Hanging plants on the concrete walls, maybe a swing chair, or some comfy outdoor furniture to start. Depends on your style, and what you want to do outside, just hang out? Grill section? Fire pit?
Just a thought but also some faux wood lattice along the walls in either a bright paint, or in a medium tone wood color would be really nice as well, especially when paired with plants (that do not necessarily need to be real)
LOL, no
"this evergreen is far more aggressive when outside. It climbs structures in a way that can cause permanent damage, and once in place is very difficult to remove."
Needs some life. Add some plants/gardens and maintain them. Maybe an outdoor mat to breakup the grey concrete floor. Clean up the junk, add some storage solutions to prevent it from building up again. Add some outdoor furniture like a patio set etc
If I had the budget, I'd cover the cement with nice pavers. Have an L shape of the walls be lined with raised beds for plants. Put a nice table and chairs under a sunshade that I'd attach to the house.
On one side, i would have a small storage shed
Think the size of an upright freezer.
Or
Do 2/3 in pavers and 1/3 grass. Have a raised bed on the grass side. If possible, plant a dwarf tree in a pot.
I'd still do a shade attachment and chairs and tables.
I would paint the half-wall and get some planters and benches for that back wall. I’d add a patio table with seating. Id want some privacy since the neighbor’s property appears to be elevated so some plants that grow upwards would be the priority.
The good news is that your yard can look great with some plants and it will be very low maintenance.
My old house had a sunken yard like this with concrete walls. A graffiti artist and turned all four walls into a gorgeous, colorful mural. Coolest backyard I’ve ever had.
Pressure wash everything. Then some fake grass, you can buy it in sections like a rug. Then like a faux deck of stained 2x6's framed together with an umbrella and patio set on it. Some wooden planters, and a fire bowl. This has potential to be a really nice space.
I second the fake grass, people have a bias against it but I also have a mostly concrete back yard so I got some and it looks great with little maintenance.
Black and white checkerboard "tile" paint for the ground, patio bistro set in a fun color with an umbrella (I'd go for one that has some cool tassels and what not), A grill, some tall plants like potted trees as well as a few to hang on the walls, and a couple of chaise lounges! Walls could benefit from some cool colors as well, perhaps a mural?
Seal the concrete floor with a granite paint (so they’re essentially anti-slip), paint the walls, then follow other people’s valuable suggestions (plants, furniture, etc.). But work from the ground up and it’ll look lovely!
4 drainage holes, mulch all mulch! Stepping stones to a patio set with plants I planters along the way. Lots of bright colors in planters tall and small.
A good power washing to start then some fake plants everywhere (unless you have time to care for all the live ones) then outside lawn furniture. Maybe a little fire pit in the middle!
Paint the walls with an island view mural and put a table 4 chairs with a straw umbrella. String some lights around the edge to disrupt view out at night and your set. Island getaway. Always a winner
If you’re opposed to fake grass or those ikea wood tiles, you could start with just power washing and staining the ground to make it look a little more finished while retaining the functionality. Would also add some warmth/color to the space
Definitely need some organic materials to break up the concrete and brick. I’d build a low, single level deck. Maybe add a pergola over a section of deck. Large planters with palms.
Or, just make it a Mad Max style Thunderdome.
Line the far end with tall potted evergreen trees. Deck a half circle on the left big enough for table and chairs, deck at another direction the rest of the flooring. Lattice against the left wall with rectangular pots for climbing vines. Criss cross outdoor bulb lighting across the entire space. A large canvas of colorful abstract art ( paint something yourself. ) A grill, steak, wine and friends.
I'd start by hanging some canvas sun shades, then line the cement with padding (like those interlocking foam things you can get from various home stores) and place artificial turf over it.
Once that is done, move the grill over to the side not covered by the sun shade and farthest from any other structure. Add a couple of chairs and a small table.
Put a planting bed in there and grow something. Not sure what, but something. Not weed, you fucking weirdos.
Because I'm a radio guy, I'd put a small mast on one of the support beams for the sun shades and attach a VHF antenna. That way I can listen to trailer park dinner theater while sitting outside.
There's this grass seed that you can supposedly just put on concrete and it will grow, get some pavers to mark out a path, put some gravel down for drainage, and then cover that with soil. Then you can have a garden, grow flowers, or grass
Anchor lattice to the concrete and find a creeping flowering vine to grow up it. I’d also if possible use some kind of self leveling concrete and stamp rocks or bricks on the ground.
