5 Easy Backyard Oasis Ideas to Create Your Dream Space
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It’s prime time to get your backyard in order! Some of the best memories are made when you gather with friends and family to enjoy the warm-weather months, whether you’re lounging on outdoor furniture and catching up or enjoying friendly competition with backyard games. But no matter how you plan to use your space, one thing is certain: You want it to feel like your retreat. And that’s easy! Especially when you have these backyard oasis ideas to guide you.
One great thing about turning an ordinary backyard into a stylish spot for relaxing? Oftentimes, less is more. Just take it from entrepreneur Heather Tierney, whose desert-cool Venice backyard is great for lounging and s’mores-making. All it takes to snag her laid-back, stylish, and welcoming backyard oasis ideas are a few simple tricks. And guess what? We got ‘em below!
1. Get Growing
Fill the corners of the space with clusters of potted plants. Start with tall, statement-making greenery or easy flowers, then fill in the gaps with smaller pots. A mix of colors and textures adds personality, and you can easily rearrange your plants for a new look. If you’re not sure where to find plants you like, don’t worry—we have a list of the best places to browse them online right here.
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2. Break New Ground
Grass is obviously common in backyards, but it is big job to maintain. So, if that doesn’t appeal to you—and depending on where you live in the country—consider skipping the grass and going with something that’s easier to maintain. (And easier on the earth.) “Grass isn’t drought-tolerant, which may be one reason why it’s out of favor in California,” says Tierney, founder of design agency Wanderlust. Try white sea pebbles, like she did, or choose another small, light stone to brighten up the space.
3. Fire It Up
Create a cozy spot for conversation and cocktails with a firepit. Wood-burning options are budget-friendly; propane and gas firepits are more of an investment but make starting a fire as easy as flicking a switch. The best part about this feature is that you’ll likely use it from spring through fall, too.
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4. Take a Seat
To save space and make it easy to pull up a chair around the fire, have individual seating in addition to outdoor sofas or love seats, if you want them. While the leather chairs in the image above fit the desert theme, you’ll have to commit to bringing them in and out of the house. Instead, Tierney suggests a fade- and water-resistant fabric, like Sunbrella, or rattan, which has a timeless look and comes in a range of prices.
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5. Play with Pattern
Pattern or color will liven up the space and make it feel as stylish as any interior room. A fun print (like the shibori-inspired pattern here) sets the right tone for this laid-back area, but you can choose any that’s tailored to your personality. Other options for incorporating pattern are on items like poufs, which can be used as extra seating or side tables, throw pillows, or outdoor rugs. These are the backyard oasis ideas that serve as the perfect finishing touches.
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Enjoy!
By Hannah Baker | Photograph by Laure Joliet
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