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Home renovations are not a new thing. People often decide to update parts of their homes. However, because of Covid and people being home more than ever, it seems that people are updating their house more than ever before! People are working from home and therefore, want their houses to be a place they want to be. After updating the interior of your home there might not be much money leftover for the outdoor space. Fear not! I am here to give you 9 AMAZING outdoor decorating ideas on a budget to help you get the oasis you’ve always wanted.
It’s no surprise that most people typically spend majority of their money on the interiors of their homes. However, it seems that because of Covid and people spending more time at home, they are now choosing to create more of an oasis outdoors than before. A little retreat to escape by just stepping out of your back door. Especially with gas prices – let’s just vacation in our backyard this year… haha – amiright?
This all sounds nice, right? But, obviously, these things can definitely get expensive – even more so with inflation and costs skyrocketing. Today I am going to bring you some AMAZING outdoor decorating ideas on a budget to help you create a dream space for a fraction of the cost.
So, let’s get into it!
This post is all about outdoor decorating ideas on a budget and cheap backyard makeover ideas.
Outdoor Decorating Ideas On a Budget
Facebook Marketplace For Outdoor Furniture
This has got to be my number one piece of advice when trying to create an outdoor space on a budget – check Facebook Marketplace. I CANNOT TELL YOU howwww many pieces I have found on Facebook Marketplace for a STEAL! Sometimes even free! What people forget is that a little elbow grease or a little paint can go a lonnng way.
Many people will see a piece of theirs starting to show some wear and they immediately want to get rid of it. Ladies and Gents – jump on that. It is so easy and inexpensive to repaint something or restain it. Sure, it takes some time but the amount of money that you will save going this route is insane.
Let me also remind you that these pieces are going outside… so they are going to be exposed to some wear and tear. So what if there is a stain or a couple scratches. Nothing is ever going to stay looking brand new. Save yourself a few hundred dollars and buy second hand.
Here is a set I got for a great price. I painted it black, got new cushions and it looks brand new!
**DON’T FORGET TO USE SEALER!!**
(Guilty of forgetting this one too many times)
Also, don’t mind the tags on my pillows and cushions. I was so excited and took pics before taking any of the tags off. Woops! haha
Use Pallets
I know a few years ago there was a pallet craze and everyone (I mean, EVERYONE) was making things out of pallets. At first, it was cute and cool. Then you starting seeing it everywhere and it definitely became a little overdone. I would see pallet shelves and furniture at every flea market or “antique” fair I went to. I started to hate them.
HOWEVER… Lately I have come across some AMAZING pictures of pallet furniture that looks chic! I mean, I honestly can’t even believe I am saying that; But, look at how cute those pallet couches are! And that cute pallet table! These are absolutely adorable and you can make them for a fraction of the cost of what it would be to buy an outdoor couch or coffee table for outside.
Do Your Own Landscaping
Landscaping really adds so much to a space; But, we all know know that it can be very expensive. Of course there are lots of expensive over the top things you can add to landscaping, but a simple landscaping plan and adding a few plants on your own can make a huge difference.
I would also check the clearance section at certain stores like walmart for plants that have been marked down. Sometimes they just need a little extra TLC, but if you can devote a little more time to them they will start to look good as new!
If you don’t have much of a yard to do landscaping or don’t feel like trying to take on that kind of work you can always just add some planters! Super easy and will make such a statement.
Make a Pea Gravel Patio
Brick pavers, concrete and wood decks are expensive. I mean, have you seen the cost of wood lately?! No thanks. A pea gravel patio is inexpensive and something you can do on your own to make a cute little oasis.
Here are the basic steps:
Measure desired area and mark it out in the grass with spray paint
Remove Grass
Level off dirt. Tamp it down with a hoe.
Add landscape edging with stakes and a rubber mallet
Add landscaping fabric.
Add pea gravel (2 inches thick)
Voila!
A more in depth step by step can be found here: DIY Pea Gravel Step By Step
Refresh With Paint
As I mentioned earlier, a lot of times things on the marketplace just need a fresh coat of paint to look like new. Why not do that with your own stuff, too? Look around and see what you have already that looks a little tired and ask yourself, “Could this come back to life with a fresh coat of paint?”
Sometimes what were looking for is right under our nose. Paint is a super budget friendly way to make what you have look like new again.
Give Your Planters a Makeover
Girl! Don’t throw away those hideous planters just yet! Go to your pantry and craft closet… grab some paint, baking soda and a paint brush and give those guys a super easy makeover! Once its dry, rub some dirt on it, spray it with sealer and your planters are good as new! I have a post on that technique here and have also made a reel about it on my instagram.
Another great option is giving them a skim coat. You can use joint compound or plaster of paris. There are so many great tutorials out there using different methods. All of them are pretty fool proof and they seriously cost next to nothing.
Add String Lights
String Lights! Gosh, these can just transform a space. It adds so much charm and ambiance for such a low cost!
All of these below are OUTDOOR string lights – you need to make sure that the ones you purchase are also ok for outdoor use.
This picture is obviously not amazing or anything like that, but I wanted to show you just how simple it is to add string lights anywhere. All I did here was add posts to some pots, fill them with cement and then added string lights. This is a perfect option if you don’t have trees or anything to attach lights to. I loved having these lights over the table. It made it so cozy!
Grab a Sheet
This is a little random but so much fun! This is the easiest way to turn your backyard into a mini movie theater for next to nothing! Grab a sheet, tack it up on your house, grab a projector and have your own little movie.
This is seriously so much fun! If you cant hang it on the side of your house then make a couple of the post pots like I did up above and tack it to that or make a little PVC stand to hang it on. I know there are tutorials for that online. Super easy and so cute!
Alright, Guys – That’s all I got for you today! If I come up with anything else I will be sure to add it here but these are definitely my favorite outdoor decorating ideas on a budget. If you have any ideas you would like to share I would love to know! We are currently in the process of trying to refresh our outdoor space on a budget so I am all for new ideas!
Thanks for being here and have a blessed and cozy week!
Other posts you may like:
Amazing Kitchen Reno Ideas + Tips To Assure Renovation Success
11 Absolutely Must See Cozy Kitchen Ideas
DIY Bathroom Makeover | Quick & Easy Tips To Bring Your Bathroom Back To Life
Warm and Cozy Home Decor | The Absolute Best, Budget Friendly Places to Find it