With Summer approaching you might be dreaming of the day your friends and family can all come over.

Well, we’ve been dreaming about this too! Which is why we’ve compiled a list of items we think are “essential” in making your backyard (or front yard) ready for entertaining. Your outdoor areas are the perfect opportunity to add valuable square footage to your home. So, check out the photos below for our list of essentials, along with some major design inspiration!

Shade

This one might seem obvious, but many people overlook it. When summer rolls around and the sun is H-O-T, a shaded area can make all the difference. Or, when the rain starts pouring out of nowhere (Oh hello, Texas weather) it’s great to have a little spot to take cover and possibly enjoy the rain if you wanted to. Take advantage of any trees with large canopies and set up your seating areas here. If you don’t have any trees or a covered patio, try adding a trellis, some umbrellas, or some sort of awning

Dining Area

Dining al fresco is one of the many joys of life. An outdoor dining area also gives you an opportunity to get creative with your second dining room design. Add a fun rug, pavers, create a theme, go bold with your color palette, or.. don’t. It’s really up to you here and the sky is literally the limit.

Outdoor Kitchen

Even if you’re not a grill master, it’s still a great idea to have a charcoal/gas grill and some sort of surface area for prepping veggies or to arrange your food/drink buffet outside. Sometimes you may want to cook some fish and don’t want to stink up your whole house (enter outdoor grill). Outdoor kitchens can be elaborate and high end, but a singular grill and a side table will do the trick too. Stick to whatever budget works for you and you’ll get as much out of your cooking area as the most gourmet of outdoor kitchens.

Conversation/Lounge Areas

Having multiple seating options are a huge plus when it comes to your backyard oasis. Sometimes you want to lounge, other times you want to sit upright and have a meaningful conversation. Other times you need a separate area for a private conversation. Make the most out of the space you have and design for what makes sense for your lifestyle and entertaining habits

Mood Lighting

It’s amazing what a few flickering candles or some hanging string lights can do for the ambience of a space. I really believe mood lighting has the power to truly transform any space. You can highlight landscaping, light a path, play with the texture on your walls or fence, or add some fun lanterns or lighted sculptures around your yard.

Fencing

If your backyard overlooks a beautiful open landscape like a some rolling hills, a lake, forest or golf course, you may not want to add a privacy fence that would block your view. However, if you’re surrounded by neighbors, a fence might help you feel a little more secluded than you actually are. Take a look at some different styles below.

Landscaping

Landscaping doesn’t have to be complicated or high maintenance. Choose whatever works for your time, budget and environment, and to make it easier, select plants native to your area. Hedges and tall plants are great for adding privacy to areas where your fence line may not provide enough of it. Add decking, pavers, chips or gravel where a pathway or surface area may be needed for dining or lounging.

Fireplace

A fire can be beautiful and mesmerizing, when used in a safe and controlled setting, of course. It brings warmth, magic, and helps encourage long conversations, not to mention toasted marshmallows for your s’mores! Take a look at some ideas on how you can incorporate one to your backyard.

Water Feature

The sounds of water have been known to bring a sense of calm and relaxation to most of us. Take a look at the different styles below for some inspiration.

Outdoor Washing Station

Whether you have a fully loaded outdoor shower or just spot to wash off your feet or your dog, an outdoor washing station can be a very convenient thing to have. Pools aren’t always the easiest or most affordable thing to put into your backyard, but a quick washing station can cool you off in the summer time. There are plenty of DIY’s out there where you can use your existing hose connection. Check out some ideas below.