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After a long and cold winter, you may be suffering from a serious case of cabin fever but now that spring is here, it’s time to transform that ho-hum backyard and help it reach its full potential.

“More and more millennials are saying a second home or cottage isn’t in their future,” says landscape designer and National Home Show industry expert Carson Arthur. (The show returns April 15 to 24 at Enercare Centre Toronto.)

“With so much uncertainty in the world, they’re thinking, ‘I’m going to invest in my own space, which I’m certain about. I’m going to make it work for my family in ways that maybe it hadn’t up until this point,” he says. “They’re also embracing do-it-yourself projects. “A lot of people are committed to larger mortgages and have less available disposable cash so they’re willing to build their own patio, their own deck, raised planters and privacy screens.”

Here are some ways to take your backyard from boring to brilliant:

Create zones Divide your backyard into zones to maximize functionality, such as a place to garden, a place to lounge, a place to cook and eat, and a place to play. If space allows, Kate Davidson, principal of Kate + Co Design Inc., suggests incorporating a flat area for classic games like croquet or installing a putting green. Make sure you know where utilities are located before beginning a backyard makeover and if you’re planting trees, know how large they will be at maturity. She also recommends a walkway that’s well lit and at least five feet wide.

Plant a vegetable garden A growing interest in healthy eating and skyrocketing food prices are boosting the interest in veggie and herb gardens. “Raised vegetable planters or taking advantage of unused spaces in small urban settings is a huge conversation topic,” says Arthur. And you don’t need a lot of space to create a vegetable garden. He recommends stacking raised garden beds, such as a four by four on the bottom, topped by a three by three and then a two by two.

Arthur is a “big fan” of high-yield vegetables like beans, peas and cherry tomatoes. “There’s a sense of satisfaction when you have a bean plant that gives you 500 beans.” He recommends planting herbs that complement your favourite cultural cuisine, pointing to basil, coriander and cumin as examples. “We’re seeing more and more diversity in herbs so maybe you’d like to try something like a curry or an olive plant.”

Build a deck A lot of homeowners are expanding their decks and creating a little bit extra outdoor usable space, allowing for a little bit more of an escape especially when you’re coming out of the winter that we’ve had – the cabin fever with the pandemic. People are really into the idea of creating more in their backyard and making that work for their family.

Incorporate shade “Unfortunately, we’re seeing a decline in our urban tree canopy, which means our backyard spaces are getting warmer because they get significantly more sun and we have more things like asphalt, patio paving stones and decks,” Arthur says. Planting trees strategically creates a natural canopy and trees are good for the environment but it’s a long-term proposition for homeowners craving shade. Arthur recommends shade structures while Davidson suggests cantilever umbrellas.

Getting cooking Because they extend a home’s entertaining space, outdoor kitchens became increasingly valuable amid the pandemic. Components will depend on space and budget, but it could include a grill (possibly featuring side burners), smoker, pizza oven, beverage fridge, garbage bin, countertop space for preparations and serving, and a sink.

But an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be extravagant, Arthur says. He encourages homeowners to prioritize layout and functionality. “People want to get outside. They’re desperate to not be cooking in the same kitchen anymore when everybody was at home, either ordering delivery takeout or cooking every meal.”

Create a space to lounge, entertain. Davidson recommends multifunctional pieces that complement one another instead of pieces that match. “Keeping colour schemes consistent adds dimension and interest,” she says. “Layered earthy tone materials offer the perfect backdrop for splashes of colour. Lighting, umbrellas, rugs and plantings set the mood and bring in vibrant colour.”

Consider pairing metal-framed furniture with woven furniture in the same colour scheme. The relaxed cottage vibe remains on trend. Davidson also encourages you to “bring on the curves” when choosing furnishings. “They help soften the look of your outdoor spaces and add a modern touch.”

Light things up Up lighting and recessed pot lights in stones are elegant ways to light up the outdoors. Solar lighting is a budget-friendly way to add drama, says Davidson, a fellow National Home Show industry expert.

When it comes to fire features, portable is on trend. “We’re not seeing as many built structures like the fire pit in backyards,” says Arthur. “Now it’s a fire bowl that can come out for a little while and then go away when it’s not being used. People are buying homes that don’t really meet all their needs for the long term so they’re purchasing things they can take to the next location.”

Create outdoor storage Waterproof storage, such as sheds or functional space under tables or benches, is in demand. “People are paying more money for smaller square footage so having smart storage solutions for your outdoor equipment like the umbrella, patio cushions and outdoor toys is important,” says Carson.

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