9 Backyard Updates To Boost Your Home’s Value

A backyard is the quintessential spot for kids to play and dogs to run around. However, many homeowners are transforming their yards into full-scale living environments that host everything from gourmet meals to movie nights. The shift is influencing how appraisers and real estate agents assess properties. Read this guide detailing nine backyard updates to boost your home’s value if you want your backyard to stand out to future buyers.

Create an Outdoor Living Room

Creating an outdoor living room is one of the most popular ways to modernize a backyard. A good setup might have the following:

• Plush, weather-resistant seating
• Outdoor rugs for comfort and style
• Throw pillows to add color and texture
• A TV or sound system for entertainment

This area should flow seamlessly from your home’s interior, so consider installing wide glass doors that open up into the backyard. Your property feels larger, more cohesive, and more luxurious when the transition from indoors to outdoors is effortless.

Build an Outdoor Kitchen

Many home buyers seek outdoor kitchens in today’s housing market. They see them as indicators of a home built for modern living, and they’re willing to pay a premium for them. Depending on your market, an outdoor kitchen can offer a 100% return on investment (ROI) or more.

Use durable materials, such as stainless steel and stone, when building your outdoor kitchen because they can hold up to the elements. Also, make sure to include ample storage and counter space in your design. Consider built-in grills, sinks, refrigerators, and pizza ovens.

A full-scale outdoor kitchen allows you to entertain without running into and out of the house. It also increases your yard’s usability, especially when paired with a dining area with ample seating. Those with less space can arrange a small bar setup with a counter and stools.

Create Defined Zones

Functionality matters as much as aesthetics if you’re redesigning your backyard with value in mind. Divide your space into clearly defined zones to create structure, encourage diverse activities, and help potential buyers envision their use of the outdoor space.

Here are example zones you may want to include in your backyard design:

• A lounge area with lightweight and stylish furniture
• An entertainment corner with a projector screen, surround sound speakers, and cozy seating
• A kid or pet play area with soft grass or mulch for running and playing
• A yoga or meditation corner surrounded by plants

Update Your Landscape

A beautiful landscape increases your home’s curb appeal, improves drainage and privacy, and can reduce energy costs. Strategic landscaping manages water flow by guiding rain away from the foundation, preventing pooling and erosion. Grading the yard properly, incorporating gravel beds, and planting water-absorbing ground cover help direct excess water into designated drainage areas, protecting your home’s structure over time.

Save Money With Trees

Consider planting trees to lower your energy bill. Trees planted in key locations provide shade during the hottest parts of the day, lowering indoor temperatures and reducing reliance on air conditioning. Deciduous trees on your home’s south and west sides offer summer shade while allowing sunlight through in the winter. During winter, windbreaks of dense shrubs or evergreen hedges can reduce heating costs by blocking cold winds.

Add Beauty

The best landscaping plans balance softscapes (plants, grass, trees) and hardscapes (stone paths, retaining walls, patios). Choose native, drought-resistant plants that require minimal upkeep and look great year-round. Incorporate evergreens for structure and seasonal blooms for color.

Pay attention to the power of symmetry and lines in landscaping. Clean borders, intentional plant groupings, and defined walkways make the space look polished and high-end. Consider planting living fences using tall hedges or bamboo if privacy is a concern. These plants provide visual and noise protection while adding style to your space.

Install a Shade Structure

During peak summer months, a fully exposed backyard becomes uncomfortable and underused. You can solve this problem by installing a shade structure. Many options are available, but few offer as much impact and flexibility as a motorized pergola from BON Pergola.

Our pergolas provide the following:

• Dynamic sun and shade control with adjustable louvers
• Modern, streamlined designs that complement any architectural style
• Durability you can trust
• Protection from UV rays, heat, and rain.

Add Outdoor Lighting  

Outdoor lighting enhances safety and makes your yard more inviting after dark. It can also highlight your landscaping and architecture in ways that are impossible during daylight hours.

Use layers to create a sophisticated look and uplight trees and architectural features to add drama. Line walkways with low-voltage path lighting to improve nighttime navigation and boost visual appeal.

Add string lights or lanterns for a more romantic vibe. Consider motion-sensor lights near entrances and darker corners for added security and install dimmable fixtures or smart lighting systems to easily control ambience.

Use Decorative and Cozy Accessories  

Accessories bring your backyard to life. Add colorful outdoor rugs, throw pillows, or even hanging chairs to inject personality into your scene. Outdoor heaters, blankets, and other cozy touches make the space usable when temperatures drop, while pops of color and texture make everything visually inviting.  

While these accessories may feel less impactful than larger upgrades, small decorative touches often seal the deal for potential buyers interested in a home with character.

Add Water and Fire Features

Incorporating water and fire features is a powerful way to elevate your backyard’s ambience and perceived value. These elements create a relaxing, resort-like atmosphere that potential buyers love.

A small pond, waterfall, or fountain introduces soothing sounds and movement, promoting tranquility and masking neighborhood noise. Even a minimalist water bowl can make a strong design statement.

Fire features are more practical, especially on cooler evenings. Consider a built-in fireplace for a luxurious focal point or a portable fire pit for a flexible, budget-friendly option.

Invest in Your Backyard

Your backyard has the potential to be more than an open patch of grass. Smart backyard updates can boost your home’s value and provide day-to-day enjoyment for you and your family.

What makes these upgrades especially worthwhile is their longevity. Unlike interior trends that fade or need replacement, outdoor features often withstand the elements for years with minimal upkeep.

BON Pergola is here to help you take the first step if you’re ready to enhance your outdoor space with timeless upgrades.