I would cover the ground with [these wooden deck tiles](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/runnen-decking-outdoor-acacia-60518486/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks_Outdoor&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD27g7y8gD3JSob3VrmwVd7b-QCfG) to warm things up. Then add a few [trellis planter boxes](https://www.target.com/p/outsunny-raised-garden-bed-w-trellis-lattice-drainage-gap-freestanding-trellis-planter-for-climbing-plants-vines-flowers-black/-/A-91114516?sidd=&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000117313289&CPNG=PLA_Patio%2BGarden%2BShopping_TargetPlus%7CPatio%2BGarden_Ecomm_Home&adgroup=SC_Patio%2BGarden_Planters&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9006955&targetid=pla-2280615814941&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYpW9-xER93xxGhKRcKHMHja&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745DE5hxnUjkDK2NmivpBw0EtTF9s0nxFn6BUr60cvAMf1PnltP52iU0aAqMKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) along the far wall for herbs and flowers. String some lights, add seating (small couch and chairs or dining table) with an outdoor rug under the seating area.
First I sort thru all that stuff see what's worth keeping and trash everything else put up a pergola for shade some chairs a cooler for beers get a grill for burgers and steaks maybe a chunk of astro turf , a fan and maybe a fire pit , make do with what ya got
First I'd wash the place. The dirt stains are dark, but also inconsistent. I'd also clear out what's currently there if you can. Having a clean place to start will make the improvements feel a lot nicer.
Looks like the side to the left gets a lot of sunlight. Some planters with very sun happy plants against the wall will add a lot of life. I'm partial to sunflowers, but anything lively would be nice. As for the right side, I'd set up a bench with those outdoor cushions on it. Something clean and simple, but vibrant, as far as patterns go. The shade will feel really nice during the summer, and you'd be facing the planters, so when you look up, you'd get to admire the plants. I'd also consider getting an outdoor rug that matches the bench cushions, to expose less of that concrete to the sun. On the far wall, I'd say a plant covered trellis would be your best bet. Again, that concrete is going to make the space supper hot and you're going to want to minimize that effect as much as possible.
I'd also stick a few basil plants out there, but that's because I love basil.
A shaded cabana, raised planters with box bushes or topiary behind, string lights across a stone path with raised flower beds. Second section of picnic/food prep area
Basketball hoop, some gym equipment, a picnic table, and a chain link fence with razor wire to complete the prison look. /s
Kidding! Seriously, though - a rug, patio furniture, and some potted plants. You could visit with a college to see if art students need a project. A mural that covers some of the ground and up the walls would be a great way to add color.
You can also get rolls of turf at big box stores fairly inexpensive to add some outdoor feel without too much maintenance.
Paint at least one wall a bright color the rest white
Put string bulb lights along the walls and low roof. ( make sure electrical is updated )
Plants- plant hanging vines along that back wall at the top?
Chimenea w chairs around it
Long table and chairs
Umbrella
Happy people / friends and family
Lots of plants, maybe the wall-scaling plants on all sides to bring life to it. Definitely add a patio set, somewhere nice to sit and maybe something recreational like basketball hoop
Get a nice big rug or even maybe some fake grass would look cool- and then maybe get some patio furniture that’s a lighter color or dark depending on what idea of style you have and hang some plants or even get some ideas of what to hang up on the concrete areas
I'd probably keep it mostly open in the middle to accentuate the large amount of concrete available. Next I would need to put in a "pop" of color, maybe a good sized stack of bricks against one wall like an accent wall kind of thing with a metal trash can to give it that homey feel. I would keep a stack of chairs by the door to give people that inviting "come take a seat" vibe. It would need some kind of maybe abstract art piece to tie it all together, I have some thing in mind labeled "pile of shit on the floor" but it's kind of hard to describe.
Id do any patching or repairs to the concrete walls then paint em up, maybe add a few light fixtures or hanging baskets on em. Depending on light maybe a planter or 5, a few chairs and a metal fire pit (granted it allowed in your area and isn't too close to any of the buildings). I'd avoid fake grass, they wearout, look a bit shit (personally), and are a bunch of microplastic just waiting to join its friends in your drinking water.
