How to Design Your Backyard Into a Perfect Summer Hangout Spot

Getting the most of our outdoor space might be even more important to us here in north country because we’re stuck inside for six months out of year due to severe winter whether. Creating a great hangout spot in our backyard was (and will always be) a huge priority for us. Every year our backyard (and really our entire outdoor spaces) just keeps getting better and better. We absolutely adore our new lower pea gravel deck and spend a ton of time out there!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

Summer is the ideal season to organize family gatherings and invite friends over. But even if you prefer to spend time on your own, whether reading a book or simply relaxing and unwinding, you still need the perfect place to do so. And while it probably comes as no surprise that your garden could serve as your ultimate summer hangout spot, it does require a little bit of planning.

If you want to spend as much time as possible soaking up the sun in the privacy and comfort of your own backyard, this article is for you. Below, you will find four tips, ranging from choosing the right outdoor furniture to adding a barbecue area and lights to set the right mood. Just make sure to start on track with your design, and do not forget about staying within your budget!

With that being said, get ready to check out how to create the ideal summer fun spot for you, your family, and your friends.

Light Up the Space

The right choice of outdoor lighting can turn your garden into an ambient paradise, especially after dark. Aside from helping to set the right mood, investing in the right lighting is crucial to keep everyone safe when playing or simply sitting around and having fun during gatherings or parties. You certainly would not want to see anyone tripping on a rock or a piece of furniture they did not see because there just was not enough light.

Besides making sure that you have outdoor wall lights installed, you could also think about adding some string lights in your backyard. They are very easy to install. If you have some electrical wiring in your yard, then all you need to do is connect the lights and hang them up on trees or anywhere else that looks good. You can also make a bigger investment and have some inground lights installed. Of course, solar lamps should also do the job, but they will be less reliable and dimmer than lights powered by electricity.

Bear in mind that the more lights and electric-powered fixtures or appliances you have in your garden, the more energy they will use. This might require you to invest in a power generator to keep everything running at all times. Fortunately, you have a wide range of generators to choose from, ranging from Westinghouse generators to Suaoki generators. For that reason, you should be able to find one that fits both your needs and your budget.

Add a Barbecue Area

When you add a barbecue area to your garden, you will be able to spend a lot more time outdoors. If you do not have a dedicated cooking area yet, you should start by adding just the essentials – a barbecue grill, a side table, and perhaps a few chairs. For your barbecue area, choose a spot that is not too far from the entrance to your house. You do not want to take long walks with the food from the kitchen to the cooking station.

Before you go ahead and buy anything, such as a gas grill or an outdoor electric stove, make sure that you have everything you need to go with it, including some grilling tools and accessories like tongs and spatulas. You should also think about giving that area in your backyard some permanent shade in the form of an awning or a big outdoor umbrella.

If you plan to cook outdoors regularly, you might want to consider using stainless steel drawers to achieve a weather-resistant outdoor kitchen when investing in a bigger outdoor kitchen. This can include anything from a refrigerator to additional storage space. You can even think about installing a sink if you want to make this area even more functional. Just make sure that you choose the right materials and consider leaving the installation process to the professionals.

Pick the Right Outdoor Furniture

You cannot have a great summer hangout spot without the right and comfortable furniture. Not only is it crucial to have enough seating arrangements to accommodate all of your guests, but you also need to think about the style of your furniture, including the materials and colors.

Ideally, you should choose lightweight pieces of furniture made from washable fabric. If you have some DIY skills and access to professional equipment, you can buy CNC engraving bits for wood and let your inner artist shine!

And even though it is possible to have a great time sitting on the grass, it would not hurt to invest in a few deck chairs with armrests. If you still want to stay close to nature and have the option of sitting comfortably on the ground, you can invest in a sturdy outdoor rug and bean bags made out of water-resistant, durable materials. You can also consider adding a hammock with some soft pillows or a rattan egg chair.

Do Not Forget About Entertainment

Your hangout area must be designed to keep your guests entertained. For instance, you could find the right spot to add an outside TV, projector, or screen, which will be especially useful if you love meeting up with friends to watch soccer. This way, you will be able to hang out in the garden and ensure that you never miss the action.

On the other hand, a good sound system will prove to be worthwhile if you enjoy unwinding while listening to music or plan to incorporate some dancing or karaoke into your garden parties. Additionally, keep in mind that there is always something to do if you have a deck of cards and a variety of board games available. Other ideas include getting a game such as Twister or things needed for organizing quick scavenger hunts around your backyard, particularly if you often entertain families with younger children.

In Conclusion

There is no denying that spending a lot of time outdoors is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the summer months to the fullest. However, if you and your friends want to do just that in your backyard, you will need to create the ideal summer hangout spot for your family and friends.

Hopefully, this article provided you with all the necessary information to ensure that your summer is as fun as possible. The best part is that you do not have to spend a lot of money in order to do so. Whether you decide to add some ambient lighting to your backyard, create a barbecue area, invest in new outdoor furniture, or provide your future guests with different entertainment options, your guests are guaranteed to have a blast!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)