We’ve all had that moment when you step outside, take a look around, and think, “Okay… now what?” Maybe it’s a plain patch of grass, maybe it’s an outdated patio, or maybe it’s just a space that doesn’t reflect your taste or lifestyle. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property that could use better outdoor management, thinking, “I want to design my backyard,” is the perfect place to start. Let’s take a look at what follows to help you get started on designing your perfect backyard.
Designing a Backyard is About Lifestyle, and It All Starts With a Conversation
A great backyard isn’t about copying what everyone else has, it’s about creating a space that works for you. It should make your life easier, more enjoyable, and even a little more beautiful. Are you dreaming of a quiet garden where you can unwind? A fire pit where friends gather on cool nights? Or maybe you want something low-maintenance but still high on curb appeal? No two properties (or people) are the same, so the design process should reflect that.
Maybe your backyard needs to be low-maintenance. Maybe your business front could use a more inviting layout to draw people in. Maybe you’re starting from scratch, or maybe your space just needs a fresh perspective. Wherever you’re at, a custom approach is the difference between something common and something that actually fits.
The best part? You don’t need to start with a big, fancy vision. You just need a conversation.
Talk to Someone Who Gets It
Before you start scrolling Pinterest boards or measuring every inch of your yard, here’s a tip: talk to a pro. A lot of people assume the design process starts with picking out plants or hardscape materials, but it really starts with a conversation.
When we sit down with a new client—whether it’s for a commercial property or a private home—we start by asking about what you want. What’s your dream? What’s not working? What’s your style? Your budget? Even your schedule. This isn’t about selling you on a one-size-fits-all package. It’s about figuring out what your space needs, how you’ll actually use it, and how we can bring it to life without stress.
Don’t Forget the Practical Stuff
Design isn’t all about the “wow” factor, though that’s important, too. It’s about solving real-life problems: Do you need better drainage? Are weeds taking over? Are you tired of looking at cracked concrete or bare patches in the lawn? These things might not be glamorous, but they’re essential to getting your outdoor area to a place where it feels like an actual extension of your home or business.
To learn more about these real-life landscaping challenges, check out our blog on custom landscaping, where we show you how form meets function beautifully.
What If You Don’t Know What You Want?
You’re not alone, most people don’t walk into a landscape project with a full design in mind. Maybe you’ve saved a few Pinterest ideas, or maybe you’ve just been staring out the window, saying “someday.” A good landscaping team will guide you through the process from the first sketch to the final plant in the ground. You bring your thoughts, we bring our experience, and together, we create something awesome. Whether it’s a backyard makeover or improving your business property’s first impression, talking with an expert and even scheduling a consultation where you do a walkthrough of your property, wants, and ideas can do wonders for pointing you in the right direction.
Why Designing My Backyard Matters
Designing your backyard is more than just making things look pretty it’s a smart investment that can benefit homeowners and business owners alike. For example, a well-designed space is easier to maintain and can even help with practical things like drainage or noise reduction. More benefits of designing your backyard can include:
For Homeowners:
- Boosts property value
- Creates functional outdoor living areas
- Improves daily lifestyle and relaxation
- Adds privacy, shade, and seasonal beauty
For Business Owners:
- Increases curb appeal
- Draws in more foot traffic
- Encourages customers to linger longer
- Makes your space more Instagram-worthy (yes, that matters!)
What to Consider Before You Design
1. Your Lifestyle or Business Needs
Are you dreaming of hosting backyard parties? Need a peaceful garden retreat? Want to give your café an outdoor seating area? Whatever your needs, the design should match the way you plan to use the space.
2. Your Budget
Good news! Backyard design can be customized to fit your budget. If you want a full overhaul or a phased plan, a professional contractor can work with you to build something stunning without breaking the bank.
3. Maintenance Level
Any backyard design will require a certain level of maintenance. The exact level depends on the design itself as well as the types of plants and materials it includes. Larger spaces with multiple types of plants and outdoor living areas will naturally require more maintenance. If you prefer low-maintenance designs, there are many plant and material options to help keep things simple.
4. Long-Term Goals
Think ahead. If you plan to add a pool, a play area, or even expand your building, your backyard design should factor in the future, not just the now.
It’s All Connected: Outdoor Design That Works Together
One thing people sometimes miss is how interconnected outdoor design is. It’s not just a patio or a lawn or a garden bed, it’s how they all work together. Maybe your new seating area needs shade. That could mean a pergola, or maybe some well-placed trees. Understanding how to bring these pieces together so nothing feels random or out of place is key to discovering the right design that’s perfect for your unique space.
A Few Tips Before You Dive In
- Start with the end in mind. What do you want to do in the backyard? Know your needs, and that’ll guide everything else.
- Don’t overcomplicate. Sometimes, simple layouts are the most functional and timeless.
- Be open to pro ideas. You might be surprised how much a landscape designer can bring to the table.
- Consider all seasons. For instance, Bergen County gets it all: snow, sun, rain, so your design should work year-round.
Check Out Our Outdoor Ideas
If you’re not quite ready to jump in just yet, no problem. Take a look at some of our other helpful ideas at RVG Landscaping, We specialize in turning backyards and commercial exteriors into personalized, functional, and beautiful spaces. From full-service landscape design and installation to hardscaping, seasonal cleanups, mulching, planting, drainage and grading solutions, lawn care, lighting systems, and even snow removal in the winter, our team has you covered all year long.
To learn more about what we offer, take a look at all of the RVG services in action, where we break down each one in more detail.
