Are you ready to begin the perfect summertime project that will create a stunning outdoor living oasis for you and your family? Now is the perfect time to make the plans and set up the perfect living space to utilize during the warmer months. Turn your backyard into a beautiful, stylish, and functional sanctuary with the right plan, coordination, and dedication. Let’s take a look at how to create the dream outdoor living oasis that you deserve!
1. Transform Your Outdoor Space Into a Refreshing Retreat
Getting outdoors for some much-needed fresh air and sunshine can help you de-stress and relax. To make the most of your outdoor experience, turn it into a private retreat. Here are some ideas to help you transform your outdoor space into the perfect soothing sanctuary:
- Create an Outdoor Lounge Area – Take a few comfortable pieces of furniture, such as chaise lounges, and arrange them in a pleasant spot. Choose pieces that are weather-friendly and come with cushions and throws so you can relax in style.
- Add Finishing Touches – To add some visual interest, hang up some decorative outdoor string lights, place a few potted plants, and scatter colorful outdoor throw pillows and accessories around the space.
- Set the Ambience – To complete the calming ambience you’re seeking, light some outdoor-friendly scented candles or put in a water feature such as a small fountain or pond. And for some enjoyable background noise, you can set up a small outdoor sound system with your favorite relaxation music.
- Incorporate Nature – Incorporate nature into your retreat by adding some elements of nature such as a birdhouse, a hammock for relaxation, or a swing for leisurely swinging in the breeze. You can even add a fire pit or barbecue area for some socializing and chilling.
By following these steps and making sure to add personal touches, you’ll be able to create a refreshing outdoor space in no time. Adding a unique retreat to your home will give you an cozy oasis to relax and get a breath of fresh air, no matter how small your backyard is.
Whether you’re looking to be alone with your thoughts, entertain a few guests, or even reconnect with nature, transforming your outdoor space can help you achieve your goals. So start crafting your own outdoor haven and enjoy a renewed sense of peace and relaxation each and every day.
2. Invest in an Inviting Seating Area
Creating a warm and inviting seating area is an excellent way to make sure guests stick around. You may have spent hours perfecting the design of your event’s floor plan, and yet seating areas are often what people will remember. Whether you’re setting up a wedding reception hall or planning a community event, here are some tips to consider when investing in better seating:
- Comfort Comes First. The quality of the seating should be one of your topmost priorities. This doesn’t mean skimping on your budget, and certainly not on the comfort of your guests! Be sure the chairs or couches are appropriate for the environment, provide sufficient back and arm support, and suit the aesthetic of the event itself.
- Add a Feature Piece. Consider adding an inviting sofa center piece for an extra ‘wow’ factor, or extra cushions and loungers to your setup. They will add depth, color and texture to the seating area and instantly elevate the vibe of your event.
- Choose Your Decor. The details really matter here. Lanterns, rugs, throws and potted plants, or frames and artwork — whatever you choose, it’s an opportunity to showcase your event’s style and personality. Look for items that will reflect the atmosphere you’re trying to create, rather than overwhelming it.
- Minimize Clutter. Open space is just as important as the seating area itself. Be sure there’s adequate space from chairs to walls and from tables to walls. Your guests need to be able to move and sit comfortably.
Investing in a cozy seating area will make a huge difference to the overall vibe of any event. Not only that, but a tactful and well-structured seating area can also reduce the amount of stress that comes with planning. Look for small touches that can make a big difference, such as rug runners and scatter pillows in matching colors. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort!
3. Grow an Aromatic Garden of Herbs and Flowers
One of the most delightful aromas in a garden is the sweet smell of flowers and herbs — and lucky for you, it’s easy to grow an aromatic herb and flower garden in your own backyard. Here’s how you can bring the beauty and fragrance of herbs and flowers to your garden:
- Choose fragrant herbs and plants. Herbs like rosemary, lavender, and mint are wonderfully aromatic. Plant these in your garden and be sure to clip off the stems and hang them in small bunches to enjoy their delightful smells in the house. Lovely fragrant flowers to include in your garden are jasmine, daisy, lily, gardenia, and lilac.
