Tips for creating an enjoyable backyard oasis

%ackyards are among the best places to spend summer months, offering outdoor relaxation within reach of the comforts of home.

With a little work, it is possible to transform any outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat.

Bring the indoors out

Just as bringing the outdoors inside using potted plants and other decor can enhance a home’s interior, the reverse can be true when designing a luxurious outdoor extension of an abode. Homey, lived-in touches can take an outdoor space from sterile and unfinished to cozy and inviting.

Some ideas include patterned throw pillows, fluffy blankets for chilly evenings, outdoor area rugs, colorful lanterns and decorative accessories such as painted terracotta pots or metal tins.

Invest in comfy furniture

The best part of a living room or family room is often a comfortable couch or recliner. To recreate that laid-back feeling outdoors, invest in some soft, weatherresistant furniture that entices users to stay outside for hours reading a book or playing a board game as a family.

Such furniture does not need to break the bank. Crafty folks can create a cozy lounging bench using reclaimed wood and hand-sewn cushions made of outdoor fabric and stuffing.

Add a relaxing pool or hot tub

Water has a calming effect and is often linked to favorite vacation memories. A pool or hot tub can allow users to enjoy a relaxing retreat without leaving home. Pools can help families get some exercise by playing games and swimming laps, while hot tubs can soothe tired muscles and promote a relaxed mindset.

If a pool or hot tub is not in the picture, homeowners can enhance their backyard oasis with a tranquil water feature, a fun lawn sprinkler or an engaging koi pond.

Go wild with greenery

Live plants not only improve a backyard’s aesthetics, but also help create a peaceful atmosphere. A vertical garden can add visual interest to an area, while trees and shrubs provide shade and character.

Aromatic herbs such as lavender and rosemary offer pleasant scents and can be used when cooking. A few flowers arranged in vases can also add a special touch to outdoor decor.