Is your backyard drab? Perhaps every time that you look at it, you can't help but feel that something is missing. You have a nice yard that you take care of, but there's nothing exciting about it. An excellent backyard is one that has character, beauty, and still manages to utilize some form of function. A backyard should be an entertainment space as well as a place that invokes peace and relaxation. How can you achieve all of this? Consider implementing these five ways to improve your backyard.

Perhaps you've noticed a few yards that have an elegant stone or wooden wall that separates areas of the yard. Not only does it make the yard look well-defined and sophisticated, but it can also serve a practical purpose. Those walls are called gabion walls. They're structures that use a cage system to fill stones, wood, or other natural materials to create small or tall walls. Many use them as stone walls that can separate areas in their yard.

Gabion walls add a touch of character and elegance to a yard. They also offer some practical use in terms of shade. A tall gabion wall can offer a shaded area in yards where shade is lacking. Since it's made of natural materials, you also don't have to worry about having an effect on the environment with its installation and use. They're also permeable, so you don't have to worry about the rain washing the wall away.

In terms of function, gabion walls can be used to separate entertainment space from play space. For families with children, this can be a great way to keep your children in a designated area of the yard.

Another way to improve your backyard is by utilizing outdoor furniture the correct way. For those who have a patio or deck, you likely have outdoor furniture that you use on it. How does that furniture look? Is it rundown? Does it fit the overall aesthetic? If not, then your outdoor furniture might be an eyesore. Consider the aesthetic of the area as a whole. Perhaps you might want to use furniture made of steel or wood.

For those who want to create a luxurious backyard, then you might want to look for outdoor furniture that lets people indulge and relax. Large benches and outdoor couches can be used to create a space for sitting back and enjoying nature. Place them close to an outdoor bar or fire pit, and you have yourself a comfortable entertainment space that everyone can enjoy.

This leads us to the firepit. Any backyard can be greatly improved with a firepit. You shouldn't dig a hole in the ground and call it good, however. A fire pit should be carefully constructed and surrounded by cement or another stone material. Perhaps you want brick pavers to line the pit. Play with different stone materials and see what looks best. Even a small gabion wall around the pit can make it look elegant and sophisticated. The second half of the pit is using the right furniture.

Large and comfortable lounge chairs should surround the pit. This creates an atmosphere of connectivity and indulgence. You can gather together comfortably around the fire and roast marshmallows as well as trade stories.

In addition to the fire pit, you might also want to consider planting a garden. Gardens can quickly become difficult to maintain, however. If you know that you're not the type to garden frequently, then you should only plant a few different flowers or herbs. Consider plants like succulents that don't require a lot of maintenance or care. A garden can add further color to the backyard as well as offer a chance to use pavers to create a nice solid outline or trail that leads through the garden.

One final way to improve your backyard is to include a water feature. The sound of trickling or running water is said to be relaxing and soothing for individuals. You can include that in your backyard with a fountain that's to your tastes. For the truly adventurous, you might want to create a running stream.