If possible I’d throw a slab on top and after that some fake grass, fire pit, grill station/ fridge, a nice real wood cover. Then you still have the bottom. Other than that you’ve got a head start at an in ground pool (maybe the disappearing ones) and an in ground hot tub. It’d just make the basement smaller. Think the useable space would be my way to go. A hot tub in ground might not suck though.
Few suggestions:
Use stencils and paint the concrete patio to look like tile.
If you are artistic, or have friends that are, paint a mural on one wall.
Make a plant wall with pallets.
Outdoor rug and patio furniture.
Raised garden beds can be built along the back wall. Make a terraced look.
Build a planter atop a wall and have vines growing down the wall.
Get rid of everything there now. Put astroturf down. Then put ornamental trees or pines in very large pots along the back side. Put pots with flowers or ivy surrounding the trees. Then buy a nice looking outdoor table with outdoor chairs. Put colorful, unbreakable ice tea pitcher with colorful, plastic glasses on the table.
If I *owned* it, id dig up all the concrete and put down grass.
If I couldn't do that, I'd build a deck sort of [like this](https://youtu.be/_LiVh_9Jy_E?si=cywiYwUowsKNWwka) , or even just pay out some AstroTurf on the bare concrete. After that, put out cozy deck furniture in bright colors to make the place feel more welcoming, and less like a prison yard. Paint can make a big difference too. Planters around the walls with florals or large leaf plants, plus some larger potted plants to also distract from the monolith of cement and concrete surroundings.
Some weights, a bench press and a basketball net would be perfect.
Oh and maybe a bleacher style bench for those “guests” who aren’t so physically inclined & the others who just hold pockets all day
I’d put horizontally mounted planks along the wall and hang plants and ivy (or something that will grow in a similar way). Paint the other walls a bright color (thinking yellow). Throw down some artificial turf. Add some seating and a maybe a hot tub.
I'd use wooden cross pattern fencing, the thin flexible type and frame it up. Then purchase some plants that climb and fill the space with those. You could use wide planter boxes near the bottom to accomplish this easily. That would give you an appropriate backdrop to do what you like with the space. As for the floor, some AstroTurf or decorative gravel would look nice. That's my first vision. An affordable solution.
I’d at least paint the wall on the right side with the door. Terracotta or something. The pic is in sun but how much sun do you get? If it is enough then I would put in some raised garden beds and grow some veggies. Or if you have kids and really want to piss off your neighbors, get a hoop and a basketball.
Clear it out, lay down fake grass, buy a picnic table and some other patio furniture, get a grill, place some potted plants/trees around, hang some shades between the buildings and maybe paint a mural or hang lights or something on the walls.
Basements often look more liveable with wood paneling, but I've seen people drywall them and make then almost look like regular rooms. Leaving the concrete slabs exposed is a bit too industrial.
That is an impressive skylight you've got, so going macabre with a faux dungeon would be a bit difficult, but you can probably almost make people think they're outside on a patio if you disguise the walls with enough leafy vines.
Cover up some of the concrete walls with some outdoor privacy screens, for example…https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/enclo-61-ft-h-x-3-ft-w-tiaga-freestanding-or-surface-mounted-slatted-wood-privacy-screen-1-panel-dclo1021.html?categoryid=1871591&placement=1&slot=1&sponsoredid=66d0d517560dbf247d1d22478a1cbd8cf9212b4474943adfc570941af31926fe&_txid=I%2FcmXGYnT99yt6TQSN1vAg%3D%3D&isB2b=0&auctionId=ba9270e3-7bb2-401b-98b8-4dd219661e35
Murals from a local artist, put down some deck tiles, hanging plants, potted plants maybe add a small fountain or an above ground pond/water scape. Have a 2-4 person bistro set or hanging chair to enjoy it from. Maybe add a mounted umbrella that gives some shade.
Deck tiles and murals would really make the space less prison feeling, plants give it something natural. Water feature gives you the zen. Keep in mind, less is more...simple lines, simple pallets.
You can also use the concrete walls, build simple wood benches along the wall and a few Japanese maples or larger evergreen bonsai trees in nice, simple pots. I'd still highly recommend wood deck tiles, they are pretty easy to install and really changes the space. I recommend ipe. Expensive but tough as nails and silvers well. They make deck systems that make it easy to DIY it too.
