11 Creative Ways to Refresh Your Outdoor Space on a Budget
DIY Outdoor Furniture Makeover
Tired of your old wooden furniture? Give it a fresh look with a new coat of paint. Choose a fun color to instantly transform your outdoor living space. If you’re feeling adventurous, try upcycling old planters by placing them in woven baskets or turning them upside down to create unique displays.
Natural Outdoor Playscape
Create a kid-friendly oasis without breaking the bank. Use found items like logs, tree stumps, and sand to build an obstacle course, balance beam, or sand pit. Encourage your kids to explore their creativity and engage with nature in their own backyard.
Upcycled Planters
Before investing in new planters, take a look around your home for items you can repurpose. Woven baskets, old pots, and even fallen roof slates can be transformed into charming planters. By upcycling materials, you’ll save money and create a cohesive, organic look in your outdoor space.
Propagating Plants from Cuttings
Get plants for free by propagating them from cuttings. Take soft plant cuttings, place them in water, and wait for roots to grow. Once the roots are substantial, plant them in soil. You can also swap plants with friends to grow a variety of species without spending a dime.
Create a Secret Nook
Transform an unused corner of your backyard into a cozy retreat. Rearrange existing patio furniture, add outdoor lights, and bring a few pots from elsewhere in the yard. You’ll create a magical hideaway where you can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Repurpose Old Linens
Give your outdoor table an instant glow-up by throwing an old linen or tablecloth over it. Use old curtains or shower curtains to provide visual protection from neighbors’ glances. You can even staple old curtains to your balcony railing for a touch of bohemian charm.
Divide Existing Plants
Divide overgrown perennials and plant them elsewhere in your garden. You can also do the same with seedlings that have sprouted in gravel or sandy spots. By dividing and replanting these plants, you’ll fill out your garden without spending any money.
Scatter Seeds at the End of the Season
In late fall, collect seeds from your existing plants and scatter them in areas where you’d like them to grow. This technique is a great way to naturally expand your garden and enjoy beautiful blooms next season.
Bring Indoor Decor Out for the Day
On a nice day, bring cushions and accent pillows from inside your house to dress up your outdoor furniture. Vibrant textiles will add a touch of color and comfort to your outdoor space. Just remember to bring them back inside at night to protect them from the elements.
Prune and Delete
Sometimes, the best way to refresh your outdoor space is to remove overgrown shrubs and plants. Pruning or removing overgrown greenery will make your yard feel more spacious and airy, and it can spark new ideas for creative landscaping.
Reuse Natural Materials
Instead of discarding natural materials like river cobbles or fallen roof slates, repurpose them in your landscaping projects. These materials are free and blend seamlessly with your existing landscape, creating a cohesive and organic look.
