Picture your ideal vacation getaway. Now imagine that same calming retreat right outside your own home.
From assessing the space to determining your style, this article will cover all the essentials for creating your backyard oasis. It will also include tips on incorporating water features, outdoor lighting, and decorative elements.
Choosing a Style
One of the most essential elements to consider when transforming your backyard into a relaxing retreat is the overall style you’re going for. A classic theme featuring elements like wrought-iron furniture and cobblestone paths is ideal if you’re drawn to timeless beauty. If you love the idea of a rustic countryside escape, incorporating reclaimed wood furniture and vintage accessories is the way to go.
If you enjoy entertaining, consider breaking your yard into separate zones for lounging, dining, and lively conversations. Creating distinct areas for these functions will help keep your space organized and clutter-free. Tie the zones together with rugs in your chosen color scheme.
Adding a water feature is another excellent way to add visual and aural interest to your outdoor seating area. These soothing features can be custom-built or purchased from home improvement stores using Home Depot coupons, from fountains to ponds. If you’re concerned about maintenance, opt for an easy-to-clean material like teak. It requires little more than a brush down with a mild cleaning solution at the end of the season to maintain its stunning look.
Water Features
The calming sound of a babbling stream or trickling waterfall is why so many people incorporate them into their backyards. These tranquil sounds help to ease stress and are often used in meditation or on ambient noise machines. Adding water elements to your yard helps to create a relaxing oasis that invites wildlife and is easy to maintain.
For a more serene feel, opt for a freestanding vertical fountain to save space and maximize the visual impact of your backyard oasis. A wall-mounted fountain also offers a sleek and contemporary look that fits perfectly into any modern backyard.
Another way to add a feeling of relaxation is with a watering hole-style pool that offers a cooling retreat. This tropical backyard from Handsome Salt features a built-in banquette, surrounded by greenery, that provides plenty of spots to lounge and relax.
To make the most of your outdoor oasis:
- Furnish the area with comfortable, durable furniture that withstand harsh summer weather.
- Choose from a wide range of options, including wrought iron and cast iron, as well as weatherproof woven and synthetic materials.
- Select accent pieces that reflect the décor style of your backyard, such as brightly colored table linens and tropical-inspired dinnerware.
Lighting
Turning your backyard into a relaxing retreat is an exciting project that can improve your home’s value and comfort. Invest in a comprehensive home warranty covering outdoor elements to ensure your oasis stays in great shape.
If you want to create a tropical getaway in your backyard, consider adding some unique seating. This can include swinging daybeds, repurposed wooden pallets, or amazing garden sculptures. These creative accents help to make your yard feel like a conversation-worthy space and a valid extension of your personality.
Water elements such as a babbling brook or a soothing waterfall are essential to creating a tropical vibe. The sound of trickling water helps relieve stress and can be very calming for pets.
Plants are another must-have for your oasis. They add beauty and fragrance, and some plants can even repel bugs. For example, eucalyptus and lavender are natural mosquito deterrents. Using lighting to illuminate your plants, seating areas, and other essential features in your oasis can help you enjoy the space after dark. Hanging string lights, placing lanterns along pathways, and installing solar-powered lights are a few options that will enhance your space’s ambiance.
Plants
Incorporating plants throughout your backyard is one of the easiest ways to turn it into a relaxing retreat. Besides being beautiful, they can also create privacy and block out noise from nearby neighbors. Choose plants that thrive in your climate and are easy to maintain.
Light up your oasis after dark by adding lighting features like lanterns and string lights. Choose a variety of bulbs and colors to create a unique lighting scheme that adds a special touch of ambiance. Incorporating herbs in wooden planters surrounding entertainers also adds a fragrant scent for guests as they enjoy your personal space.
Ensure you understand how to properly care for all the items in your oasis, especially those requiring more maintenance. This will help ensure that your backyard transforms into a relaxing retreat you can enjoy for years. Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with over two years of prolific experience writing food, entertainment, and fashion articles. She is a self-motivated professional with a National Diploma in Mass Communication.
Seating
A backyard oasis is complete with a place to sit and relax. Garden chairs under a vine-covered pergola, on decorative concrete, or by the pool can offer a comfortable spot to read or enjoy conversations with friends and family.
An outdoor cooking space is also essential to the overall feel of a backyard retreat. Whether it’s an open-air grill or an elaborate outdoor kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, and pizza oven, adding a culinary space will significantly affect how you use your backyard.
Lighting is another crucial element to consider. Strategically placed string lights add a touch of elegance and help define your yard’s activity zones. And if you want to avoid increasing your electricity bill, look for energy-efficient solutions like solar lighting.
Finally, a hot tub is one of the best ways to relax and unwind in your backyard oasis. Sitting in a hot tub, surrounded by bubbles and a good book, can provide instant relief from stress. Plus, it’s a great way to get away from the screen of your smartphone and tablet, which can cause eye strain and lead to headaches.