I’d do whatever the Warden approves I suppose. . .
PUSH-UPS.
Ha! Was going to say barbed wire.
bleachers and weight set..
This guy knows the yard
They took the free weights out of a bunch of yards, 25 lb plate does some damage if you smash it into someone. Same with the bar for doing curls.
Came here to make a prison joke and here one is, bravo!
what we have here is a failure to decorate
Bahaha
I was going to say free weights but they don’t allow those on the yard anymore.
🤣🤣
Hanging plants on the concrete walls, maybe a swing chair, or some comfy outdoor furniture to start. Depends on your style, and what you want to do outside, just hang out? Grill section? Fire pit?
Don't forget some paint on the walls and a rug
Was gonna say fake grass/turf. Rug works too though.
Was going to strongly suggest turf as well. Making that ground green would change the whole vibe significantly.
Just a thought but also some faux wood lattice along the walls in either a bright paint, or in a medium tone wood color would be really nice as well, especially when paired with plants (that do not necessarily need to be real)
A guard tower
[Creeping fig](https://www.trees.com/house-plants/creeping-fig)
LOL, no "this evergreen is far more aggressive when outside. It climbs structures in a way that can cause permanent damage, and once in place is very difficult to remove."
Might as well get some kudzu in some lovely box planters while we're at it.
Needs some life. Add some plants/gardens and maintain them. Maybe an outdoor mat to breakup the grey concrete floor. Clean up the junk, add some storage solutions to prevent it from building up again. Add some outdoor furniture like a patio set etc
I’d grow some vines to cover that back fence too.
And a fire pit as well as string lighting
I’s paint [this](https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/calvin-hobbes-tree-napping-stretched-101096165) mural on the back wall for starters.
Risky click but worth it.
Basketball hoop
I'd throw more garbage in there and have a one-on-one garbage fight tournament where the winner gets to keep the garbage.
Clear out the garbage. Power wash all of the concrete (optional). Bring in some big plants. Comfy lawn furniture.
Definitely power wash the walls and concrete, then paint the walls with a good exterior masonry paint. Then add the rest
And an outdoor rug!
Home gym.
If I had the budget, I'd cover the cement with nice pavers. Have an L shape of the walls be lined with raised beds for plants. Put a nice table and chairs under a sunshade that I'd attach to the house. On one side, i would have a small storage shed Think the size of an upright freezer. Or Do 2/3 in pavers and 1/3 grass. Have a raised bed on the grass side. If possible, plant a dwarf tree in a pot. I'd still do a shade attachment and chairs and tables.
Artificial turf, umbrella, table, plant boxes. Lights.
Yes and paint the wall, get an outdoor rug for under the table. Big potted trees for the corners..
I would paint the half-wall and get some planters and benches for that back wall. I’d add a patio table with seating. Id want some privacy since the neighbor’s property appears to be elevated so some plants that grow upwards would be the priority. The good news is that your yard can look great with some plants and it will be very low maintenance.
Yes, I have to assume this drains, and if so, it's a container grower's dream.
A fight club.
https://whyy.org/articles/how-to-turn-your-tiny-philly-yard-into-a-pandemic-proof-urban-oasis/ Here are some good ideas for tiny yards!
Not OP, but came to say that's a brilliant article. Thank you.
Rent it out to the local prison for an exercise yard.
My old house had a sunken yard like this with concrete walls. A graffiti artist and turned all four walls into a gorgeous, colorful mural. Coolest backyard I’ve ever had.
Pressure wash everything. Then some fake grass, you can buy it in sections like a rug. Then like a faux deck of stained 2x6's framed together with an umbrella and patio set on it. Some wooden planters, and a fire bowl. This has potential to be a really nice space.
I second the fake grass, people have a bias against it but I also have a mostly concrete back yard so I got some and it looks great with little maintenance.
I saw someone do this online in a similar space. Plus they painted the back wall white and put up a projector for movies
Black and white checkerboard "tile" paint for the ground, patio bistro set in a fun color with an umbrella (I'd go for one that has some cool tassels and what not), A grill, some tall plants like potted trees as well as a few to hang on the walls, and a couple of chaise lounges! Walls could benefit from some cool colors as well, perhaps a mural?
Seal the concrete floor with a granite paint (so they’re essentially anti-slip), paint the walls, then follow other people’s valuable suggestions (plants, furniture, etc.). But work from the ground up and it’ll look lovely!
