Colorful Backyard Makeover
These San Diego homeowners and landscaping novices transformed their backyard into a lush getaway with do-it-yourself projects and salvaged materials.
Popular In Outdoor Rooms
Everything In This Slideshow
-
1 of 20
Found, Free, and Fabulous
A backyard makeover does not have to break the bank. By asking friends, searching the Internet, and using objects found in the yard, these California homeowners transformed a bleak backyard into a lush getaway.
-
2 of 20
Cheerful Welcome
An inexpensive outdoor area rug blooms thanks to an oversize floral stencil and some bright paint.
-
3 of 20
Double Duty
A ceiling medallion coated with exterior paint brightens a table and holds down a tablecloth on a windy day.
-
4 of 20
Sassy Plants
Graphic stencils and paint in happy hues give plain terra-cotta pots sunny dispositions.
-
5 of 20
True Identity
A small rectangle of chalkboard paint on a ceramic pot is a perfect place to ID a fresh herb for a table garden.
-
6 of 20
Bring the Indoors Out
Wall art constructed from plywood, exterior-grade paint, and a double coat of sealer provides interest on a privacy fence.
-
7 of 20
Touch of Nature
A botanical motif stenciled on an outdoor pillow continues the nature-inspired decorating scheme.
-
8 of 20
Help Yourself
Plain white ceramic windowsill planters become perky utensil holders for dining outdoors when customized with brightly colored paint pens.
-
9 of 20
Warm Glow
Small glass jars decoupaged with tissue paper (and shellacked for maximum weather-worthiness) glow when tea lights flicker inside.
-
10 of 20
Fun and Functional
Solar-power paper orbs add colorful ambience overhead -- no electricity required.
-
11 of 20
Illuminating Lilies
Battery-power LED lights masquerade as water lilies in the pond.
-
12 of 20
Light the Way
Candles tucked into lanterns boost the coziness appeal.
-
13 of 20
Cozy Nook
Placing the pergola-topped deck as close to the hand-dug pond as possible gives this oasis a docklike feel. Bright bedsheets used as curtains add privacy. A vintage trunk becomes a movable ottoman/coffee table/storage bench with a fresh coat of paint, a set of casters, and a padded top wrapped in festive, weather-resistant vinyl.
-
14 of 20
Snack Time Outside
Pretty patterned vinyl atop the DIY ottoman (see previous slide for full project) repels spills and moisture. A bright tray holds drinks and snacks.
-
15 of 20
Tiny Comforts
Materials left over from a home addition provided the bones of this tucked away cottage. Old windows and doors, extra wood, and leftover roofing were used to create this charming bonus room.
-
16 of 20
Pretty and Perky
A shelf outfitted with dollhouse fencing, both found at a crafts store and then painted orange, makes a delightful window box when planted with petunias and pinwheels.
-
17 of 20
Welcome Home
This custom welcome mat project cost less than $25; crafts sticks and inexpensive house numbers from the home store act as masks for the spray paint.
-
18 of 20
Doggie Dwelling
Leftover building material also provided a new space for the family dog. A removable roof makes it easy to clean.
-
19 of 20
Customized Containers
Chalkboard paint applied to a dog dish further customizes the pup's playground.
-
Next Slideshow 10 Ways to Create a Backyard Getaway
10 Ways to Create a Backyard Getaway
Try these ideas to turn your backyard into a relaxing outdoor oasis.Begin Slideshow »