Posted in Triplett & Carothers on April 30, 2026
When it comes to our outdoor spaces, most of us tend toward the tried and true with the expected lawn and patio arrangement. It may be time for you to take a step back and see your backyard in a completely new, offbeat way. You won’t have to do a complete makeover. Here are some inspirational DIY ideas that let you elevate your existing backyard into the coolest outdoor space in the neighborhood:
- Stock pools are an alternative to inground swimming pools, particularly for those with limited outdoor space. Once used as giant water bowls for livestock on farms and ranches, stock pools are turning up in backyards as places to relax and cool off. Installing a stock pool does not require breaking ground, and it takes only a few hours to fill it with water, depending on the size. Stock pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials, so you can personalize your pool to your taste. Personal touches you can add to your pool include a wraparound wood deck, landscaping with tropical plants or a protective and attractive pergola.
- Why not enjoy the warmth of a firepit all year long? You can with a DIY budget-friendly kit or a repurposed vessel such as an old washing machine drum or a steel truck rim. Place the pit at least 10 feet from your home and any trees that overhang. Noncombustible surfaces such as pavers, gravel, concrete or sand are ideal for positioning the firepit. Create an entertainment area by surrounding the firepit with chairs and tables. Add sheepskin throws and extra blankets on the chairs to take the chill out of cold wintry nights.
- If you remember the fun of going to drive-in movies, you can recreate that feeling by setting up a backyard movie theater. All you need to do is hang a large white sheet over a fence or on a flat side of your house. You can also buy screens made specifically for backyard theaters, which gives you a better viewing surface. If you want to set up a TV outside, that is also an option for occasional use. If you plan on watching movies more frequently, you may want to invest in an outdoor movie projector with a built-in speaker system to fill a large area with clear sound. There is nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars.
- Give your backyard a spa-like treatment with a pond, waterfall or water feature designed to fit your space. There are water treatments to fit every budget, from DIY decorative birdbaths and fountains to dramatic koi ponds and waterfall installations. You may also want to install a year-round “spool,” a combination spa and pool. Spools can be designed to provide you with exercise features such as swim currents, hydrotherapy jets or aquatic fitness equipment. Spools are a versatile option for both small and larger spaces where a traditional pool cannot fit. Whatever you choose, you will enjoy the soothing and restorative sound of water replicating a literal oasis in your own backyard.
Having your own backyard offers many cool and quirky entertainment options. With the right kind of inspiration, you can create the outdoor retreat of your dreams, limited only by your budget and your imagination.
Reach out to Roz Carothers and her team at Triplett & Carothers to learn more.
©2026