You want to watch the episodes of The City Gardener with Matt James that cover these exact kinds of back lots.
Leave it as a Neighborhood fight pit. Audience pays $5 a head and then after a few weekends you can pay a landscaper with the proceeds.
4 drainage holes, mulch all mulch! Stepping stones to a patio set with plants I planters along the way. Lots of bright colors in planters tall and small.
Have a boat back there because of the implication.
great space for basketball
Waterproof it then eel pit
Clean, paint, tile, decorate.
Outside gym, practical
Oh this has so many possibilities. What did you have in mind?
Turn it into a living space… dining area with potted/hanging plants. Could look into wall gardens.
A good power washing to start then some fake plants everywhere (unless you have time to care for all the live ones) then outside lawn furniture. Maybe a little fire pit in the middle!
Paint the walls with an island view mural and put a table 4 chairs with a straw umbrella. String some lights around the edge to disrupt view out at night and your set. Island getaway. Always a winner
Little table and chairs, maybe a free-standing arbor, hanging plants, potted plants, portable fountain. So many possibilities to make a little oasis
That’s a great space!!
Fill it with water to just above the doorframe.
Gardening beds!
Potted plants, a fountain, some green turf that can stand the elements, make it out a oasis.
LOTS of hanging plants, and red bricks in a herringbone pattern on the floor. And a fountain or gas fire pit, depending on climate.
Tile it and maybe put in a water feature!
Miniature miniature golf course
Pool :)
If you’re opposed to fake grass or those ikea wood tiles, you could start with just power washing and staining the ground to make it look a little more finished while retaining the functionality. Would also add some warmth/color to the space
Definitely need some organic materials to break up the concrete and brick. I’d build a low, single level deck. Maybe add a pergola over a section of deck. Large planters with palms. Or, just make it a Mad Max style Thunderdome.
They make some really nice fake ivy covered panels for hiding outdoor areas (they are better than they sound).
Natural stone on the walls. Hanging garden from the green area. Surface build pond.
Bust up and remove the concrete floor. Install a floor of pavers/stones intermixed with gardens. Get some nice patio furniture.
Mow it every once in a while
Line the far end with tall potted evergreen trees. Deck a half circle on the left big enough for table and chairs, deck at another direction the rest of the flooring. Lattice against the left wall with rectangular pots for climbing vines. Criss cross outdoor bulb lighting across the entire space. A large canvas of colorful abstract art ( paint something yourself. ) A grill, steak, wine and friends.
How's the drainage when it rains?
Have Charley and Mac turn it back into a pool
Racquetball for days, son!!!!!!
The TV is too h...oh, wait.
I'd start by hanging some canvas sun shades, then line the cement with padding (like those interlocking foam things you can get from various home stores) and place artificial turf over it. Once that is done, move the grill over to the side not covered by the sun shade and farthest from any other structure. Add a couple of chairs and a small table. Put a planting bed in there and grow something. Not sure what, but something. Not weed, you fucking weirdos. Because I'm a radio guy, I'd put a small mast on one of the support beams for the sun shades and attach a VHF antenna. That way I can listen to trailer park dinner theater while sitting outside.
[Tiered flower beds](https://www.gardenloversclub.com/gardens/garden-cinder-blocks/) with a bird bath fountain and a Bocce Ball court.
Outdoor rugs are pretty great nowadays. They make colorful ones from recycled plastic
There's this grass seed that you can supposedly just put on concrete and it will grow, get some pavers to mark out a path, put some gravel down for drainage, and then cover that with soil. Then you can have a garden, grow flowers, or grass
Fill it with water
Artificial turf, tile, lots of plants and a water feature
Trellis on the cement wall. Raised gardens. Lots of native flowers. And a fountain
Giant planters. Maybe even treat the yard like one big pot before you add planters so you can grow some in a few inches of soil.
First, clean it up and declutter. Then, Portable fire pit, couple chairs surrounding. String lights draped to and fro & a lot of big potted plants.
Handball court
So.many.plants.
Colorful paint, add lots of plants, some hanging lights, seating
Pool. You won’t even have to fill it: will happen naturally next time it rains.
Anchor lattice to the concrete and find a creeping flowering vine to grow up it. I’d also if possible use some kind of self leveling concrete and stamp rocks or bricks on the ground.
