30 DIY Ways to Create a Backyard Summer Oasis

Transform your porch, patio or deck into a dreamy, one-of-a-kind relaxation zone with these budget-friendly tips and project ideas.

By: Lauren Oster, H. Camille Smith, and Molly Miller

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A Beautiful Backyard Makes Outdoor Living Easy

Ready to turn your backyard into your new favorite 'room'? Planting a lush landscape that features a variety of edibles and low-maintenance perennials, like this gorgeous California backyard, is one surefire way. Get more backyard landscaping ideas, below, and keep reading for 30 more ways to make your great outdoors even greater this summer.

See More Photos: 50 Beautiful Backyard Landscaping Ideas

From: Christian Douglas Design

Stencil the Patio

Bid a not-so-fond farewell to your drab slab by deploying a stencil to mimic the look of oh-so-trendy (and rather costly) cement tile. Bonus: The customizable concrete stain used as a base coat here covers every bit as well as paint but doesn’t get slick when it’s damp.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Stain & Stencil a Concrete Patio

Build a Bespoke Bistro

Use freestanding planters and posts to whip up the kind of ethereal outdoor atmosphere that usually means paying a stranger $15 for a cocktail. This project is portable, which means you can bring the party along to another space if you're a renter.

GET THE HOW-TO: String Light Solution: Hang Patio Lights Using Planters and Wood Posts

From: Sam Henderson

Craft No-Sew Cushion Covers

When an indoor pillow's glory days are behind it, thank it for its service during sofa-based binge-watches and prepare it for new life on the patio. You won't need a sewing machine for this project, and it's an immensely satisfying way to whip up on-trend decor on the fly.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Chic, Outdoor Pillow Cover (No Sewing Required!)

Cater to Four-Legged Friends

The summer heat can get to all of us, especially our furry friends, so help them get through the dog days of summer with their own refreshments. Breathable outdoor beds, spare water bowls and frozen treats will all hit the spot.

And, Keep Kids Occupied

If your summer oasis will be hosting kids, plan activities like a bubble station or water balloon piñata to keep them safely occupied, leaving the adults free to relax and enjoy themselves. Get 11 more party tips every parent should know, below.

See More Photos: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Upcycle Your Way to a Backyard Bar Cart

In just a few steps — and for less than $30 — you can turn that dusty, old kettle grill into a stylish way to ice down your favorite summer sips. Learn how to craft your own portable (and pretty!) patio bar, below.

get the how-to: Upcycle an Old Charcoal Grill Into a Chill Patio Bar Cart

From: H. Camille Smith

Light Up With Luminaries

These windproof, upcycled beacons will bring a bit of twinkle to your space and complement outdoor decor of all kinds. For extra function, drill a few additional holes and add hangers or pieces of rope for carrying or hanging.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make Tin Can Lanterns

Channel the Local Drive-In

Movies under the stars are popular all over again, and while it's romantically retro to see one in your car, it's even better (and considerably less awkward for groups of more than two) to host your own screening on the back lawn. Create a snack bar with your favorite goodies, pull out a pile of picnic blankets, and project a beloved blockbuster onto this beginner-friendly homemade screen.

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Outdoor Movie Theater

Install an Outdoor Swing

If you've got a sturdy beam on your porch or pergola and can learn the ropes of some simple carpentry, the elemental delight of kicking up your feet on a statement seat can be yours. (Bonus points if you can arrange to sit on the swing while watching a movie on your homemade screen.)

GET THE HOW-TO: DIY Wood and Rope Swing

DIY a Stock Tank Pool

For less than $500 you can make your serene, backyard pool dreams come true. This trendy outdoor feature is a budget-friendly way to bring the pool to you.

get the how-to: Make a DIY Stock Tank Pool

Fancy Up Your Existing Pots

Plain terra cotta or plastic pots are great, but they're a little bland. Our tutorial, below, shows you how to make a budget pot look like a pricey, vintage find using just paper napkins and decoupage medium.

get the how-to: How to Decoupage a Chinoiserie-Style Planter Pot

From: H. Camille Smith

Plant a Succulent Table

Put together a prefabricated table with a shelf and a glass top (or retrofit an existing one) to create a spectacular centerpiece for a summer’s worth of parties. Unlike a living wall, you can bring this feature indoors when the weather turns chilly (or you fancy a bit of greenery inside).

GET THE HOW-TO: Make a Succulent Table

Or, Fake a Rustic Dining Table

Permanent outdoor dining tables aren't necessary when you have the skills to craft your own on the fly. Here, a castoff barn door + wood stumps = a long, low outdoor dining table that can be broken down between uses. Get more tips for throwing a boho-style bash, below.

Pick a Palette

Just as you would when decorating any indoor space, the key to a pulled-together look on your patio, porch or deck is starting with a color in mind. For a monochromatic look that isn't boring, take our cue and layer several different intensities of the same shade. Learn more designer palette-picking tricks, below.

See More Photos: 15 Designer Tricks for Picking a Perfect Color Palette

From: H. Camille Smith

Turn Crates Into a Server With Storage

Meet your next party's MVP: Set on casters and upcycled from simple wooden crates, this mobile accessory is durable, versatile and dead simple to build and decorate.

