How much time do you spend choosing colors for your living room, bedroom, or kitchen? You order samples, compare the subtle differences, and let swatches live on your walls for months before making the final decision. We put so much effort into our indoor spaces, but do we give the same consideration to our outdoor areas?

Selecting a color scheme for your backyard is just as important as choosing one for your home. It sets the tone and style of your garden. Like choosing paint for a room, you should consider the size and layout of your outdoor space when picking colors.

This isn't just about plants. The colors of your decor, furniture, flooring, and fencing also play a crucial role and should complement your greenery. There's just as much to think about when planning your backyard as there is when picking a kitchen color.

Pick a Mood for Your Backyard

Start by deciding on the mood you want to create in your backyard, similar to how you would with an indoor room. Consider the vibe inside your home as a starting point.

Do you want a warm or cool atmosphere, bright or pastel tones? This choice will set the tone for your backyard. Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of shades, so you have plenty of options to choose from.

For a light, fresh, and cheerful space, opt for pastels and upbeat colors. If you prefer a moodier, more intimate setting, use richer colors like jewel tones. Layering with textured materials like velvet, cerused wood, or brass accents can create a bohemian or maximalist aesthetic. For a cleaner, chic look, stick to a simple color palette within one tonal range, such as cream, beige, and tan, or go classic with black and white.