6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Transform Your Outdoor Space

Spring is here, which means it’s time to dust off the patio furniture, trim those overgrown hedges, and turn your backyard into the oasis of your dreams without emptying your wallet. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a five-star budget to create a dreamy outdoor oasis.

As a personal banker, I know a thing or two about stretching the dollar, so here are some of my favorite ways to refresh your outdoor space while keeping your savings intact.

1. Give Your Patio Furniture a Makeover

Before you splurge on new patio furniture, see if you can give your existing set a new life. A little elbow grease goes a long way. If you have wooden rocking chairs or tables, get out your power sander and repaint or stain the furniture. If your patio set is metal, wipe it down and try spray paint for a quick, easy refresh.

New outdoor cushions can bring vibrance and personality into a space. Keep your eye out for budget-friendly finds or try your hand at DIY cushions using outdoor fabric. Replacing cushions are significantly cheaper than replacing furniture and might help you achieve the refreshed look you’re going for.

2. Shop Local for Plants

A lush, inviting space doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Perennials are your best friend — they come back year after year, saving you money in the long run. Your local nursery can help you select plants that thrive in your hardiness zone. I recommend planning out where you’re going to place your plants before you start shopping, as plants have varying requirements for sun exposure, soil type, and drainage.

I live in the southeast in plant hardiness zone 8a, where the summers are hot, humid, and excruciating. Some of my favorite perennials are big-leaf hydrangeas, coneflowers, foxglove, baptisia, and drift roses. Plants can be a bit expensive up front – but after you invest once, you reap the rewards year after year.

Even if you’re renting and aren’t able to create a perennial garden, consider trying your luck with seeds and growing in pots. You can grow beautiful cut flowers from seed; some beginner varieties I recommend are zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers.

3. Light Up the Night (Sustainably)

Good lighting creates ambiance, but you don’t have to splurge on high-end outdoor lighting fixtures to make your backyard glow. Solar-powered string lights or lanterns add warmth and coziness to your space and can be found for as little as $10. An added bonus – these lights are powered by the sun, so lighting up your dreamy space won’t add anything extra to your electricity bill. String them around your seating area or wrap them around tree trunks for maximum impact.

4. Start an Herb Garden

One of my favorite – and cost-savvy – things to do in the summer is grow herbs. Add fresh basil to homemade pizza and use mint for refreshing summer mojitos; using herbs from your garden makes cooking more enjoyable and saves you money on store-bought herbs.

The best part: herbs don’t need a ton of space to thrive. If you’re limited on space, go up. Repurpose items like old shoe organizers, pallets, or rain gutters into vertical planters. Fill them with your favorite herbs and enjoy watching them grow.

My personal favorites are basil, mint, and rosemary; however, if you plant mint, it’s important to separate it in its own container as it spreads rapidly.

5. Get Creative with Outdoor Decor

Unpopular opinion: you don’t need to shop high-end retailers or spend a lot of money for stylish outdoor décor. Some of my favorite pieces have come from thrift stores, antique markets, and Facebook Marketplace. Don’t be afraid to get creative with upcycling; an old ladder can become a plant stand, wooden pallets can be turned into a rustic table or a vertical garden, and my personal favorite – old, decorative enamelware can be used to make a really cute bird bath.

For a family activity, gather up any terra cotta pots you’ve got lying around and spend an afternoon painting. This can be a fun way for your kids to express their creativity and you can put plants in their finished artwork.

DIY curtains can also be a great way to infuse personality into your space, while also enhancing your privacy. There are plenty of budget-friendly fabrics to choose from, and you can use a shower curtain tension rod to hang it.

6. Maximize Your Outdoor Living Space

Regardless of how big or small your outdoor space is, you can transform it by adding purposeful elements and being intentional with every inch. I’m a firm believer that even the tiniest balcony can become the perfect relaxing retreat with the right approach.

Start by defining distinct areas; use outdoor rugs, furniture, and planters to visually separate dining spaces from lounging nooks. An outdoor rug instantly warms up concrete or wooden surfaces while providing that ‘indoor comfort’ feeling outdoors (bonus: you can find weather-resistant options for under $50 at discount home stores). For the ultimate space-saving luxury that doesn’t break the bank, hang a hammock in an unused corner or between trees; it requires minimal storage and offers maximum relaxation potential.

My favorite trick is incorporating multi-functional pieces, like an ottoman that serves as extra seating, a footrest, a table, and hidden storage for garden supplies or outdoor games. Remember, the goal is creating an outdoor space that feels expansive and inviting, no matter it’s actual dimensions.

Below, you’ll find some answers to some common questions I receive about outdoor spaces.

How can I improve my outdoor space if I just bought my home and have a tight budget?

Start small: focus on cost-effective updates like adding potted plants, painting old furniture, and using budget-friendly lighting options like string lights. Check local Facebook groups or community swaps for free or low-cost furniture and décor. One man’s trash just may be the treasure you’re looking for!

What are the best plants for beginners who want low-maintenance greenery?

If you’re new to gardening, start with perennials like lavender, hostas, or daylilies. Herbs like basil and rosemary are easy to grow and useful in the kitchen. Look for native plants – they require less maintenance and thrive in your region.

Are there any financial tips for saving on home improvement projects?

Set a budget, prioritize needs over wants, and tackle projects in phases. Take advantage of seasonal sales on outdoor furniture and décor and look for DIY solutions before paying for professional services.

What are some ways to add value to my outdoor space for future resale?

Simple upgrades like attractive landscaping and a cozy outdoor seating area can boost your home’s curb appeal, and routine maintenance like mowing and weed eating can go a long way. A fire pit is a small project that may appeal to potential buyers.

Should I open a savings account for home improvement projects?

Yes! A dedicated savings account for home projects can help you plan for upgrades without dipping into emergency funds. Consider SouthState’s Round Up to Save® program, which rounds up your everyday purchases and deposits the difference into your savings—making it easy to build your budget for future home improvements.

Refreshing your outdoor space should bring you joy without creating financial stress. With a little creativity, you can transform your backyard without draining your savings. Now grab a glass of lemonade, kick up your feet, and get outside.

Looking for ways to budget for home projects? Explore SouthState’s savings accounts to help you reach your home improvement goals.