Home might be where the heart is but in 2020 (and 2021 and 2022), it became the place where you were. All the time. And while you might have had a project or two on your wish list, you probably found yourself paying more attention to your living spaces. You no longer liked the wall color or finally felt ready to take on that bathroom upgrade.
While interior design and organization have always been popular, the pandemic shifted the focus to outdoor spaces. Your backyard, deck, or patio became a place to escape your work-from-home space and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
According to a survey released by the International Casual Furnishings Association, 88 percent of Americans with outdoor spaces reported that they were dissatisfied with these spaces.
But how do you transform your space from lackluster to inviting?
From a relaxing hot tub to a custom outdoor kitchen, these backyard ideas for 2024 will help you revamp your backyard.
How to budget for backyard makeover costs
This past year was a challenging year if you wanted to buy a home. In 2023, the combination of high interest rates, soaring prices, and limited inventory made people reluctant to buy a house. While there’s been a slight dip in interest rates, some might be reluctant to list their homes.
Instead, homeowners are likely to continue investing in their current living spaces — indoors and out.
But the investment in your backyard will vary, depending on the scope of the project, the size of the backyard, and the materials used, among other factors.
A few minor changes can make a big difference in your backyard. Updating the patio furniture and refreshing the landscaping, which can cost $1,000 to $5,000, can bring new life to your outdoor space.
If you want to take your backyard from “before” to “after,” you might need to expand the scope of the project. A budget between $5,000 to $20,000 will allow you to add things like a hot tub, outdoor lighting, hardscaping, and a fire pit.
Adding to the budget will add to the possibilities. To create your dream backyard, complete with a large hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and custom pergola, the cost of your backyard project will likely start at $20,000 and go up from there.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and the cost of your backyard makeover will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Should you update your backyard?
Do you ever find yourself looking out into your backyard and feeling like it’s not reaching its potential? Well, it might be time to give your backyard a much-needed update.
Upgrading your backyard can also upgrade your lifestyle, according to an impact report from the National Association of Realtors and National Association of Landscape professionals. Of the homeowners who completed an outdoor project, 85 percent of people had a greater desire to be home. Seventy-eight percent reported an increased sense of enjoyment when at home.
Whether you’re tired of stepping on overgrown grass or bored of the same old patio furniture, sprucing up your backyard can add some much-needed excitement to your outdoor space. Imagine relaxing in a stylish new hot tub with a cool drink in hand or hosting a backyard BBQ that your friends won’t stop raving about.
Updating your backyard is an investment but one that’s worthwhile.
Increased home value
A well-designed and attractive backyard can increase the overall value of your home. This can be especially beneficial if you’re planning to sell your home in the future, as potential buyers will be attracted to a beautiful and functional outdoor space.
According to the report from the National Association of Realtors, projects such as an overall landscaping upgrade, new patio or deck, and outdoor lighting appeal to buyers. These projects can sometimes mean the difference between a potential buyer making an offer or continuing on his house hunt.
More usable space
If your backyard is currently uninviting or unusable, a makeover can transform it into a space that you and your family can enjoy.
Homeowners who take on a landscaping project, whether it’s a new patio or deck remodel, report that it adds function and livability. The projects that add the most “joy,” according to the Realtor’s report, include a fire feature, new composite decking, water feature, statement landscape, and new patio.
Installing a Master Spas hot tub not only adds a water feature to the backyard but helps create that statement landscape.
Improved quality of life
Spending time outdoors has been shown to have numerous physical and mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and improved mood.
A backyard makeover can provide a space for you to unwind and connect with nature, which can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Backyard ideas for 2024
As we look towards 2024, there are plenty of exciting backyard design trends to consider. From eco-friendly landscaping to multi-functional outdoor spaces, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your outdoor space.
However, if you’re looking for a standout feature that can provide both relaxation and health benefits, a Master Spas hot tub might be the perfect addition to your backyard design plans.
Multi-functional spaces
The backyard is no longer just for the kids. As homeowners continue to prioritize outdoor living, they want the space to reflect everyone in the household. Homeowners want to have places to escape from the tasks of day-to-day life, reconnect with people they love on the weekend, and enjoy dining al fresco.
