Picture yourself in a relaxing oasis with the calming sounds of running water, birds singing, and a breeze blowing in the treetops. The only thing better than relaxing indoors on a beautiful sunny day is to do all that outside, surrounded by nature. But first, you must make your outdoor area look and feel inviting, relaxing and pleasant not just for you but also for your guests and anyone who might want to join you.
That beautiful oasis could be as close as your own backyard, and it’s easier than you think. Even making just a few little changes goes a long way towards transforming your backyard into an oasis. Your yard can be a beautiful place to relax, enjoy a family meal, or entertain guests. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Clear the clutter
Is your outdoor space more a place you want to get away from than an enticing getaway? A yard cluttered with too much patio furniture, outdoor structures (like gazebos), and children’s play equipment is going to appear chaotic. In fact, you might find yourself trying to avoid the backyard if there’s too much stuff, you find it difficult to move around, or there is always a project calling out your name. Rethink the yard by clearing out the clutter, pruning overgrown trees and hedges, relocating play equipment, or donating it if your children are too old for slides and swings. Get rid of or recycle broken furniture and accessories or things that don’t seem to belong in the yard.
Create privacy & depth
Privacy is an integral part of a relaxing outdoor room. Dividing and secluding the area with carefully placed screens, walls, or fences of suitable height will give your space a sense of mystery and surprise as you move throughout the landscape. Arbors and overhead roofs also add to that feeling of seclusion and provide much-needed shade.
If you have a small yard, you can still add a sense of privacy and depth with a creative illusion. Take some vintage antique mirrors and hang them on the fences surrounding the yard. They will reflect the greenery all across the yard and will make the yard look much larger than it actually is.
Add seating
Seating is one thing, but a deep seating set, lounge chairs, loungers, or chaise lounges really allow you to stretch out and relax, whether it’s under an umbrella, by a swimming pool, on a deck, or even on the balcony of a high-rise apartment building.
Make some shade
Even sun-worshippers welcome a little shade. You’ll enjoy your deck or patio more if you can find relief from the sun. Choices for providing shade include mature trees, umbrellas, retractable awnings, or even pergolas and arbors covered with vines.
Build a water feature
Adding a water feature helps transform an ordinary backyard into an oasis. The calming sound of running water creates a peaceful atmosphere and helps drown out the noises of the city. Choose a water feature that fits your style, yard, and budget – from a simple fountain made from a decorative pot to an elaborate garden waterfall.
Doze off in a hammock
Hammocks are a must-have for every outdoor space. They’re very versatile, can be installed in a variety of ways, come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and styles. They can even be handcrafted if you enjoy DIY projects. Loved by both children and adults, hammocks are guaranteed to be a big hit in your outdoor relax room.
Create a fragrant space
Dedicate a corner of outdoor space to an herb and flower garden dedicated to fragrant, aromatic plants. For this, you can make use of a rolling cart, stack some crates, or even hang some tiered baskets to plant a mini herb garden in one corner of the yard. You’ll be able to enjoy the lovely smells drifting past your nostrils as you relax in your oasis.
Dress up the space
One of the biggest factors that determines how relaxing your outdoor space feels is the ambience. Lighting and other small touches can add to a relaxing feel. Grab a sofa, some large, comfy pillows, and encircle the spot with clusters of candles. Hang string lights above, and you’ll have the most relaxing outdoor space to enjoy a glass of wine, hang with your partner, or curl up with a book.
Need a place to get away from it all? Use these ideas to craft a garden getaway in your own yard to relieve stress and grow good health.
-Liivi Hess
