The Twin Cities offer a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty, making your backyard a perfect canvas for creating an outdoor retreat. Whether you want to boost curb appeal or enjoy Minnesota’s stunning seasons more, these backyard remodel ideas from the local team at James Barton Design-Build (JBDB) will inspire you.
Our 6 Top Backyard Remodel Ideas
1. Hang Out on a New Porch. Screened and covered porches can be built as a home addition, or our team can design a unique deck that fits your needs, preferences, and landscape. Whether you want to entertain or enjoy quiet time, invest in a space that lets you spend more time outdoors.
See what’s possible with more before and after patio remodeling ideas designed and built by the JBDB team.
2. Pergolas and Pavilions for Shade and Shelter. Porches and decks aren’t the only way to spend time outside. Whether you’re shielding yourself from the summer sun or seeking shelter from light rain, pergolas and pavilions are customizable structures that offer the perfect blend of open-air living with shade and protection.
Pro-tip: If you don’t get a lot of shade in your yard, that’s okay! We can design and build customized pergolas so you can enjoy our deceptively hot Minnesota summers inside of a beautiful focal point for your yard.
To Read: Pergola Inspiration for Your Summer Backyard
3. Outdoor Kitchens and Cooking Spaces. Imagine cooking outdoors while enjoying the soft summer air. A personalized outdoor kitchen can make that dream a reality with a built-in grill, prep station, ambient lighting, and comfortable seating.
4. Cozy Fire Pit Areas for Cool Evenings. While the outdoor fire pit is a staple of Americana, backyard patio designs have evolved far beyond the traditional ring of stones. Consider incorporating a gas fire pit into your backyard design, surrounded by comfortable seating and built-in benches. The best part? Nowadays, you can light them with just a flick of a switch! This space can serve as an ideal spot to soak up cooler Minnesota evenings.
5. Multi-Level Decks for Stunning Views. Maximize your backyard’s potential with a multi-level deck. If your yard has uneven terrain, this is a great way to add dimension and create designated spaces for lounging, dining, and even a hot tub. We can help you choose durable, low-maintenance materials built to withstand Minnesota’s harsh winters.
6. Outdoor Living Rooms for Relaxation. Transform your backyard into an extension of your home. Our team can incorporate stylish seating, weather-resistant rugs, and ambient lighting for a cozy, inviting atmosphere. We can even add retractable screens or outdoor curtains to shield against wind and insects for year-round enjoyment.
To Read: Blending Indoor and Outdoor Living Spaces
How Do I Make My Slope Yard Usable? Tips for Twin Cities Homes
Sloped yards are common here in the Twin Cities, and while they present design challenges, we have several strategies to make your sloped yard more usable:
- Incorporate Stairs or Pathways. Pathways, especially when designed with curves, can reduce the perception of steepness while adding visual appeal. To get through winter, we can help ensure your pathways are made from durable, non-slip materials that can handle snow and ice.
- Design Outdoor Living Areas. Turn your sloped yard into a multi-functional outdoor living space by dedicating sections to seating areas, fire pits, or even a small deck. With the right design, you can take advantage of the elevation to create a scenic view.
- Install Water Features. If you’re dealing with a steep slope, a cascading water feature like a waterfall or stream could be a great way to manage water runoff while adding a focal point to your yard. Natural stone and plantings native to Minnesota can give the water feature a rustic, integrated look. Consider connecting the water feature to a pond or a rain garden, which not only looks stunning but also helps control stormwater in areas prone to heavy rains.
These features can bring a sense of peace to your outdoor space. The gentle sound of running water is both relaxing and can drown out city noise, making it ideal for urban backyards in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs.
Imagine Next Summer
By incorporating these backyard remodel ideas, you can make the most of the Twin Cities’ natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat or an entertaining hub (or both), James Barton Design-Build can transform your backyard into a personal paradise. Our design and build experts offer a range of Twin Cities outdoor services, including:
- Patio Designs
- Outdoor Kitchens
- Backyard Design Ideas and Landscaping
Want more backyard remodel ideas? Check out our Outdoor Living Spaces Portfolio.
Believe it or not, our backyard remodeling schedule books out in advance. To make the most of next year’s summer weather now is the time to start planning!
