We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. Cover up a hard surface that, tbh, is beyond visual help with interlocking Teak tiles you don't need tools to install. They're great for rental properties because you can take them apart and take them with you when you move!
2. Don't shy away from scattering container plants throughout your yard! They'll give your space ~levels~ of visual interest, especially if you're working in a space with few (or no) flower beds and lots of hard surfaces — like in this gorgeous Brooklyn backyard makeover.
3. But if you're not sure where you start, invest in a pair of matching containers you can set on your patio, along walkways, or around seating areas.
4. Roll out a weather-resistant cedar pathway along garden beds or other paths where your family tends to tread and wear down the grass.
5. Stash recycling bins, bikes, a lawnmower, and other hefty tools you have no other place to look in this nice-looking shed if you don't have room for a full-fledged shed.
6. Spruce up stained concrete patios or walkways with some concrete paint for a refreshed look that'll make a HUGE difference.
7. But if you're renting or painting is out of the question for other reasons, a power washer will give you an oh-so-satisfying "after" when it comes to stained and worse-for-wear concrete surfaces. (And the same goes for fences!)
8. Extend your backyard time by investing in a lighted umbrella that'll tilt (literally) to your whims and give you the right amount of shade and light when/where you want it.
9. Buy a conversation set with coordinating seats and a table so you can sit and enjoy your revamped backyard awhile. You deserve it!
10. Attach a roll of faux ivy to ugly wire fencing, railing, or a trellis to obscure a view you don't love.
11. Place a handsome privacy screen as a design element that'll also help obscure something less than desirable (like recycling bins or a neighbor's super ugly swing set).
12. Make a lil' oasis for yourself — even in the smallest of backyards! — with a hanging lounge chair your dog will adore too.
13. Nestle some light-up flowers amongst the *real* flowers in your flowerbeds around seating areas for a whimsical touch that'll make your backyard look like it's out of a fairytale once the sun sets.
14. Bring the island(-ish) vibes to your landlocked home with a light-up palm tree as a fun lighting option where you need it.
15. Set up shop in your new grass-side paradise with a double hammock you totally have permission to use just by yourself.
16. Refinish tired metal furniture with some metallic spray paint for a weekend afternoon project that'll have substantial payoff. Just look at that zhuzhed bistro set!
17. And park a cute s'mores station nearby so no one has to hunt down the marshmallows when it's time for the best dessert on the planet.
18. Tap into your fam's interests with cute Brontosaurus sculptures. Don't worry, no lawyer is getting eaten by a T-Rex in a bathroom stall so you can marvel at these.
20. Brighten up a railing thanks to some colorful flower pots with draining holes and hooks so the plants inside can ~thrive~ while they sit there looking pretty.
21. Establish a garden focal point with an easy-to-install trellis. This one's made of PVC so it'll be super easy to take care of!
22. Or really create an outdoor room within your backyard thanks to a dome trellis you can train plants onto for a straight-up magical effect.
23. Let the good times roll (sorry) with a set of jumbo lawn dice you can keep handy for those lazy afternoons when you wanna do something besides just sit around in your wonderful new outdoor rooms.
24. Provide your dog with a wading pool to cool off in so every member of the fam can make good use of the great outdoors on your lil' patch of land! And in case you're wondering, yes, it's great for ducks.
25. Keeping a set of colorful stacking chairs will make sure that everyone has a spot to sit when they stop by!
Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!
