I'm Making My Backyard Look Expensive for Less—Everything I Bought Under $100
Modern Glam
Up until this year, my backyard was all about function. But as summer approaches and our garden comes to life, the need to decorate outdoors and make our patio a more welcoming place to spend every sunny day has begun to blossom.
I’ll be honest: quiet luxury isn’t my thing during the warmer months. When it came to giving my backyard a luxe makeover for the upcoming outdoor hosting season, I instead drew inspiration from a mix of last year’s trending tomato girl aesthetic, along with chic coastal clubs in the Caribbean and the South of France—what feels more luxurious than lounging on a sunny beach?
I was on a mission to bring summer vacation energy home and recreate the five-star look for less in time for welcoming guests to this year’s backyard dinners and drinks.
With a luxury resort feel in mind, I found these 10 pieces for under $100 each to give my outdoor space a serious upgrade.
3-Piece Outdoor PE Rattan Bistro Furniture Set
Amazon
$100
Buy on Amazon
This minimalist, geometric patio seating set is reminiscent of my favorite beachside bar in Tulum. Featuring a pair of neutral rattan seats with cozy beige cushions and a small space-friendly side table, it’s where my husband and I plan to sip a coffee and birdwatch in the morning.
Sorbus Macrame Hammock Swing
Amazon
$95
Buy on Amazon
One way to instantly bring a luxury feel to any space—indoor or outdoor—is by adding a statement piece. This two-seater macrame swing from Amazon is my showstopper of choice, and looks like the perfect place to lounge with a book all summer long.
JOIVI Outdoor Wicker Ottoman Set of 2
Amazon
$100
Buy on Amazon
As someone with a smaller outdoor space, multifunctional pieces are key for making the most of my backyard lounging setup. Whether they’re used as footrests or additional seating, this set of two ottomans is ideal for both hosting and relaxing in the main patio area.
Amber Lewis x Loloi Indoor / Outdoor Topanga Area Rug
Wayfair
$63
Buy on Wayfair
The coastal tones of this outdoor area rug tie in perfectly with the luxury beach look I’m trying to recreate. It has the appearance of jute, but is actually made of an easier-to-clean polypropylene that can be washed off with a hose and left to air-dry if my puppy ever leaves any muddy paw prints.
25′ Globe Outdoor String Lights
Crate & Barrel
$40
Buy on Crate & Barrel
Even outdoors, lighting is everything. Seeing a string of globe or twinkle lights outside of a restaurant on vacation is an instant draw, so setting up the same with this timeless set from Crate & Barrel at home is the perfect way to create a welcoming atmosphere for summer dinners.
Cali Embroidered Indoor/Outdoor Throw Pillow
Wayfair
$33
Buy on Wayfair
The blue and white hues in this patterned outdoor throw pillow give an effortless coordination to my backyard look. When styled with the Amber Lewis x Loloi rug and rattan patio set, the overall finish feels just as thought-through and styled as a luxury restaurant in the Mediterranean.
Terracotta Lerato Planter
Walmart
$65
Buy on Walmart
To lean further into the Mediterranean-inspired tomato girl aesthetic, I’ll also be incorporating some materials famously seen in the region. This large terracotta planter features a natural finish, and also has a drainage hole for the health of the olive or citrus tree I’ll be planting soon.
Small Hanging Citronella Mosquito Coil
Crate & Barrel
$18
Buy on Crate & Barrel
One thing that feels the opposite of luxurious? Bug bites. Luckily, citronella can drive mosquitoes and other insects away in the evenings, and this scented wooden coil can be lit to fill the air with a bright, summery, citrus smell—and doubles as a unique element of decor.
Dakota Bamboo Melamine Dinner Plates, Set of 4
Anthropologie
$40
Buy on Anthropologie
When it came to outdoor hosting and giving my guests a luxe dining experience this summer, these outdoor-friendly reusable plates were a must-have. Featuring a dreamy shade of Caribbean blue-green and an organic shape and glazed finish, this set of four brings the perfect pop of color to a tablescape.
U.S. Solid 5L Beverage Dispenser
Walmart
$66
Buy on Walmart
Whether it’s filled with iced cucumber and mint water or a signature fresh fruit sangria recipe, this wooden drink dispenser is sure to be a winner when hosting guests. Standout elements that elevate this piece to a luxury level include the neutral look, accompanying stand, and unique gold finish on the faucet.
Lucia Acrylic Coupe Glasses, Set of 4
Anthropologie
$40
Buy on Anthropologie
These on-trend acrylic coupes are shatterproof, making them ideal for outdoor use (and for uncoordinated hosts like me). With their soft blush tint and wavy shape, they make the perfect finishing touch for backyard beverages, and would look equally chic on a tablescape, next to a drink dispenser, or casually resting on a side table.
Read the original article on The Spruce.
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