chairs, hammocks, and cushioned benches. Pay a little bit extra up front for outdoor furniture that’ll withstand the elements for seasons to come. In the end, you’ll be saving money.
3. Plant calming greenery.
You can’t walk into anywhere labeled “wellness” without spotting some greenery. If your backyard is lacking the natural stuff, try low-maintenance plants (or plants you don’t really have to worry about once planted) that’ll thrive in your climate. Think lavender, ferns, or ornamental grasses, and you can mix in planters for versatility. If you have a green thumb and consider yourself handy, create a small garden bed for more structure.
4. Bring in water or sound.
There’s a reason why so many spas and wellness spaces feature a waterfall or soothing playlist. Both elements help create a more relaxing space. If you have the room, include a water feature in your yard. This feature could be something as small as a tabletop fountain or as large as a decorative bird bath. And if water isn’t your thing, wind chimes or a Bluetooth speaker tucked into your setup can provide a calming soundtrack. Think of it as curating the mood.
5. Layer in lighting for day-to-night use.
String lights, solar-powered lanterns, or LED pathway lights extend the use of your wellness yard from day to night. An interior designer in Austin, TX, says warm-toned lighting provides a calming factor and is best for winding down in the evening. But brighter task lights are suitable for reading or practicing yoga after sunset. It’s all about personal preference!
The most important part of creating a wellness yard is keeping the space practical and personal. Overall, it should reflect what makes you feel good. That will mean something different for everyone, because wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. So pick the elements that genuinely support your lifestyle, and you’ll find yourself spending more time outdoors soaking up all that Vitamin D.
