The best backyards treat the green space like any other room: layers of texture and color and a thoughtful blend of both function and beauty. Much of what makes a backyard special is those “surprise and delight” moments—the happily aged, moss-covered birdbath or the concrete bunny peeking out beyond the bushes—that invite guests to wander deeper into your garden. It’s these details that make your backyard feel like a high-end escape. Below, I’m breaking down five small decor swaps you can make this weekend that will transform your garden and backyard into the luxury escape you deserve.
Add an Antique Sink
Elevate your potting station with an antique sink. In this California garden, an old washtub was repurposed into a catchall gardening station, perfect for potting and keeping newly cut blooms fresh while you continue to work in the garden. (Don’t worry if it isn’t hooked up to water. You can fill the tubs using a watering can or bring over your garden hose.)
RELATED: 100+ Best Places to Shop for Antiques and Vintage Online
Bring Interest with a Figural Statue
Chic statuary does exist; you just need to have a discerning eye. Stick to natural forms—think bunnies, squirrels, and birds—and avoid anything that feels overly Brothers Grimm for the ultimate high-end look.
RELATED: This Enchanting Garden Shed Looks Straight Out of a Storybook
Build Wooden Raised Beds
There are plenty of materials you can use to build a raised bed, but none of them are quite as chic—or timeless—as wood. Keep them simple like homeowner Lyndsey Zorich did here in her Ohio garden, or add post caps to each end piece for a leveled-up look.
RELATED: 9 Easy Raised Garden Bed Ideas You Can DIY
Place Glass Cloches Throughout
When in doubt, old-school tools add old-world charm. Glass cloches allow you to plant earlier in spring, meaning your garden comes to life faster than your neighbor’s. Switch to wire cloches in summer to keep curious critters from nibbling your plants during the height of growing season.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Using a Cloche in Your Garden
Install a Birdbath
Birdbaths evoke a sense of The Secret Garden-esque whimsical elegance that your backyard is likely missing. Not only do they provide essential drinking water on hot summer days, but they also add height and visual interest to your garden. Focus on pieces that will age well, like stone or concrete—metal is a popular choice, but concrete and stone look chicer, especially when moss is allowed to creep up the pedestal.
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she has been covering all things home design, including sharing exclusive looks at beautifully designed country kitchens, producing home features, writing everything from timely trend reports on the latest viral aesthetic to expert-driven explainers on must-read topics, and rounding up pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about paint, since 2021. Anna has spent the last seven years covering every aspect of the design industry, previously having written for Traditional Home, One Kings Lane, House Beautiful, and Frederic. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia. When she’s not working, Anna can either be found digging around her flower garden or through the dusty shelves of an antique shop. Follow her adventures, or, more importantly, those of her three-year-old Maltese and official Country Living Pet Lab tester, Teddy, on Instagram.
