5 Small, Basically Free Tweaks Designers Do to Make Their Outdoor Spaces Look Chic

Summer has arrived, which means it’s finally time to spend the foreseeable future on your deck, porch, patio, a fresh patch of grass — anywhere outside. The problem is that outfitting your outdoor space can get expensive very quickly. Ultimately, outdoor furniture is still furniture, and many options can set you back triple or quadruple digits. That’s not even factoring in extra decor like plants, rugs, cushions, and lighting. (And, of course, you can’t forget the investment of a grill or meat smoker.)

What if you wanted to transform your space into a stylish outdoor oasis on a budget, though? To help, I tapped a few interior designers on simple ways you can spruce up your backyard for next to nothing — or, better yet, free — from repurposing home decor to making your own from scratch.

Simply put, it’s amazing what a little elbow grease can do for your outdoor space. “[The] first step into sprucing up your outdoor space [should be] cleaning it and hosing it down,” explains designer Caroline Kopp. Even if you do nothing else to your deck or patio, a squeaky-clean space will give your backyard a second life, making an overlooked area feel fresh, new, and so good. If you want to take your summer cleaning a step further, Kopp recommends using Starbrite’s Mildew Remover on your cushions and upholstery. “This product is GOLD for your outdoor cushions,” she says. “It prevents [them] from looking haggard.” 

Although Mother Nature is brimming with trees, shrubs, and fresh grass right now, adding a few more potted plants to your setup can’t hurt. “This goes such a long way to add some lushness to your tables and gives your outdoor spaces a finished look,” explains Kopp. In fact, she says greenery is “the best trick for nearly free upgrades.” Although you can often find budget-friendly blooms at your local nursery — or even through Facebook Marketplace! — you can also move some of your houseplants out to your backyard, if they’re a species that can tolerate the transition. Or, if you want to incorporate new varieties into your space without spending a dime, ask a friend to snip a trimming of their favorite plant and propagate it in water.

For a lighting idea that will make your outdoor space shine, pick up a set of string lights. Not only is this option cheaper than your typical lantern or sconce, but it also “creates a more enjoyable glow than harsh patio lighting,” says designer Jessica Shaw of The Turett Collaborative. “Even if your space does not have a covering, lights such as these are good to consider and can be strung along vertical walls or corners,” she explains. “[They illuminate] the space without taking up space on the ground.”

You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg on outdoor furniture this summer. According to Nick Chatzigeorgakis, CEO of vacation rental design company Summer, it’s possible to make your own from scratch. His secret? Upcycling old wood pallets. “With minimal carpentry skills and some paint, pallets can be transformed into stylish seating or even a garden planter,” he says. “It’s a practical and virtually free solution if you already have unused wood lying around.” Psst: Get inspired with these DIY furniture ideas to start. 

For designer Christine Zippert, summer is an excellent opportunity to give your favorite decor and furniture pieces their moments in the sun — literally. “Relocate something from the indoors outside,” the designer suggests. Zhuzhing up your furniture layout is a smart decorating idea that costs nothing, but it needs to be done with care. (After all, your velvet loveseat or suede ottoman aren’t built to withstand the elements.) Instead, move around pieces that are made with weather-resistant materials. In this sunny setup, Zippert enlisted a blue and white ceramic stool from the family room to serve as a drinks table during the warmer months.