How to Use Outdoor Decor to fall in Love with Your Backyard

A great yard is like a fabulously decorated home: well thought out, designed and put together. Outdoor decor is the primary element for making that great yard happen.

If you're staring at a pathetic excuse for a yard or just want to change the decor, be sure to start with a plan. Answer the questions below to decide on your plan, and you'll be on the path to creating your perfect backyard living space.

What's your style?

With the extensive array of outdoor decor available today, this is your first and most important decision. Have you ever fallen in love with something in a store just to bring it home and discover it doesn't fit in anywhere? So look at what's available in outdoor decor first – the styles are nearly endless, and you may fall in love with something you'll want to design your backyard around.

What do you want to use the space for?

This is the second most important question to answer. Talk to everyone in the house and brainstorm together. You may want to keep the entire outdoor space in thick, green grass just for putting practice. Or you may want to have a decor for kids and another decor for adults. Do you cook outdoors, have a green thumb? How about an area for your pets? Want to show off your collection of garden statues?

What color is your, uh, umbrella?

Or outdoor serving dishes? Or favorite chair cushions? Maybe you've found that fabulous yard thing that decides the color for you – outdoor decor items can easily help you pick a palate. Remember to consider colors already outside: siding and trim on existing buildings and fences, landscaping, maybe even the color of a neighbor's garage.

Lighting – huh?

Yes, think about this – don't make the mistake of forgetting about outdoor lighting till it's too late. Plan for brighter lighting where you walk, cook and play, and softer lighting for entertaining and conversation. What about pond lighting – do you want lighting in the water, around it or maybe hanging over it? Outdoor lighting options today are fantastic – you can choose from traditional wired fixtures, solar power, candles, lanterns and an expanded selection of tiki torches, including a new table top design.