9 Relaxing Backyard Oasis Ideas to Inspire Your Own Paradise
Imagine if you could bring your favorite getaway destination back home with you. Well, with a little careful planning and imagination, you can do just that. The simple truth is that many of us don’t make the best use of what we have.
It’s time to stop for a moment and turn the outside space of your home into a holiday retreat. Here are the backyard oasis ideas you need to create your own piece of heaven.
1. Make Your Very Own Outdoor Kitchen
Make the most of the weather by preparing your meals outside. Invest in a grill and add a countertop for all your food preparation needs. A separate side burner is also a great idea for making the whole cooking experience easier.
Don’t do things by halves. Go the whole way and install a refrigerator and sink. Make cooking outside a lifestyle choice and build it into your weekly cooking regime.
Making an outdoor kitchen that’s a pleasure to cook in is going to mean you’re likely to use it more often.
2. Installing a Shade Structure
Add a spot of shade in your backyard. You may already have a large umbrella but take things a step further. Install a shade structure to make a stylish landscape feature.
You could try giving simple wooden arbors a touch of rustic charm by adding a woven lattice shade cover. Or, add some leafy climbers to create a natural roof for your shade structure.
Give your yard a nautical theme by using a recycled sail as a cover for your shade structure. These ideas are not only going to look great but they’ll also create a special quiet area where you can sit, read and relax.
3. Privacy and Backyard Oasis Ideas
An outdoor room is going to be even more like an oasis when it feels a little more enclosed. Adding fences and garden walls will make patios feel more private.
Make things a little more stylish by using lattice, pergolas, and a little landscaping. This help to define your outdoor space and can act as a screen so that you’re not overlooked by neighboring houses.
4. Comfort and Durability
When it comes to seating and tables, consider wrought iron or cast iron. There are lots of new and exciting styles of synthetic patio furniture and fabrics available now too.
These are not only waterproof but can be a match for the same style and comfort as anything you might have indoors. You’ll even find weatherproof floor lamps and table lamps.
You could also go for classic furnishing options such as wrought or cast aluminum, and traditional wood.
5. Accessorize Your Outdoor Areas
Gardens are really outdoor rooms. They need accessorizing with a few carefully placed pieces. Putting a bench in an appropriate spot can transform a space into a seating area that captures the sun.
Add a birdbath in a tree that’s going to be clearly visible from your seating areas. You’ll be able to enjoy watching it attract lots of different species.
The benefits of getting closer to nature for both body and mind are even finding their way to medical prescription pads these days. Health care providers are encouraging patients to spend more time outdoors for a healthier life.
6. A Calming Water Feature
Flowing water has a calming effect. That’s why fountains have existed in gardens for centuries. They have an eye-catching appearance. The trickling sound of falling water is soothing and mesmerizing. It can block out stressful street noise too.
A small pond with a man-made stream and fountain can help to transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis. Over time, you can add some surrounding flowers, lilypads, and even fish. It will become the talking point of your backyard!
7. A Hot Tub or Spa
Do you dream of being able to take a long, relaxing soak at the end of a busy day?
Add some real luxury with a hot top or spa on the deck. Remember: location is really important.
Make sure you consider where you’ll get most privacy but also have easy access to the house. You might also want to choose a place that gets both sunshine and shade at different times of the day.
It’s wise to consult with the experts too. A hot tub full of water could weigh several tons. That means you’ll need to be sure that your deck has sufficient strength to take the extra weight.
8. Get the Lighting Right
Landscape lighting can really bring your garden to life in the evenings. It also increases safety by making sure paths are visible once the sun’s gone down.
You’ll at least need to install some of the most basic types of lighting. These include porch lights that illuminate access to the house and also give some ambient lighting.
Outdoor kitchens need extra lighting fixtures in the grill and work areas so that it’s easier and safer to work. For the dining and seated areas, use candles and add wall-mounted downlights, or dimmable electric lamps to create a relaxing mood.
Solar-powered accent lights or low-voltage lights can bring a little drama to landscapes and flower beds. Get the lighting right to create a magical place after dark.
9. A Pleasing Patio
Your patio should be a welcoming extension of the house. At its best, it’s there to tempt you outdoors so that you can enjoy the warm breezes and fresh air. If you plan it carefully it will become a comfortable room for every season.
Patios are typically surfaced with stone or brick. If you choose concrete, add texture and color to imitate stone for a more natural look.
Use planting beds, container gardens, and weatherproof furniture. These will help to dress up this pleasing outdoor space.
A Vacation at Home
Our backyard oasis ideas will help you turn your outside space into a place where you’ll enjoy spending more time. That means that every time you step outdoors it’s going to feel like you’re starting your next vacation.
Make a space for your family. Read here for more backyard ideas for your home.