A backyard designed with multiple uses in mind might include a dining area, a lounge area with a fire pit, and even a hot tub. The patio might have a seamless flow from the indoor living space to the lounge area. The outdoor dining area might have light fixtures and ceiling fans just as you would in the main kitchen.
The goal is to have a space that is more than just recreation. There are areas that can be used for entertaining, relaxing, or even working from home.
Backyard hot tubs
The renewed interest in creating a livable backyard space also renewed interest in a luxe amenity — the backyard hot tub.
A Master Spas hot tub can provide a relaxing vacation-like environment without the stress of going through a TSA line or discovering that your flight has been delayed … again. The warm water is soothing to your muscles, while the jets help to work out any tension.
But while you might enjoy a vacation a couple weeks a year, a Master Spas hot tub is a daily retreat. Energy efficient insulation and a built-in heating system provide year-round escape. You can soak on a summer night or appreciate the falling snow on a winter afternoon. Select your preferred temperature by using the touchscreen panel.
In addition, hot tubs offer a range of health benefits, such as better sleep quality, lowering blood pressure, and improving insulin sensitivity.
Adding a Master Spas hot tub to your backyard can also enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor living space. The water features and LED lighting provide ambiance, and the materials are durable yet modern.
Outdoor kitchens
Outdoor kitchens have been gaining popularity for several years now, and that trend is expected to continue in 2024.
An outdoor kitchen allows for a unique and enjoyable dining experience. Being able to cook and entertain outside creates a more relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for socializing with family and friends. From grilling to smoking to wood-fired pizza ovens, an outdoor kitchen can be a game-changer. You can enjoy the conveniences of indoor cooking while allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
And that might be why they are so popular. In a survey of 500 design professionals, 45 percent believed outdoor kitchens would be the most popular kitchen product and feature moving into the future.
An outdoor kitchen set-up can be as simple as a chic barbecue and weather-resistant cabinetry. Alternately, you can create a high-end space with a full-service prep area, refrigerator, wine cooler, and outdoor fireplace. You can incorporate lighting to add to the ambiance while illuminating your cooking space.
Eco-friendly landscaping
In 2024, eco-friendly landscaping is set to be a major trend. Homeowners are becoming more conscious of the impact their landscaping has on the environment. As they update their spaces, they are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. This could include planting native species, creating a vegetable garden, or installing a rain garden to capture stormwater runoff.
Eco-landscaping, also known as sustainable landscaping, refers to the use of environmentally friendly practices to design, create, and maintain outdoor spaces. The aim of eco-landscaping is to reduce the effects of water waste, pollution, and destruction of natural habitats, while promoting healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
Moody lighting
Dramatic lighting is no longer reserved for your dining room or other indoor living spaces. You can say goodbye to those stringed lights (although we still love them). And say hello to fixtures like curvy pendant lights and smoked-glass sconces.
In 2024, homeowners have more options than ever for outdoor lighting. As the market has grown, light fixtures have been designed to not only be durable and energy efficient but beautiful. With the right lighting, you can highlight certain features of your backyard. Put a spotlight on plants or trees and highlight water features. In addition, lighting can be an extra layer of safety.
You can illuminate the post caps of your deck railing or hang a pendant lamp on your patio. Path lights come in a range of designs to fit your aesthetic.
But you can also choose different light bulbs or lighting with variable settings to set the mood for the space.
A backyard makeover can completely transform your outdoor space and elevate your overall quality of life. From a relaxing hot tub to multifunctional spaces, the possibilities for creating your dream backyard are endless. By incorporating some of these ideas, you can turn your backyard into a tranquil sanctuary or a vibrant entertainment hub.
How to buy a hot tub in 2024
Are you ready to invest in your well-being and backyard? Master Spas hot tubs can be enjoyed this year and many years to come. You can click here to learn more about the benefits of hydrotherapy. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about hot tub ownership. Wondering how much a Master Spas hot tub costs? You can request a quote here.