Your home is your castle, but eventually, there will come a time when you will need to update or freshen up your space. The average American homeowner plans to spend around $7,746 on home renovation projects over the next two years.
You have probably thought a lot about ways you can spruce up the interior of your home. But what about the outside? Specifically, your backyard.
Revamping your backyard is a great way to breathe new life into your home’s appearance. The right backyard solutions can enhance your outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing after a hard day’s work. Not only that, but the right type of backyard landscaping can increase the resale value of your home by as much as 15-20%.
If you have been thinking about a backyard renovation and want some ideas for the best landscaping trends of 2023, this guide can help. Keep reading below for more information on landscaping ideas.
Immersive Gardens
Immersive gardens are taking hold of the 2023 landscaping trends in a big way. There is an increased focus on creating inviting and engaging backyard spaces with a focus on using more natural environments. This also involves utilizing local plants and trees that are native to the area in favor of those that are not.
You will also want to incorporate different areas of interest in plant textures and colors so that no matter where your eyes go, there is a different element to focus on. You can have plants at varying heights as well. Plants and trees can still be trimmed to look neat and tidy.
The end result is a backyard that feels more authentic to nature. These inventive backyard solutions help draw you in and immerse you in a world where you can escape the troubles of daily life.
Drought-Resistant Landscaping
Drought-resistant landscaping isn’t just ideal for saving money on high water bills during times when natural resources are low. It is also taking shape as one of the biggest trends for backyard solutions in 2023.
Using drought-resistant landscaping gives your home a pleasing aesthetic. You may think that drought-resistant landscaping would be anything but appealing. However, you may also be surprised to know that there is a wide variety of beautiful plants and flowers that come in all different shapes, sizes, and color options.
Once again, you will want to focus on using plant life that is native to the Chicago area. Not only is it better for the natural animals in the ecosystem that inhabit the area, but you will also save on hefty importation costs too. Drought-resistant landscapes can even save you up to 40% off of your watering costs.
Local Herb Gardens
Gardening has become a great de-stressor outlet for many during turbulent times. The simple process of becoming one with the earth and working the soil offers a way to forget one’s troubles and become more connected to nature. It is even better when the gardener can see the fruits of their efforts take shape.
Local herb gardens give homeowners a chance to grow their own backyard herbs with locally sourced seeds and materials. This is also better for the planet overall because buying locally cuts down on harmful carbon emissions used to transport items over a long distance.
Herb gardens can be fantastic backyard solutions for homeowners looking for a way to get their hands dirty and get back to nature.
Hardscaping Your Backyard
Hardscaping backyard solutions allow homeowners to be more in control of their backyard landscaping. But what is hardscaping? Well, landscaping refers to the use of soft elements such as trees, bushes, plants, and ferns in your backyard design.
Hardscaping, as the name implies, focuses on using hard elements like brick, stone, and wood in your backyard. That’s not to say that you have to completely pave over nature altogether. Far from it.
You can incorporate hardscaping and landscaping together in innovative ways. Hardscaping could involve putting in a stone pathway in the backyard. You can also include elements like fountains or built-in fire pits.
It is up to you how much or how little hardscaping you want to use. With hardscaping, you can further accentuate your backyard landscaping features while also saving time on overall landscaping maintenance.
Water Elements
Adding water elements can also help to enhance your backyard. These appealing backyard solutions can increase the tranquility of your outdoor space. The sounds of gently flowing water provide a soothing and calming environment.
There are several different types of water elements you can choose from as well. From koi ponds to water walls, garden creeks, rock garden waterfalls, and birdbaths, you can find the right backyard solutions to meet your unique design needs.
Ponds, streams, and fountains also offer a way to attract natural wildlife to your backyard. Then, you can just lay back and enjoy the private backyard oasis you have created. It’s no wonder why putting water elements into your yard renovation is one of the top 2023 landscaping trends.
Pergolas
Pergolas are making a comeback as backyard solutions for yard remodeling. Aside from providing a pleasing design aesthetic, pergolas also offer other benefits to your backyard space. They allow you to add shade and privacy to your outdoor areas.
Some pergolas even have the option of adding a retractable shade for more control over the climate. This means that even on warm days, you can still enjoy sitting outside in your backyard in comfort and protection.
Pergolas also come in different metal and wood types and colors. You can even dress your pergola up in light strings or train ivy to climb it for an added effect. This lets you decorate your pergola with an extra layer of character that suits your backyard decor.
Gazebos
Just like pergolas, gazebos also allow you to add some much-needed shade and privacy to your backyard. They have been tried and true backyard solutions for decades and are not going anywhere yet. Unlike pergolas, gazebos are more enclosed at the top and at the sides.
Gazebos may also need to take up more space because of their rounded design, so you will need a larger yard for one. This is especially true if you wish to use it for frequent entertaining purposes. However, gazebos can be a lovely design element for revamping your yard.
A gazebo offers sophistication and elegance for your backyard space. It can also be used for entertaining year-round. Decorative gazebos instantly enhance backyard spaces and create a welcoming and relaxing environment.
Fireplaces and Fire Pits
Fireplaces and fire pits are long-established backyard solutions that add coziness and warmth to your backyard. They can be made to look modern or more rustic to suit your design tastes. You also have your choice of traditional wood burning, gas, or electric fuel types.
Imagine walking into your backyard in the evening and being bathed in the warm light of an alluring fire. For entertaining, it is certain to be the focal point of the action, especially when the temperatures start to dip. The party doesn’t have to stop when you have your own backyard fireplace.
The unique design of a fire pit lets multiple people sit around the fire in a circular formation. This allows everyone to feel the ambient warmth all at once.
Using Reclaimed or Recycled Materials
With a growing concern centered on becoming more eco-friendly, homeowners are turning toward using recycled and reclaimed elements in their backyard designs. This involves repurposing items that would otherwise be thrown away or sit endlessly in landfills.
You can use reclaimed or recycled elements such as old tires to create planters or flowerbeds. The rubber holds water in better to nourish plant life. Tires are also sturdy materials that can withstand extreme heat and cold temperatures.
Another way you can use recycled materials in your backyard is by building with reclaimed wood and bricks. You are keeping once-discarded materials from going to waste and giving them a new life in your backyard. With a little TLC, these items can still last for many years and look great.
Functional Backyard Spaces
Some homeowners just want to use their backyards for utter relaxation while others want backyard solutions that are an extension of their homes. For homeowners who are big into entertaining in their backyards, a functional backyard space lets them be at the hub of it all.
Outdoor kitchen spaces for entertaining could include elements such as a built-in grill, oven, microwave, refrigerator, fireplace, and even a wine-chilling fridge. You can even incorporate a big-screen TV into your design. An outdoor kitchen is the perfect addition for your next backyard renovation project.
Outdoor functional elements like a backyard kitchen also add to your home’s resale value. They are highly sought-after and desired backyard solutions by prospective homebuyers.
Find More Backyard Solutions in Chicago at Martin John Landscaping
You deserve a beautiful backyard. Revamping your backyard is well worth it if you are looking for a way to transform your ordinary space into something extraordinary. If your Chicago backyard needs some serious yard remodeling, contact Martin John Landscaping.
Martin John Landscaping serves the Chicago North Suburb area. We have a team of skilled designers that can help you make your dream backyard come to life. We also offer ongoing maintenance services so you can be certain that your backyard will stay looking its best.
Contact us to schedule a consultation to discuss your backyard solutions today.