I own a house-flipping company and have the most fun designing outdoor spaces – my 8 tips are practical and add pizazz

A REAL estate broker has revealed the affordable DIY tricks that revamp a tired-looking outdoor space.

He said even the most expansive backyards can lack “pizazz” without stylish finishing touches.

Real estate broker Adrian Pedraza shared tips for upgrading backyards (stock image)
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Real estate broker Adrian Pedraza shared tips for upgrading backyards (stock image)Credit: Getty

Now is the time to rejuvenate backyards that have been untouched throughout the colder months.

However, it can be tricky to identify the wow factor that’s missing from your garden after becoming complacent with how it looks.

Adrian Pedraza is the owner of The California Home Buyer, a professional house-flipping company.

The licensed broker keeps a close eye on all the changes in the real estate industry and home development.

Read more backyard upgrades

Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he shared bargain-friendly tricks for overhauling backyards ahead of summer.

“When I remodel a place I also take care of the outdoor area,” Pedraza said.

“Personally I have the most fun when I design the outdoor space because I like to turn it into a personal oasis. 

“After doing numerous projects, I'm going to give you my most practical tips.”

I upgraded my backyard on a $1k budget - I added a privacy fence, furniture, & decor and didn't even have to pay for it

CREATE DEFINED ZONES

He recommended starting by identifying various functions that the space will be used for. 

“Segment the space into dedicated areas for different activities like dining, lounging, and entertaining,” he said.

“This allows each area to be purposefully designed.

“One way to take your outdoor area to the next level is by creating a small kitchen set up or a DIY pizza oven, which is going to be really helpful for entertaining.”

HARMONIZE WITH NATURE

Pedraza said there should be a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

He said incorporating “low-maintenance” greenery will also help to create the perfect ambiance.

Lush plants and landscaping elements soften the space and promote a sense of tranquility.

Adrian Pedraza

“Choose durable, all-weather patio furniture and fabrics that can withstand the elements year-round,” he said.

“Use complementary materials, colors, and textures to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. 

“This expands your living space.

“Lush plants and landscaping elements soften the space and promote a sense of tranquility.”

BRIGHTEN UP

“I always recommend ample shade with pergolas, awnings, or umbrellas to escape the intense sun when needed,” Pedraza said.

He advised also playing around with lighting to maximize the times of day that the space can be enjoyed.

“Proper lighting sets the mood and extends the space's usability into the evenings,” he said.

“Use a mix of ambient and task lighting.”

How to make your backyard a little paradise

Houna Bech is an interior designer and founder of the style blog With Houna.

She revealed to The U.S. Sun five tips for transforming a drab outdoor space into a “sensory-rich little paradise.”

  1. Embrace nature

“Use your landscaping, trees, flowers, and organic environment as your muse,” she said.

2. Bring the inside out

“Repeat color palettes, textures, and materials so the transition between indoors and out is seamless,” she said.

3. Create zones for specific purposes

“I might design a luxurious cabana with plush loungers and vanities for alfresco makeup sessions with my girlfriends,” she said.

4. Prioritize comfort

“I'm talking cloud-like sectionals, upholstered daybeds, and oversized weather-resistant poufs you can really envelop yourself in,” she said.

5. Get creative

“Finally, turn your entire outdoor area into an artistic installation,” Bech said.

FINISHING TOUCHES

The real estate expert said accessorizing with sculptures, water features, outdoor rugs, and decorative lighting can elevate the overall backyard design.

“Just last month, I had clients with an expansive but drab backyard lacking any pizazz,” he said.

“By first defining separate zones for lounging and dining, we gave the space purpose. 

“Lush drought-tolerant landscaping framed the perimeter while preserving a central open area. 

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“We then built a small outdoor kitchen complete with pizza oven and bar seating - the cherry on top. 

“Finishing touches like festoon lighting, colorful tile accents, and an antique Mexican chimenea gave it that layered, curated feel.”

Pedraza said creating defined zones gives the space a purpose
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Pedraza said creating defined zones gives the space a purposeCredit: Adrian Pedraza
Pedraza said outdoor furniture should be able with withstand weather year-round (stock image)
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Pedraza said outdoor furniture should be able with withstand weather year-round (stock image)Credit: Getty