Whether your backyard has a pool feature or a focal point full of plants, you can transform any outdoor design into a refreshing backyard oasis for summer. We will discuss everything from comfy seating to outdoor cooking, so you’re bound to find some design inspiration through these helpful DIY weekend projects. Let’s get started.
Picture-Perfect Patio
For many, the
patio is the focal point of your backyard. Whether it’s where you do your
grilling, entertaining, or relaxing, a picturesque patio is the foundation for
any outdoor oasis. Whatever decorations or furniture you plan to incorporate in
your backyard retreat begins with your patio acting as the central location for
outdoor interaction. Patios can be a hot slab of concrete or janky pieces of
wood nailed together, or your patio can be an inviting and welcoming extension
of your home. It should be a place to feel the cool breeze and enjoy the fresh
air whenever you step outside. With just a little planning, your patio can become
much more than a temporary seasonal space to enjoy.
A typical patio is
surfaced with brick or stone, but if you decide on concrete, consider a color
or texture element to replicate the look of natural stone. Think of your patio
as an extension of your home’s existing architecture—introduce flowers, planter
boxes for homegrown fruits and veggies, and weatherproof furniture to give your
outdoor space a lively environment and a breath of fresh air.
Outdoor Kitchen
If your backyard
is where you do most of your cooking during the summer months and you love
eating outside in the fresh air, then outdoor kitchen accessories should be the
first thing on your list.
You don't need any
fancy equipment; you just need a clean and organized space for food prep. The
convenience of an additional side burner will certainly enhance your outdoor
grilling experience, but however you create your makeshift kitchen, you’ll be
able to enjoy the food and enjoy the company. If you spend most of your time
outdoors during the summer, an outdoor refrigerator and sink can help make meal
preparation and cleanup even easier. That, and you’ll never have to make the
long trek back into the house to fetch another cool beverage.
Shade and Privacy
One of the most
important aspects of creating a comforting backyard oasis is making sure your
outdoor space stays cool and protected from the sun. That sense of enclosure
from harmful rays is what will make your space feel more like an oasis.
Ideally, your yard will already have a fence for privacy, but a lattice or
pergola will help to define your outdoor spaces and protect your home and
gardening space from the heat and neighboring houses.
Even if you live
to soak up that vitamin D and catch some rays, everyone welcomes a little shade
during the scorching summer months. You’ll be able to enjoy your deck or patio
and comfortably sit outdoors when you can provide relief from the sun. This
support can come from large trees you might have in your yard, outdoor
umbrellas, retractable awnings, or an arbor interlocked with vines.
Outdoor Lighting
If you want to
enjoy your backyard well after the sun sets, then you’ll need to flip the
switch on some outdoor lighting. At its simplest form, this can include string
lighting to illuminate a pathway to the house and provide a comforting ambiance.
If you want to
brighten your outdoor kitchen space so you can cook after dark, you’ll need
rows of task lighting over the grill and cleaning areas. When dining and
conversing with family members and friends, candlelight, wall-mounted lights,
or electric lamps you can place on the table create a relaxed mood for all.
It’s a good idea
to illuminate steps and walkways so everyone can access the yard safely.
Solar-powered accent lighting adds an element of drama and interest to your
landscape and highlights the areas you want to direct traffic and interaction.
Using a combination of any of these types of light will help turn your backyard
oasis into a magical getaway after nightfall.
Comfortable and Durable Furniture
When you’re enjoying a hot summer day or cool breezy evening, there’s nothing better than plopping your rear end in a comfy chair and enjoying the peace and serenity the outdoors has to offer. You have more than enough options when it comes to furnishing your backyard, but comfort should be first and foremost. Synthetic, weatherproof furniture and fabric covers offer the same style and comfort as any piece of furniture you would have inside your home. If you want something a little more traditional or rustic, there are plenty of seating options made from cast aluminum and wood if you prefer a classic, “sitting out by the campfire under the stars” feeling.
Bring on the Amenities
Once you’ve got
everything you need to enjoy your outdoor space, then it’s time to bring in the
features that are sure to turn heads. This includes fountains, fireplaces, and
fire pits to enhance the beauty and overall usefulness of your backyard space.
The soothing sound of a fountain trickling water can serve as a peaceful focal
point in your yard, and a fireplace creates a natural element to define your
outdoor space and direct you to your outdoor kitchen or entertaining area. A
fire pit creates an area to draw everyone together and extend the life of your
outdoor entertaining space well into the cooler weather seasons.
And if none of that is catching your attention, you could always opt for a long, relaxing soak in a hot tub or spa. If you have the space on your patio, it’s a must-have luxury item that will automatically transform an ordinary backyard space into an exciting space for outdoor living.
It’s the summer; now is the time to step outside into your backyard oasis while the weather is warm and the lemonade is cold. If you need any help furnishing out backyard space, give us a call or visit us today to shop our collection of outdoor furniture and accessories. Your oasis starts here.