CREATING THAT PERFECT OUTDOOR OASIS

These days, having a place of escape where we can unwind, take in the fresh air, and enjoy our friends and family (hopefully very soon) is at the top of everyone’s mind this summer and transforming our backyard into that little piece of heaven makes the most sense.   

Here are a few ideas to turn your backyard into a relaxing outdoor oasis.

DEFINE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Creating different activity zones within the space will make your backyard a versatile destination.  Multiple outdoor furniture for dining, lounging and cooking will carve out those different zones.  Adding an abundance of perennials into gardens, plants and annuals into containers will soften the landscape and bring depth and texture into your space. 

CREATING SHADY SPOTS FOR LOUNGING

For those hot summer days, a bit of shade is always welcome.  On days when the mid-day is most bright and hot outside we’ll need as much relief from the sun as possible and if a swimming pool is not available, then umbrellas, mature trees, retractable awnings, or pergolas will hit the spot.  Try to find the options that best suit your space and your budget.

ADDING COLOURS + PATTERNS

Adding weather-resistant textiles will add softness and style to your outdoor space.  Decide on a colour scheme, incorporating fabrics that dry quickly, resist UV rays and are easy to clean is a great starting point to creating that inviting space.   For a larger dose of colour and pattern, anchor your seating area with a stylish outdoor rug.

ADDING LUSHNESS WITH PLANTS

Adding an abundance of perrenials with varying heights, colour and greenery into gardens bring depth and texture and even privacy into your space.  Bringing beautiful plants and annuals into containers will soften the landscape and provide living décor to your space.   

ADDING PRIVACY

When creating your oasis, think about how you will block the line of sight from neighbours.  Fences or garden walls will ensure privacy for patios and decks, but you can also use lattice, pergolas and landscaping to define outdoor spaces and screen views of neighbouring houses. 

OUTDOOR LIGHTING AND HEATING

When the sun sets, we still want to be able to enjoy our outdoor oasis and incorporating outdoor lighting will add that ambiance to extend those warm summer days into nights outdoors.  At a minimum, porch lights that illuminate the front of the house, the side of the house and the back of the house are always a great to have.  For cooking outdoors, you’ll need a good task light over the grill or work areas.  For dining and conversations areas, candle lights, wall mounted lights and hanging string lights are magical after dark.

Creating cozy warmth with heat by using outdoor heaters or fire-pits, whether built-in or moveable, will draw people together and extend the usefulness of an outdoor space into the cooler temperatures. 

Peaceful, relaxing, and an almost spiritual backyard oasis are just what we need in this ever-frantic world.