If you have a large backyard in your area, you are blessed! However, having more space comes with more challenges. It can be difficult to design large yards to meet your needs while maintaining your preferred aesthetic. To get the wheels turning, we are sharing our favorite backyard landscaping designs for big backyards.
Backyard Landscaping Designs for Big Backyards
1. Purposeful Rooms to Divide the Space
Although you want a holistic decor, don’t feel like your entire yard is one area. Breaking up a large yard to create separate rooms is a great way to get more use out of your space. Some ideas are an outdoor kitchen, a separate dining area, a conversation area with comfy couches and seating, a play area if you have kids, or even pet paths if you have dogs. If you have a green thumb, designate a gardening area to grow a variety of vegetables and herbs.
Pro Tip: If you have a unique hobby that takes up valuable real estate inside, take it into the backyard. For example, meditation and yoga quiet zones are easy to create in a large backyard space away from the hustle and bustle of communal spaces. Whether you want a rock garden, a platform for your yoga mat, a fountain to create ambiance or to be hidden by a wall of swaying bamboo shoots, you can make it happen!
2. Scaled Furnishings to Match the Space
A larger yard means larger furniture. You can’t have a cafe table on a huge deck; it would look incredibly out of scale! Ensure your outdoor furnishings fit the size of your space. You don’t want furniture looking dwarfed by the size of the lawn or patio. That might mean some expensive upgrades, but it is crucial to have a nicely flowing yard that feels full and in scale. We recommend utilizing large seating areas and picnic-style dining tables to fill up the space in a functional manner that guests can enjoy.
3. Structures and Shade to Provide Heat Relief
In sunny California, a shady yard is vital! If you don’t have mature trees, it is essential to be able to create some sun protection through hardscape designs or accessories. Pergolas are a great way to add structure and can fit any decor. Additionally, a gazebo is a source of shade and a separate room outside. If you do not want a permanent structure, large umbrellas are a smart investment due to their mobility to cover different areas.
Not sure what the differences are between shade structures? We suggest checking out our articles on the Difference Between Pergolas and Gazebos.
4. Games Galore for Outside Entertainment
Creating a space for outdoor games is an excellent addition to any large backyard as it encourages family and friends to head outside to play rather than constantly being stuck in front of a screen. If you throw frequent parties or have a large family, games are a wonderful source of entertainment and conversation. Some great yard games include corn hole, bocce ball, pickleball, and giant-sized versions of Connect 4 or Jenga. If you’re a party animal, create outdoor beer pong, and if you’re sporty, set up a volleyball net! The possibilities are endless!
5. Consider Installing a Pool or Spa
If you want a delightful way to fill up a large space while encouraging outdoor sports and adding extensive value and curb appeal to your home, we recommend considering installing a pool or spa. Pools and spas transform your backyard into a retreat, a sanctuary to play and relax away from the hustle and stress of everyday life. You can start the morning off right with a quick swim or end a rough day at work with jets massaging your back. Of course, you don’t want to plop in a boring square pool! We suggest working with a professional pool installer to create a unique pool that suits your tastes and preferences while enhancing your landscaping and adding a touch of wonder.
How Can I Make My Backyard Smaller?
Boring backyard landscaping designs for big backyards typically have a lot of grass! You don’t need to be that person. By reducing the size of your lawn, you will save on maintenance costs and water bills while adding greater value to your home. We suggest utilizing the above ideas, incorporating creative garden beds to increase biodiversity, planting trees and shrubs, installing a fire pit, or utilizing drought-tolerant landscape features.
How Do I Design My Backyard Layout?
Devising backyard landscape designs for a big backyard can be tricky. It is quite common for homeowners to over- or under-estimate their space, how designs will fit, and what is actually feasible for their environment. We recommend working with a professional landscaping company to ensure that you get everything on your wishlist while creating a functional and beautiful space that will add to the value of your home for years to come.
What are the 7 Principles of Landscape Design?
While most say there are seven principles of building backyard landscape designs, we say there are eight: unity, balance, contrast/harmony, color, transition, line, proportion, and repetition. By adhering to these principles, you can create a beautiful space that is pleasing to the eye, wows your neighbors, and complements your existing home aesthetic. To learn more about the eight landscape principles, click HERE.
Design Scapes – Backyard Landscaping Designs
We at Design Scapes are skilled and experienced in transforming landscape areas of any size into spaces that will meet your family’s desires and needs. Whether you have just a dozen square feet or acres of land, we can aid you in creating a beautiful, functional space that you will love for years to come. For more information on the first step to landscape designing, book a consultation with us today!
