When it comes to creating a more inviting outdoor atmosphere, aesthetic upgrades such as a new deck or custom fire gates can be compelling additions. However, this isn’t to say less obvious improvements don’t have a place as well. Indeed, upgrades of all sizes help to personalize your outdoor environment, not to mention make for excellent creative opportunities. Here are four small but fun ways to increase the visual appeal of your yard.

1. Add a Few Birdhouses
One way to create a more pleasant environment is with a little music, and there’s no music like the songs of birds. Indeed, by opening your home to avian neighbors, you’ll be providing them with shelter and yourself some entertainment. Not interested in conventional styles? Recycled boots, tea kettles, and even tin cans, colorfully decorated or otherwise, all make fun substitutions. With a little creativity and time, you’ll discover your home is full of discarded and broken items ready for repurposing.

2. Utilize the Look of Potted Plants
A simple and cost-effective approach to improving your yard is by adding some color and life. Incorporating a variety of flowers in pots of varying sizes can enhance aesthetics while avoiding a look of uniformity. Beginner-friendly plants such as marigolds, petunias, begonias, and certain varieties of roses all do well in pots, making these species excellent ones to decorate with.

3. Brighten Up the Place With Lights
Another great way to set the mood is with quality lighting. Whether it’s setting out a few candles, hanging some lanterns, or stringing up a set of fairy lights, illumining your patio and surrounding areas can promote a sense of warmth and style in your yard.

4. Create a Walkway of Your Own Design 
When it comes to landscaping, few improvements make more of an impact than a walkway. What’s more, laying out a well-placed path leading from your yard to door can draw the eye, encouraging guests to visit. Depending on the look you’re going for, stone, wood, bark, gravel and even glass are all viable resources to consider when crafting your own path. Planting a few flowers or shrubs along the borders adds colors and perspective as well.

With myriad improvements available to you, it can be overwhelming deciding which upgrades to make to your yard. However, both large and small enhancements have their place, and remembering the little details can help you better refine your outdoor space.