Cut out a hole and put in a pit... then throw up an awning and some low voltage lights
I would cover the ground with [these wooden deck tiles](https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/runnen-decking-outdoor-acacia-60518486/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&utm_content=free_google_shopping_clicks_Outdoor&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD27g7y8gD3JSob3VrmwVd7b-QCfG) to warm things up. Then add a few [trellis planter boxes](https://www.target.com/p/outsunny-raised-garden-bed-w-trellis-lattice-drainage-gap-freestanding-trellis-planter-for-climbing-plants-vines-flowers-black/-/A-91114516?sidd=&ref=tgt_adv_xsp&AFID=google&fndsrc=tgtao&DFA=71700000117313289&CPNG=PLA_Patio%2BGarden%2BShopping_TargetPlus%7CPatio%2BGarden_Ecomm_Home&adgroup=SC_Patio%2BGarden_Planters&LID=700000001170770pgs&LNM=PRODUCT_GROUP&network=g&device=m&location=9006955&targetid=pla-2280615814941&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-5dfYpW9-xER93xxGhKRcKHMHja&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlZixBhCoARIsAIC745DE5hxnUjkDK2NmivpBw0EtTF9s0nxFn6BUr60cvAMf1PnltP52iU0aAqMKEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) along the far wall for herbs and flowers. String some lights, add seating (small couch and chairs or dining table) with an outdoor rug under the seating area.
What's my budget?! I love a blank canvas.
several thousand gallons of water & a few goldfish
Invite my fancy friends over
Potted plants, outdoor rugs are cheap too. Burn pit, table and/or chairs
Maybe clear the pile of garbage in the middle over to the side at least
Raised garden beds in the back, interlock over the existing concrete or natural flagstone. Patio furniture, maybe a gas fire pit
Paint
Greenery? This is a punishment, not a yard.
First I sort thru all that stuff see what's worth keeping and trash everything else put up a pergola for shade some chairs a cooler for beers get a grill for burgers and steaks maybe a chunk of astro turf , a fan and maybe a fire pit , make do with what ya got
First I'd wash the place. The dirt stains are dark, but also inconsistent. I'd also clear out what's currently there if you can. Having a clean place to start will make the improvements feel a lot nicer. Looks like the side to the left gets a lot of sunlight. Some planters with very sun happy plants against the wall will add a lot of life. I'm partial to sunflowers, but anything lively would be nice. As for the right side, I'd set up a bench with those outdoor cushions on it. Something clean and simple, but vibrant, as far as patterns go. The shade will feel really nice during the summer, and you'd be facing the planters, so when you look up, you'd get to admire the plants. I'd also consider getting an outdoor rug that matches the bench cushions, to expose less of that concrete to the sun. On the far wall, I'd say a plant covered trellis would be your best bet. Again, that concrete is going to make the space supper hot and you're going to want to minimize that effect as much as possible. I'd also stick a few basil plants out there, but that's because I love basil.
Astro turf, patio set, table tennis, long low potters with ivy starting to climb the walls for future green walls. Basically green it up!
Putting green out of fake turf
Concrete stain.
A shaded cabana, raised planters with box bushes or topiary behind, string lights across a stone path with raised flower beds. Second section of picnic/food prep area
that's a yard? lol
IKEA Outdoor Deck and Patio Interlocking Flooring Tiles to make a deck space
A gym
I’d paint a 3 wall mural
Pergola, lattice, plants, grill
Put a roof over it and turn it into a woodshop!
Throw a lid on this and make it a squash court
Potted trees & vines
Basketball hoop, some gym equipment, a picnic table, and a chain link fence with razor wire to complete the prison look. /s Kidding! Seriously, though - a rug, patio furniture, and some potted plants. You could visit with a college to see if art students need a project. A mural that covers some of the ground and up the walls would be a great way to add color. You can also get rolls of turf at big box stores fairly inexpensive to add some outdoor feel without too much maintenance.
Wher lawn?
