6 Tiny Tweaks to Elevate Your Outdoor Space on a Budget

You’re just a few steps away from creating the comfy outdoor space of your dreams—and the best part is that you don’t have to spend a dime to bring it to life.

With summer quickly approaching, take some time to implement the following six designer-approved tips, all of which are completely free and will help make your yard somewhere that you will truly want to be during the warm months ahead. We’re all for fun, simple hacks like these.

Take Cues From Your Indoor Space

You can make your backyard feel more inviting by taking a few cues from your indoor space, Rosanna Bassford, the founder of Memmo Interiors, says.

Bassford recommends creating a cozy conversation area by moving around your patio furniture, adding some greenery and flowers from your own garden, or bringing in some pillows and throw blankets to your seating areas.

You can also bring throw pillows from your indoor spaces outside while hosting, Jennifer McKissick, the founder of Jennifer McKissick Interiors, adds.

“Some of the pillows and blankets on this porch were repurposed from other parts of the house,” McKissick says.

It’s a great and budget-friendly option since they’re used indoors during the colder seasons and then brought outside during the prime porch season to be enjoyed, McKissick says.

Laura Williams, the founder of ATX Interior Design, agrees that designing various gathering nooks is the way to go in the backyard.

“Arrange the furnishings into smaller groupings to create smaller intimate moments,” Williams says.

Embrace Candlelight

Candles can work wonders in making an outdoor space feel much comfier, Nicole Alexander, the founder of Siren Betty Design, says. Alexander suggests layering little ones on the tables and placing the larger ones on the ground.

“Candlelight adds depth and shadow, which makes a space feel more intimate,” Alexander says.

You can also place candles on a tray as you would indoors, creating the perfect outdoor living room.

Brittany Marom, the founder of Brittany Marom Interior Design, loves filling up a decorative tray with some magazines, candles, and a bowl full of cashews to elevate a coffee table or ottoman’s look.

Swap Out Your Bulbs

Bring some of your indoor lightbulbs outside to change the feel of your space.

“Most outdoor lights do not have dimmers, so you might consider swapping out a lower wattage bulb or a warmer temperature bulb to light the space without that harsh, bright, functional light,” Alexander says.

She adds that if one of your outdoor fixtures has room for two bulbs, you can simply remove one of them to tone things down.

Add More Plants

Plants can go a long way in adding a cozy feel to your outdoor gathering spot.

“Plants can be expensive, but can be propagated and divided to make more for free,” Hilary Prall, the founder of H. Prall & Co, says.

Prall suggests hosting a plant swap with friends which will make an outdoor space full of visual interest since there will be a variety of plants.

You can also simply bring some of your indoor houseplants outdoors. Nicole Cole, the founder of Vestige Home, suggests grouping plants together rather than spreading them out to create an impactful display and give a cozy plant look to your entire outdoor space.

“Outdoor stools, pedestals, and tables can be used to help create elevations to give a layered, cozy feel,” Cole says.

Shop Your Curb

One person’s trash may just be the treasure you’re looking for to make your backyard feel more cozy and complete.

Prall is often surprised to see what people get rid of this time of the year and encourages others to take advantage of the opportunity.

“It’s possible to find furniture and accessories to add style to your outdoor space without spending any money,” Prall says.

Cole also likes to search for backyard freebies that will add character and recommends keeping an eye out for stumps from tree removal. Cole’s favorite activity is finding tree trunk remnants to use for pedestals, side tables, or sculptural outdoor objects.

“Their textural bark and warm wood tones can add a lot to the cozy factor in an outdoor space,” Cole says.