Creating an oasis in your backyard may seem difficult and unachievable when you first think about it and look at the space around you. Fortunately, creating a space that you want to be in is not that hard to do. In fact, you can do it affordably too, which makes it even better.
Many of the ideas that we will go over below can be done in any backyard, whether you have a pool or not. Of course, all of these are simply ideas and are by no means a requirement for you to have to love your backyard space.
Above all else, remember, you want to make sure that you choose upgrades that make sense to you both style wise and budget wise.
Let’s take a look at some ideas to transform your backyard into the oasis of your dreams!
1. Handle the Pests and Give Them the Boot
You could have the most luxurious outdoor oasis space but if the pests and bugs are not handled, it will quickly become an area that does not get used. No one likes pests. From roaches to spiders to flying insects, you want to make sure you eliminate any issues that may be present. A simple wasp nest can become a serious problem at your next BBQ should someone get too close.
While it would be impossible to eliminate all bugs from your backyard, there are preventative measures you can take such as using insecticides and other options such as citronella candles to ward them off. You may also want to consider hiring a pest control company to come out and spray in the backyard often, as they can protect your yard against mosquitos, fleas, and even ticks.
2. Create a Private Space
A truly relaxing backyard oasis is one that is completely private. Think about it – you don’t want the neighbors looking at you or watching you trying to relax in your backyard. You want to be able to enjoy the moment without eyes on you at all times.
You should focus on creating a space that is private, so that you and your family or guests can enjoy it to its fullest extent. Planters, large hedges, and high fences can help to add that touch of privacy you need.
3. Create a Patio or Deck Space
If your backyard consists of just grass and no porch or patio, then creating one is useful to achieving the look and feel you are after. This extra space will provide additional room for you to add seating for yourself and guests along with the equipment you need to grill or hosts get togethers.
Adding an outdoor deck or patio can improve the resale value of your home too, which is excellent for homeowners who may want to sell in the future or even refinance.
Your outdoor space can be customized to meet your needs and does not have to be the typical patio or deck either. You can choose to have a gazebo or pergola installed with a walkway from your home to the space.
4. Dress Up Your Deck or Patio
An outdoor rug is an excellent way to start dressing up your deck or patio and can allow you to add a bit of style to the area, along with comfort for any bare feet. In addition, placing a rug down on the ground can help define different areas of the deck too.
As you start to create this space, rearrange your furniture in a way that enhances your ability to have conversations with others. You can make this happen by placing the furniture in a circle or even placing a sofa across from chairs. The furniture should all be close enough that no one feels excluded or as though they need to talk loudly to conversate with one another.
Pro Tip: When you choose your outdoor rug and furniture, make sure that you are choosing materials that are rated for outdoor use. These materials are rated to withstand the different elements they will face such as snow, rain, wind, ice, heat, and other weather-related circumstances.
Some of the best weather-resistant materials include aluminum, teak, metal, and wicker. You want to ensure that the entire set is weatherproof, which includes the cushions and pillows. If you do not use outdoor-rated items, then mildew and deterioration will become a serious problem.
Once you have the seating arranged, you will want to create an area designed for eating as well. Having an outdoor dining table and chairs can achieve this for you.
5. Add Some Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting can really bring a look together for you and keep your get together going even when the sun sets. You have several options when it comes to outdoor lighting and can even use a combination of all together. For example, string lights can be hung from the top of a gazebo or you can have tiki torches line the walkway to and from the outdoor area. You can also use candles or other forms of lights around the fence area.
One of the best options for lighting is solar-powered landscape lights as they will charge up by the sun and last throughout the night for you. This way, you do not have to worry about running electricity or having to replace batteries on the regular.
6. Landscape the Area
You can break up the monotony of just grass by adding some landscape features along with garden beds, flowers, and even creating a complete break with some gravel between your fence and the oasis area.
If you do choose to landscape the area, you may want to consider landscaped items that do not require a lot of attention or time, unless you are okay making the time commitment.
7. Consider an Outdoor Kitchen
If you have the space and you enjoy cooking, you may want to consider an outdoor kitchen for your backyard oasis. This way, you do not have to walk to and from the kitchen inside your home a bunch of times. Outdoor kitchens can be as lavish or as basic as you want them to be.
As you do think about an outdoor kitchen, think about what your needs are. Do you want an outdoor sink? What about a grill? What about a pizza oven? It can be customized to meet all your needs and wants.
8. Add a Feature for Everyone to Have Fun
The best way to make your backyard an oasis and fun place to be is to add in a feature that everyone loves and wants to do. You can have a minimum of one activity or even multiple, should you have the space to accommodate.
If you have a pool, you can create this feature through the use of a colored pool light or colored interior of the pool. You could also add additional things such as a waterfall or a slide.
If you do not have a pool, you could setup an area in the yard to play giant Jenga, have a hot tub, a fire pit to make s’mores, or even a gaming area.
Your Backyard Oasis Is Made Up of Whatever You Can Dream Of
A backyard oasis does not have to be super luxurious to be a nice area. In fact, it could be super simple and achieve the same results that a very luxurious one can.
When it comes to your oasis, think about the things that make you happy and make you feel comfortable. Once you know what these things are, you can then start to create a plan for what you want in your backyard.
Your backyard should feel like an escape for you and not a hassle. It is best to choose items that will fit into your lifestyle and budget too. For example, if you are someone who wants to be hands off with plants and bushes, then you do not want to choose ones that require a lot of time, attention, and nurturing.
It is likely that you can transform your backyard into an oasis as a DIY project, but, if you do want to add any items that cannot be done DIY, it is important to hire someone who is licensed and insured to protect yourself.