GET THE HOW-TO: Make a Mobile Outdoor Coffee Table From Wooden Crates

Or, Cinderblocks Into a Boho Bench

Cinderblocks: the handy (but heavy!) concrete blocks many of us have just taking up space in our garage or garden shed. Reclaim your space and put them to work to create a sturdy bench, that — surprise — doubles as a planter.

Get the How-To: Talk About a Block Party: DIY Cinderblock Bench

Add Privacy With Plants

Create the feel of an intimate outdoor bower that just happens to add a bit of much-needed mystery back to the relationship between you and your neighbors. This high-convenience barrier is decidedly low-maintenance. Learn more about growing ornamental grasses, below.

See More Photos: 16 Ornamental Grasses You Should Grow

From: Mom's Design Build

And, Plant the Rainbow

Flowers are available in every color imaginable, so why not plant the rainbow? Follow our plant recommendations and planting tips to pot up a colorful container garden that, bonus, can stand up to the heat of summer while attracting a variety of pollinators to your backyard patio or deck.

get the how-to: DIY Rainbow Container Garden

From: H. Camille Smith

Cozy Up to a Fire Bowl

Add ambiance, encourage s'mores roasts and discourage bugs from hanging around with this balcony-friendly feature. If you've got access to a drill with a masonry bit and an orbital sander, you can DIY a one-of-a-kind fire bowl that will suit your space perfectly.

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Make a Concrete Fire Bowl

And, Cozy Up Seating

Cozy up hard outdoor furniture with pillows and throws to make kicking back in your great outdoors even more enjoyable. To prevent damage and a musty smell, don't use indoor (especially down-filled) cushions. Instead, opt for durable outdoor-rated fabric filled with water-resistant polyfill inserts and swap in a Turkish beach towel, which dries super fast, for a standard throw.

See More Photos: 25 Ways to Pretty Up Your Patio for Spring + Summer

From: H. Camille Smith

Lean Into Lawn Games

One of summer’s most relaxing sensation combinations: the sun on your face, the breeze on your skin and the knowledge that your guests have the means to entertain themselves. Build a game or two (we linked 50 of our DIY favorites, below) and let them do the work of hosting on your behalf.

See More Photos: 50 Ultra-Fun DIY Backyard Games for All Ages

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Turn Plywood Into Easy Outdoor Art

Does your patio, porch or deck have a case of the blahs? We'll show you how to easily stencil a plywood board to turn it into colorful outdoor art that can stand up to the elements. Plus, learn an artist's trick that makes hanging a painted board easy, below.

get the how-to: Turn a Plywood Board Into Easy DIY Outdoor Art

From: H. Camille Smith

Steer for Shade

Punctuate a treeless space (or one that could use a bit of extra definition) by embellishing a shade sail with nautical accents. Boat cleats, grosgrain ribbon and textural sisal give this structure a thematic feel that's perfect for balmy afternoon gatherings, even if you're inland.

GET THE HOW-TO: Beat the Heat and Add Privacy With an Embellished Shade Sail

Build an Outdoor Bar

Incredibly expensive outdoor kitchens are great, but have you tried constructing a frame for a mini-fridge with cedar fence pickets? This project calls for some serious sweat equity, but it’ll look even better a decade from now. (And by skipping a pro-level renovation, you’ll be able to stock that fridge with the good bubbly.)

GET THE HOW-TO: How to Build an Outdoor Minibar

Or, Roll Out a Bar Cart

No matter where you live, there's no denying that the summer sun can sometimes feel relentless. Make your porch, patio or deck into a relaxing oasis by rolling out a serving cart when guests arrive. Ice cold lemonade (or bubbly!) makes lounging on the porch feel like a mini vacay.

See More Photos: 50 Tips for Planning the Ultimate Backyard Get-Together

From: H. Camille Smith

Make Magic With Upcycled Lanterns

Shouldn’t this be the summer you cultivate a vibe like the one at the chandelier tree in Los Angeles? If you stumble across an old bird cage or two at a flea market or antique shop, a bit of spray paint and a remote-controlled LED kit can turn your outdoor space into a wonderland.

GET THE HOW-TO: Easily Turn a Birdcage Into a Remote-Control Lantern

Give Your Gear a Global Makeover

Channel the south of France (or Mexico, or Morocco) on your patio by re-casting pieces you already own; we’ll walk you through the five steps it takes to get here with accessories and styling. With low-investment tweaks like these, you can swap out the look for another one next summer for the cost of a few travel guides.

From: Erica Reitman

Bring the Indoors Out

The first step in developing an entertaining-ready space is creating a pretty place to gather, of course. Update tired outdoor cushions with graphic outdoor fabric, and don't be shy about redeploying older or mismatched furniture on the patio; this look comes alive through quirky combinations. Pull your arrangement together with an assortment of hardy container plants.

Partying? Pick a Theme

Planning an alfresco party? Set the tone with a seasonal theme that lets guests know what to wear, what to expect and what to bring. One of our favorites? A super low-key adults-only campout, complete with grown-up crafts, games and beverages.

See More Photos: 35 Sizzling Themes for an Outdoor Summer Party

And, Don't Forget to Prep a Playlist

A party is incomplete without a killer soundtrack, of course. We did the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best songs for a chill get-together; just press play.

learn more: Here's Your Ultimate Summer Dinner Party Playlist

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