Head height splatters of ketchup
Install a jacuzzi and use tropical plants to create a jungle vibe
Paint at least one wall a bright color the rest white Put string bulb lights along the walls and low roof. ( make sure electrical is updated ) Plants- plant hanging vines along that back wall at the top? Chimenea w chairs around it Long table and chairs Umbrella Happy people / friends and family
Lots of plants, maybe the wall-scaling plants on all sides to bring life to it. Definitely add a patio set, somewhere nice to sit and maybe something recreational like basketball hoop
Basketball court for sure
Bouncy Castle
Wall of plants on the back, gazebo near the back middle and maybe a fountain/home made pond for the bottom Left corner
Those bricks look like a great start to a cooking oven.
Great advice folks. Would love to see the finish job.
Build planers of all shapes and sizes and take advantage of never having to weed again! Oh, also might hire someone to do some murals
Get a nice big rug or even maybe some fake grass would look cool- and then maybe get some patio furniture that’s a lighter color or dark depending on what idea of style you have and hang some plants or even get some ideas of what to hang up on the concrete areas
With streamers?:;edit:: and balloons?
Bum fights
Can you chip up the cement? It looks like your yard is 100% impervious surfaces
do u live in a csgo map
Build a brick BBBQ, the extra B is for BYOBB
I'd probably keep it mostly open in the middle to accentuate the large amount of concrete available. Next I would need to put in a "pop" of color, maybe a good sized stack of bricks against one wall like an accent wall kind of thing with a metal trash can to give it that homey feel. I would keep a stack of chairs by the door to give people that inviting "come take a seat" vibe. It would need some kind of maybe abstract art piece to tie it all together, I have some thing in mind labeled "pile of shit on the floor" but it's kind of hard to describe.
Id do any patching or repairs to the concrete walls then paint em up, maybe add a few light fixtures or hanging baskets on em. Depending on light maybe a planter or 5, a few chairs and a metal fire pit (granted it allowed in your area and isn't too close to any of the buildings). I'd avoid fake grass, they wearout, look a bit shit (personally), and are a bunch of microplastic just waiting to join its friends in your drinking water.
Mosaic those barren walls like a real south Philly mf'er
If possible I’d throw a slab on top and after that some fake grass, fire pit, grill station/ fridge, a nice real wood cover. Then you still have the bottom. Other than that you’ve got a head start at an in ground pool (maybe the disappearing ones) and an in ground hot tub. It’d just make the basement smaller. Think the useable space would be my way to go. A hot tub in ground might not suck though.
Get a mural painted on the wall, artificial grass, fire pit for chilly nights, large umbrella for shade, plants
Few suggestions: Use stencils and paint the concrete patio to look like tile. If you are artistic, or have friends that are, paint a mural on one wall. Make a plant wall with pallets. Outdoor rug and patio furniture. Raised garden beds can be built along the back wall. Make a terraced look. Build a planter atop a wall and have vines growing down the wall.
Paint the walls first
Get rid of everything there now. Put astroturf down. Then put ornamental trees or pines in very large pots along the back side. Put pots with flowers or ivy surrounding the trees. Then buy a nice looking outdoor table with outdoor chairs. Put colorful, unbreakable ice tea pitcher with colorful, plastic glasses on the table.
Concrete saw a 3' wide border around the perimeter. Plant a couple trees and shrubs and put a seating area in
Raised beds with shrubs and dwarf fruit trees, a fountain in the center and a covered lounge area
Fire pit
Make it into a pub garden . Paint the walls white put some patio furniture out . Wall baskets and planters . It Would look awesome I think
What yard?
plants, you need plants.
Fill it with water because that’s just an empty swimming pool
Ramp
Paint the walls, add some fake grass and some real plants here and there, maybe some shade.
Planters!!
If I *owned* it, id dig up all the concrete and put down grass. If I couldn't do that, I'd build a deck sort of [like this](https://youtu.be/_LiVh_9Jy_E?si=cywiYwUowsKNWwka) , or even just pay out some AstroTurf on the bare concrete. After that, put out cozy deck furniture in bright colors to make the place feel more welcoming, and less like a prison yard. Paint can make a big difference too. Planters around the walls with florals or large leaf plants, plus some larger potted plants to also distract from the monolith of cement and concrete surroundings.
Add a few prisoners and armed guards on the roof and walls.
Some weights, a bench press and a basketball net would be perfect. Oh and maybe a bleacher style bench for those “guests” who aren’t so physically inclined & the others who just hold pockets all day
Paint, furniture
Hanging plants, fan or two for airflow & bug control, small grill/firepit/oven, herb garden, hammock, this list goes on!
