Ideas for Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard a Relaxing Retreat

There’s nothing like being able to head home at the end of the day and have a relaxing place to unwind. Even if you can’t go far from home  you can turn your outdoor place into a personal oasis. Check out these ideas for easy ways to make your backyard a relaxing retreat !

Make a relaxing backyard retreat by bringing in lots of greenery with either landscaping foliage and/or potted plants.

Even if you have a smaller patio or deck area, potted plants can add ambiance and the feeling of nature. Plants at staggered heights in shade areas such as pots of ferns, figs and tropical plants , and for areas with more sun exposure banana trees and bird of paradise make great container plants that well in the summer heat. Hedges such as arbor vitae can create privacy and green backdrop.

Add furnishings that feel more like the indoors, but can hold up to the seasonal weather.

Outdoor furniture and decor now has a more refined feel than a few years ago. By adding rugs that look more like indoor area rugs, throw pillows with patterns that don’t scream “back deck” and even outdoor lamps that look more like indoor lamps (solar powered!) give a more “cozy” feel than decor that looks like it was made to sit outside. Adding patio furniture that feels more like furniture with nice cushions instead of plastic lawn chairs is not only more comfortable to sit on, but looks more aesthetically pleasing.

Adding a gazebo, awning, pergola, patio umbrella or overhead covering to the outside lounge area creates a false ceiling and makes for a cozier and more enclosed outdoor living room.

Overhead elements such as DIY lanterns and chandeliers create more of a relaxing outdoor space feeling and add interest.

Adding privacy to your backyard can also make it feel more like a private oasis, especially if you have a hot tub. Build a DIY outdoor privacy panel or even a standing wood panel to hide ugly eyesores.

A panel or even a trellis can also add interest and a place to add more plants such as these staghorn fern plaques.

Create moments of private seating with egg chairs, hammocks or porch swings. This creates the perfect place guests (or your family!) can go to take a break from the busy-ness of the day and relax. Add pea gravel for a relaxing and zen-like crunch to your landscaping.

Mood lighting such as solar powered lanterns, string lights, or even solar powered chandeliers can make the outdoors feel like a resort in your own backyard and let you stay outside to enjoy the season even longer.

Adding features such as a fountain, fire pit, or even water feature such as a small pond can add to the resort-like outdoor feel. Even a small fountain with the sound of running water can be relaxing and help to mask distracting noise such as traffic or noisy neighbors.

I hope these tips for creating and outdoor living space can make your backyard your new favorite vacation spot this Summer!