- Design your garden for your own benefit. Locate your aromatic plants in areas of your garden that you frequent. Planting roses near the patio or close to a window will give you the opportunity to enjoy the fragrance of the blooms as often as you can.
- Create a mixed border of herbs and flowers. A mixed border with a variety of fragrant plants will make a delightful spectacle. Shades of purple, blue and white look perfect when combined with fragrant perennials and shrubs.
- Choose the right soil and water. Fragrant herbs and flowers need sun, so pick a sunny spot that gets plenty of direct light. Be sure to add organic matter and compost to the planting area, as this will ensure that the soil is rich and deep. Make sure to water the plants regularly. A weekly light irrigation is often enough to sustain your aromatic garden.
- Deadhead the flowers regularly. Make sure to remove the dead flowers from your plant on a regular basis to encourage more blooms. Not only will your aromas be more powerful, but your plants will look nicer, too.
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to that will bring incredible beauty and fragrances to your garden. Enjoy!
4. Extend Your Usable Outdoor Living Area
Rain or shine, you can invest in creating extra room outside with a few quick and simple steps. From patios to decks, adding on to your home with an outdoor living area provides the perfect spot to entertain guests or pass a few hours of escape from the hustle of everyday life:
- Start by defining your space.
- Design and plan your project.
- Bring your dream to life with the right material.
Start by Defining Your Space
If you want to expand your outdoor living area, start by imagining what it should look like – and how it might be implemented. Sketch out the basics on paper to help plan the specifics. When you know the shape, size, and material choices, you can then more easily gauge the cost, timeline, and project logistics.
Design and Plan Your Project
It’s important to consider functionality when choosing your project design. For instance, determine where you need seating and pathways. Think about access to water or power and whether you’d like to add a fire pit or outdoor kitchen. All of these can be incorporated while keeping costs down.
Bring Your Dream to Life With the Right Material
The right materials will complete the look and feel of your outdoor living space. Whether you choose concrete, brick, natural stone, or composite materials, consider how it will look and feel before spending. Take your plan and consult a professional to see which material best fits your budget and specific needs.
By extending your outdoor living area, you can create something truly special that you, your family, and friends can appreciate throughout the year.
5. Incorporate Unique Lighting to Highlight Your Space
Lighting sets the tone for any space, so it’s important to make sure you showcase your space in the best possible light. That doesn’t just mean choosing the perfect table lamp or overhead fixture; it also means getting creative and incorporating bespoke lighting solutions to elevate your space.
Let’s be honest, a single ceiling fixture hardly does any justice for your room – especially if you have a larger space. Adding more lighting is essential and from there you have many choices of what type of fixture you’d like to feature. Here are some ideas that can instantly add a unique flair to any space:
- Pendant Lighting – Pendant lights are a timeless way to put the focus onto a certain space. Most commonly hanging over the kitchen island or a dining table, these can make big statement pieces. Look for pendants in quirky shapes or delicate minimal designs to make them stand out.
- Wall Lights – Forget the boring sconces – choose wall lights that are both artistic and functional. Uplight sconces are great for spot-lighting key pieces around the room, while aimable downward lights are great for providing general lighting, especially in smaller and cozier rooms.
- Task Lighting – Desk lamps, bedside lamps, and accent lights are all great to bring purposeful and direct light to specific spots and highlight areas you want to draw attention to. Look for unique shapes, styles, or even unique materials to incorporate one-of-kind lighting elements you won’t see anywhere else.
- Backlighting – If you want to go full-fancy, invest in some backlit mirrors, headboards, or shelving units. Perfect for that night-time ambiance and eye-catching modern look.
Once you have decided what type of lighting to incorporate in your space, you will also want to decide on an atmospheric lighting scheme. This all comes down to personal preference, but, speaking in general, warm white lights (2700K) are great for creating a more calming and relaxed atmosphere in spaces such as the bedroom or living room. If you’d like to create an energetic and contemporary atmosphere, you can go with a cooler white light (4000K).
Lighting plays such an important role in creating the desired atmosphere and interior design of any home and by taking the time to consider unique lighting solutions, you will be sure to elevate your space and make it stand out.
