When it comes to selling or simply enjoying your home, the backyard is more than just an outdoor space—it can sell a lifestyle. Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, says outdoor staging has become all “about storytelling.”
She cites Dotdash Meredith consumer research that shows how buyers are increasingly looking for outdoor areas that reflect how they live, not just how the outdoor space looks.
Younger adults—millennials and Gen Z buyers—are turning their backyards into event spaces, such as a place to host a lavish Bridgerton-themed, backyard party under the stars. They are seeking “cozy” and “social spaces where they can host themed gatherings and movie nights,” viewing themselves as “curators of an experience,” Wilcox notes.
Designing a backyard with this mindset may significantly increase its appeal. Consider these ideas:
Tell a Story with Your Backyard
“Buyers want to emotionally connect with a home,” she says. Whether it’s “having a cup of coffee there or a place to play with their kids,” the backyard becomes a place where future memories take root.
“A beautifully staged outdoor space really can create an emotional hook when you’re looking to sell that home,” Wilcox says. “It tells a story of how a life can be lived—not just what it looks like.”
Smart Zoning Creates Flow and Function
“Zoning is key,” Wilcox says. Create a lounge area with chairs and a rug for relaxing, a dining zone under string lights for meals, and a social zone around a firepit for conversation. Use rugs, planters or decorative screens to create a visual separation between the spaces. When “each space has a defined place and purpose,” the backyard feels purposeful and inviting, she says.
Light Up Your Backyard’s Potential
Lighting does more than illuminate—it can transform the space, Wilcox says. “String lights really add ambiance and create that sort of warm glow, which is particularly nice if you’re thinking about an area where you might be dining.”
Also, solar path lights are a cost-effective way to define where people are supposed to walk and navigate through the space. Solar spotlights also can be pointed upwards on the landscaping for highlighting a tree or backyard feature.
For social gatherings, “twinkling lights or even color changing lights can help set a mood,” Wilcox says.
Make Small Yards Feel More Spacious
No backyard is too small to make an impact. Here are some of Wilcox’s tips:
- Think vertical: Hanging plants, mounted planters or trellises with climbing vines can draw the eye upward.
- Mirrors: Outdoor-safe mirrors can add visual depth to a small area and create a greater feeling of openness.
- Scale the space appropriately: Choose furniture that fits, like a small bistro set or bench instead of a full-size table. This can help anchor the space without overwhelming it.
Identify Where to Save, Where to Splurge
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big difference. Wilcox recommends starting with a general backyard cleanup, making sure that the lawns and plantings are manicured. Then, consider adding pops of color through plants, garden accents, or throw pillows on the furnishings.
For a larger budget and even greater impact, focus on features that will enhance the lifestyle and function of the outdoor space. “Think lifestyle—like adding a built-in firepit or a custom pergola,” Wilcox says.
An outdoor kitchen is a top-tier addition, offering both convenience and a social hub. Even “weather-resistant furniture that is high quality can be impactful,” blending durability with style, she says.
