Creating a Backyard Oasis

Creating an experience outside of your home that can offer you a form of escape from what you typically live with on the inside is essential to embracing summer. Other than the obvious fact that your outdoor space is well, outside, it can be treated with similar respect to the interior.

Regardless of if you have a deck space off of an apartment or condo building, or a large grassy backyard, here are some key elements to help you bring an outdoor oasis to life.

DEFINE YOUR SPACE. Using structures and or furniture will instantly create a room or an area that will differentiate itself from the rest of the backyard. Whether you’ve got a seating area for 2 or 8, a place to dine or lounge, make it special by giving it it’s own ‘room’.

Pergola’s and gazebo’s can be free standing or attach to your home acting as an extension. These options as well as an umbrella offer privacy and shelter from rain or sun.
The outdoor furniture options have increased significantly over the years so the only that will be holding you back from selecting the right pieces for your perfect oasis is perhaps budget.
Have kids? If you have room for a playground, sandbox or other child focused area, this allows them to have their own special space in the backyard as well.
A structure can also be as simple as an umbrella where the shade defines the space.

backyardOasis1

backyardOasis2

Photos: House and Home Galleries, Restoration Hardware Antiqua Collection

CREATE A MOOD. In an effort to achieve tranquility and step away from the day to day, create an environment that welcomes guests and offers yourself a place to unwind at the end of a busy day.

pondless waterfalls, fountains and bubbling containers are all impressive features that add calming sounds to your backyard.
planters add depth and variety to your existing landscaping. They are great for annual gardening, tall grasses or even trees. Group them together for maximum impact.
lanterns and lighting are so important to add ambiance whether it be with candles or solar lighting throughout the garden.
a fire pit is one my favorite things in my own backyard. While it also gives off light, the warmth and sound of a fire crackling is another way to add to your backyard experience.

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backyardOasis4

Photos: House and Home Galleries, Crate and Barrel Reed Hurricanes

ACCESSORIZE. Last but not least, just as on the inside we complete a room with accessories, the same is true for our outdoor experience. I prefer to stay simple so that nature can really be the focus, however here are a few ideas to capitalize on the finishing touches.

using dishes designed for outdoor use is a must. So many colours, patterns, shapes and sizes are available so have fun with it!
throw pillows are an excellent addition to your seating, just be sure to bring them inside to protect from the elements.
you likely have flowers planted in the garden, however bring them to the table as well. Cut stems, loosely placed in a container create a perfect centre piece.
area rugs are also available for outdoor use. They not only work as an accessory but also help to define your space.

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backyardOasis7

Photos: Pottery Barn Palace Outdoor pillow, Crate and Barrel Bamboo Outdoor Dishes

I hope some of these tips will help and encourage you to create a backyard space where you can celebrate warmer weather and enjoy the lazy days of summer!

About the Author

I am Nyla Free…interior designer, wife and mother of two beautiful girls. I started my interior design company, Nyla Free Designs eight years ago after our first daughter was born. I am able to do what I love and stay involved with my girls' school and many activities. It's chaotic at times but I wouldn't have it any other way! Design in a Box is my newest product to help style savvy, yet budget conscious Canadians create their own beautiful rooms..

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Comments

0 # CA 2010-06-21 03:29

We don't own a cottage so we've tried to make our backyard a bit of an escape. I really want to add a pondless water fountain in our yard too. We had one at our old home and it really does make a difference in sound. Great tips.

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0 # Kmart Design 2010-06-21 06:51

Nyla, great tips! I agree with you that a great outdoor environment can be a tranquil escape area. And, creating a personalized space makes a world of a difference.

In regards to outdoor accessories, our Chief Home Design Officer, Theresa, says don't be afraid to "bring the indoors outside" e.g., indoor dinnerware outside. See here: http://www.kmartdesign.com/things_we_love/summer/

What do you think?

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0 # nylafree 2010-06-21 12:38

Hi Everyone! Thanks for reading my first post here at Everything Mom! Just a note I wanted to make...I ended up purchasing the Bamboo Plates from Crate and Barrel (shown above) for a party I had over the weekend. They came in packages of 6 and are actually semi-disposable, which I hadn't realized. You can use them a few times, however they are not something that can be washed over and over again. They looked fantastic and were more sturdy than a typical disposable plate. The price was very reasonable, in fact I think they were even on sale! Wanted to let you know :)

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