10 Backyard Landscaping Trends for the Perfect Summer Space

Redoing the backyard? Think vintage vavoom for an eclectic feel. Designer Luke Havekes revamped this sad and rundown deck with New England style X railings, fresh paint and a wood-clad ceiling in the pavilion. Props for the minty toothpaste fresh hue! Luke also created two distinct zones for lounging. A motley of vintage teak furniture, meanwhile, and off-the-rack pillows combined with custom upholstery, offers the coziest aesthetic. So fun, quirky and lively.

Black is a surefire way to punctuate a building — especially when topped with an orange canoe. Case in point: this striking garden pavilion with ribbed detailing and vertical wood by Rick Galezowski, the architect who heads up Toronto-based Great Lake Studio. A firepit, chairs for lounging and a strategic centre patch of trees bring the country to the city (keep scrolling for a better view of that tree life).

Isn’t this densely treed backyard dreamy? Planting trees in the centre of the cedar deck softens the space, and lends an especially nice ambience at night.

The fiddleleaf fig has been the “It” houseplant for years. Massive fronds just thrill! Their beauty is on show in over-scale black containers in this backyard by Josh Salmon of Planter Decor. Glass railings and light-toned furniture make for a contemporary, California-esque look.

Garden stairs provide interest and create a dynamic experience in the backyard, as seen in this contemporary charmer by AKB Design. Just beyond (not shown) is a pool separated by wrought iron gates. The slatted pavilion lets in the sun and provides shade. Shrubs and plants offer a hit of colour in the muted space.

Creating distinct zones in a backyard is the gateway to chilling and grilling. This fantastic terrace by Roseann Greco of Greco Interiors features an upper deck with seating, along with a lower portion for dining and then digesting on the nearby comfy couch-and-chair combo. The verdant lawn is a vivid counterpoint to the grey and black colours. While an array of leafy greenery in various containers adds height, zip and colour.

If you’re dealing with a small backyard, why not try incorporating a few of these bright ideas? This townhouse terrace belonging to Brittany Goldwyn needed some oomph. So the gardening guru laid down river rocks around the perimeter of the deck to define the area. She layered in a profusion of plants and lighting for a lush and inviting space. And that vertical wood screen? It’s hiding an A/C unit. Read all about this amazing makeover — and Brittany’s great tips — here.

This wee glam spot, care of Wife on a Dime, just goes to show that even a small backyard has hang-out potential. The cozy corner comes together with a tropical rug to start: a smart way to fake those fronds if you don’t have a vast green lawn! Potted plants, a wicker egg chair, a candle, lighting and a plush blanket and pillow complete the picture.

The simplicity of this backyard landscaping idea is genius. Earthscape created a focal point for the modern sofa by sliding it under an impeccably crafted gazebo that sits on limestone pavers. String lighting and tightly coordinated accessories bring the look together.

Rock gardens have a rugged beauty. The ravine-like aesthetic evokes life in the country. We love how the hardy plantings poke out and meander across the boulders. But make note — this is not a DIY project. You’ll need a landscape professional to pull off this incredible slice of paradise.