© @negi.at.home / Instagram
Gorgeous garden glow-ups that really inspire
Over the last few months, we’ve really come to appreciate the great outdoors. From large lawns, to teeny balconies and concrete courtyards, having an outside space has become a must-have for many. Yet not all backyards are made equal. Once shabby, dysfunctional or downright ugly, these yards have all been completely transformed on a shoestring budget, thanks to some rather creative DIYers. Pretty and imaginative, these bargain glow-ups are sure to add fuel to your next project.
Before: old shabby driveway
During lockdown, Paula realized her children had nowhere to play in their hometown of Barnoldswick, Lancashire. Restricted to a single hour’s exercise a day, she knew it was time to turn her redundant driveway into a space the whole family could enjoy. “The boys needed a nice, safe place to play,” says Paula. “And I needed somewhere private where I could sit outside.”
© @homebypolly / Instagram
After: stylish Scandi sanctuary
The project was straightforward yet effective and her cramped and boring driveway is now a chic and stylish ‘yarden’ that oozes Scandinavian appeal. Paula bought some faux turf and a pastel lounge set, adding lanterns and plants to her newly decorated space. She also installed new fencing and painted it in a cool slate tone. As for Paula’s children, they love their new outdoor space. “Hearing the boys giggle and laugh as they play out there genuinely brought me happy tears,” she says.
© Jemma Evans
Before: crying out for a revamp
To keep themselves occupied during lockdown, Jemma Evans and her partner decided to take on a DIY project that would see them transform a vacant and rather uninviting space in their backyard. Usually used for family barbeques, Jemma wanted to turn the small patio area into the ultimate alfresco kitchen.
© Jemma Evans
After: alfresco kitchen
Costing around $370 to create, Jemma’s husband took on the construction work using posts and joists from a previous project. The pair already had a small decking area, so they simply expanded it to make room for a barbeque and a pizza oven. Since shop-bought pergolas can cost thousands, Jemma’s partner decided to make one from an old sail. A bamboo furniture set finishes the space beautifully.
Want to see more once shabby, dysfunctional or downright ugly yards that have all been completely transformed on a shoestring budget? Click below!
Article by Jen Grimble of Love money©