6. Create a Multi-Functional Deck or Patio
Having a multi-functional deck or patio is extremely rewarding and can really give your outdoor living space a boost of life. Here are 6 tips to help you create the ultimate deck or patio.
- Start with the Flooring – The type of flooring you install is critical in creating a multi-functional deck or patio. Opt for a material that is easy to clean and maintain and has a contemporary look. Porcelain tile is a popular and stylish choice.
- Add Furniture – Consider what type of furniture will work best for the space you have and for the activities that you plan to host. Select pieces that are stylish yet comfortable. Weatherproof materials are essential for furniture that will be exposed to the elements for long periods.
- Add Plant Life – Select a variety of plants to accentuate your deck or patio. A colorful blooming plant can be a great focal point or consider hanging baskets with purple and pink blooms for a delicate and romantic feel.
- Create an Outdoor Bar Area – Transform your deck or patio into a multi-functional space with a stylish outdoor bar area. Install an island with a built-in sink, refrigerator and display cabinets to give the space a permanent look and function.
- Install Lighting – Outdoor lighting is an integral part of creating a multi-functional deck or patio. Install timers, motion sensors and accent lighting to brighten up the entire space. Opt for LED lights as they are cost-effective and require little to no maintenance.
The possibilities for creating a multi-functional deck or patio are endless, and can help to make your outdoor living space a place to enjoy all year round. Be creative and you’ll be surprised at the results.
7. Transform a Plain Wall into a Focal Point
A wall can be the perfect canvas for transforming a room. Whether you have an entire wall to fill or just a small area, you can make it a focal point with minimal effort.
- Start with paint: Invest in a high-quality paint that coordinates with other colors in the room. Consider a two-toned wall with stripes or arrows, an ombre pattern or an accent wall. For a soft, romantic look, paint your wall in a light hue and hang a large artwork or mirror.
- Make use of decals: Wall decals are an easy and inexpensive way to add impact to any room. Whether it’s geometric shapes, words of affirmation or custom prints, you can create the perfect look for your wall.
- Install wall panels: Wooden or metal wall panels instantly create depth and texture, plus add an extra layer of soundproofing. Use bold colors, unique shapes and modern designs to get creative with a wall panel focal point.
- Create a mural: Whether you hire an artist or take a DIY approach, a painted mural on your wall can completely transform a space. Get inspired by nature, abstract shapes or the unique style of your home.
When planning your wall decoration, consider the natural light in the room. Changing the furniture placement, adding greenery and using an up-lighting fixture can also help draw attention to your wall. Finally, don’t forget to accessorize your wall with frames and art pieces.
With a few simple changes, you can easily take a plain wall from boring to beautiful. So have fun with it, and don’t be afraid to experiment with colors, textures and designs.
8. Get Creative- Let Your Imagination Soar!
Let your imagination take flight and soar in new directions! Unleashing your creativity and being open to invention are essential acts of living. Allow yourself to dream up new ideas and envision possibilities of new ways. There is nothing wrong with letting yourself meander down an imaginative trail. It can lead to unexpected places of wonder and surprise. Here are a few tips to get your creativity started:
- Take time each day to daydream. Be the observer, and just let your ideas drift in and out of your consciousness.
- Read inspiring stories or watch movies that spark your imagination.
- Set aside time for creative activities such as gardening or writing. Both are forms of creative expression.
Remember, great inventions were the dreams of those who were bold enough to pursue them. Feed your mind with exciting new ideas and have a sense of fun with it. Invest time in freely exploring and creating. Where it takes you will be a surprise and discovering something new will be a fantastic reward.
So, don’t be afraid to give in to your imagination. Let it wander and soar where it will. Releasing your creativity is a powerful and exciting experience. You never know what it will bring!
So don’t wait a second longer, begin creating your outdoor living oasis today! Your family, friends, and neighbors will thank you once they become the regular beneficiaries of such a marvelous retreat. So get designing, and soon enough you’ll be relaxing in the backyard oasis of your dreams. [dqr_code]
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