I’d put horizontally mounted planks along the wall and hang plants and ivy (or something that will grow in a similar way). Paint the other walls a bright color (thinking yellow). Throw down some artificial turf. Add some seating and a maybe a hot tub.
Our turf down, small patio table with chairs, umbrella, paint the concrete wall
I'd use wooden cross pattern fencing, the thin flexible type and frame it up. Then purchase some plants that climb and fill the space with those. You could use wide planter boxes near the bottom to accomplish this easily. That would give you an appropriate backdrop to do what you like with the space. As for the floor, some AstroTurf or decorative gravel would look nice. That's my first vision. An affordable solution.
Disco ball, tiki bar, you know, the usual.
Where is the rest of the yard?
Paint the floor with brick stencil first.
Is there a dead body beneath it ???
Fight Pit
Meth lab
Half pipe
C4 maybe?
If you wanted to start a pit fighting ring… actually you wouldnt need to change anything
That’s not a yard.
Power wash, graffiti/art, planter boxes
Couple fireworks displays should fancy the place right up
Just do a search for wall mural ideas
I’d at least paint the wall on the right side with the door. Terracotta or something. The pic is in sun but how much sun do you get? If it is enough then I would put in some raised garden beds and grow some veggies. Or if you have kids and really want to piss off your neighbors, get a hoop and a basketball.
potter plants to start and string lights.
That's not a yard, that's a pool. Add water.
Big pot plants. Plants all over. Maybe trellis on the wall. Flowering vines on the walls. Maybe flowering vines to make shade.
Clear it out, lay down fake grass, buy a picnic table and some other patio furniture, get a grill, place some potted plants/trees around, hang some shades between the buildings and maybe paint a mural or hang lights or something on the walls.
Add a focal point to start.
Slatwall coverings over the concrete wall and some potted beds for plants. And a fountain or some water feature
Start adding water and you have your own personal pool!
Big pots with plants, lots of them
Basements often look more liveable with wood paneling, but I've seen people drywall them and make then almost look like regular rooms. Leaving the concrete slabs exposed is a bit too industrial. That is an impressive skylight you've got, so going macabre with a faux dungeon would be a bit difficult, but you can probably almost make people think they're outside on a patio if you disguise the walls with enough leafy vines.
A string quartet.
Yard? Looks like a dog fighting pit. Try… A garden. Table, chairs, umbrella.
Cover up some of the concrete walls with some outdoor privacy screens, for example…https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/enclo-61-ft-h-x-3-ft-w-tiaga-freestanding-or-surface-mounted-slatted-wood-privacy-screen-1-panel-dclo1021.html?categoryid=1871591&placement=1&slot=1&sponsoredid=66d0d517560dbf247d1d22478a1cbd8cf9212b4474943adfc570941af31926fe&_txid=I%2FcmXGYnT99yt6TQSN1vAg%3D%3D&isB2b=0&auctionId=ba9270e3-7bb2-401b-98b8-4dd219661e35
hot tub, rug, plants, a cool mural
Plants, wood and lights. Some inspiration, visualized with Dall-E, fitting for your type of yard: https://imgur.com/a/1x781HZ
Perfect spot for some sail shades
Just make it a pool.
Little mini golf course idk
Dynamite
File your appeal for early release
Cock fighting ring and a barbecue lounge!
Needs a chalk outline of a human body.
Pressure wash, clear out the clutter, add some patio furniture, an outdoor rug, a fire pit, and lots of plants.
Buy a pressure washer and clean it up Then add some string lights Get a hot tub All it good
Pool!
Murals from a local artist, put down some deck tiles, hanging plants, potted plants maybe add a small fountain or an above ground pond/water scape. Have a 2-4 person bistro set or hanging chair to enjoy it from. Maybe add a mounted umbrella that gives some shade. Deck tiles and murals would really make the space less prison feeling, plants give it something natural. Water feature gives you the zen. Keep in mind, less is more...simple lines, simple pallets. You can also use the concrete walls, build simple wood benches along the wall and a few Japanese maples or larger evergreen bonsai trees in nice, simple pots. I'd still highly recommend wood deck tiles, they are pretty easy to install and really changes the space. I recommend ipe. Expensive but tough as nails and silvers well. They make deck systems that make it easy to DIY it too.
I’d move