If there is one thing 2020 taught us is that our homes are truly our haven, and for the past two years, people have continued to gather at their homes, enjoy entertaining in their backyards and prefer “staycations” to travelling to distant places.
Regardless of its size, backyards are supposed to be a place for refuge, somewhere where you can escape relax, unwind, and have fun. To foster such a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, you need to create a relaxing oasis by combining the right décor, outdoor furniture, landscaping, and other elements that match your style and needs, and here’s how to do it.
Declutter and clean
Start the transformation by clearing out the clutter – mow the lawn, prune overgrown trees and hedges, put away the play equipment, or donate it to neighbours with small kids. Get rid of any broken furniture and accessories, and put away in storage anything you don’t use regularly.
Once you’ve cleared out your yard, take a look at your home as it provides the backdrop to your outdoor oasis. It, too, may need some aesthetical improvement. Your high rise windows might require cleaning, the paintwork might have chipped or faded, or there are a few unsightly cracks in the façade. Don’t neglect this work but also don’t force it as a DIY if you don’t feel confident enough. Rather consider calling the rope access specialists in Sydney who will ensure that your residential maintenance needs are met to high standards.
Clearing and decluttering will give you a clean slate and a chance to assess your backyard for elements it needs to become a place where you can truly relax and enjoy doing things you love, whether it’s basking in the sun or lounging in the shade sipping drinks and chatting with your friends.
Set up comfortable seating
No backyard oasis can exist without comfortable seating – this means high-quality outdoor furniture and loungers which allow you to stretch out and relax. If you provide such comfort, you’re more likely to spend some time outdoors, rather than sit down, scoff down your burger and get back inside in front of a TV.
Consider creating an atmosphere of indoor comfort – personalize your patio with weather-resistant fabrics that add softness and style. Pick a colour scheme, add a variety of outdoor pillows in different shapes and sizes. Finally, anchor your seating area decor with a stylish outdoor rug.
Be intentional with landscaping
Be intentional with your landscaping and carefully plan and select plants that will blend in your backyard setting creating the right mood. You decide if it’s going to be simple and minimalistic surroundings or a recreation of your favourite vacation destination, such as Tahiti or Maui.
The key lies in choosing plants that adapt well to the environment of your region – if you plant dying tropical plants in your dry locale, it will certainly not be reminiscent of a tropical paradise. Try mixing native plants for your region with shrubs, trees, vines, and perennials that have adapted to the climate. They can usually be found at your local nursery or botanical garden shop where you can also get lots of professional advice on how to tend to them.
Don’t forget the lighting
For an ultimate backyard getaway, especially in the evenings, include outdoor lighting. Start with porch lights and set them up so they illuminate access to the house and provide ambient lighting. At your outdoor kitchen, install good task lighting over the cooking area, and at the dining table, candlelight, wall-mounted downlights, or overhead string lights hanging from your pergola are ideal.
Illuminate your steps and walkways for safety reasons, and use solar-powered accent lights to add more interest in the landscape and highlight the paths. A combination of various lighting sources will make your backyard oasis a magical place after the sun sets.
Add a fire pit or a water feature
Fire and water are two elements that can bring more magic to your backyard. The very sight and sound of water have a soothing and therapeutic effect. Even if you don’t have the space for a private swimming pool, you can still have a water feature such as a fountain, a koi pond, a water wall, or a birdbath.
A fire pit or fireplace will instantly add warmth to your outdoor space, especially during the cooler season or in the evenings. There’s rarely anything that beats chatting with friends or cuddling with a partner next to a fire!
Create shade and privacy
Privacy is a fundamental part of a relaxing and calming outdoor space. By separating an area with the strategically placed wall, screens or fences you’ll create a secluded place with an air of mystery. Adding arbours and roof can provide more seclusion and also give you the necessary shade, but you can also plant tall shrubs, thick hedges and bamboo for a more natural feel.
Whether your backyard is small or big and your budget limited or not, you can still create an ultimate relaxing retreat that is comfy, inviting and stylish just like your interior. Simply follow the tips listed here and you’ll create an outdoor space to enjoy all year round!
