Designing Your Outdoor Oasis

Spending time outdoors is good for our physical and mental health, leading to better sleep, higher self-esteem and even improved focus. If you’re looking to improve your outdoor space and reap those benefits, we have some tips for you. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your patio, design one from scratch or just get better use out of the porch that’s currently covered in Amazon boxes, we have tips for you!

First – How Will You Use Your Outdoor Space?

Do you spend most of your summer evenings having friends and family over for dinner, drinks and conversation? Or are you spending summer afternoons with the kids hunting for bugs and playing with bubbles? Perhaps you just enjoy sitting outside admiring your garden and relaxing.

How you’ll use the space is key to designing an oasis you’ll want to spend time in and keep nice.

Next – What’s Your Space Like?

Next, consider the size of your outdoor space, what the environment is like (wind, sun exposure, etc.) and budget. If your outdoor space is located on a steep hill, you’ll need to factor in leveling some areas. If you have very wet conditions, looking at ways to improve drainage before you put in a deck or patio may be necessary. Maybe you have a deck or balcony but no shade – consider a retractable awning to add shade as needed. Awnings can be safely tucked away when bad weather hits, so they’re ideal for any climate.

Once you have the basics of a seating area and some shade, you’re ready to get designing.

Design Your Seating Spot

Even if you don’t have a deck per se, think of this as your seating area or gathering place – the spot where you have a cement pad, deck, gazebo, etc. It will be under your awning if you have (or plan to get) one.

Fill this area with the type of seating you prefer – for entertaining, you’ll want a table and chairs; for relaxing, go for lounge chairs. If you have a large area, consider separating a dining spot and a lounge spot with different outdoor area rugs.

If your seating isn’t right next to your home, or your home’s kitchen is on the opposite side of the house, think about adding an outdoor kitchen. This can be as simple as a grill, stove burner and sink to help you better prep and serve food outside.

If you do add an outdoor kitchen, consider screening in the entire area with retractable screens motorized by Somfy. These screens keep bugs out of your cooking and eating areas and can be tucked away when storms roll in or for winter. Even without a kitchen, if bugs are an issue for your climate, screens can mean a big improvement in the quality (and quantity!) of time you spend outdoors.

Add Furniture

Choose outdoor furniture that suits your taste and budget. If you’re looking to save money, check your local garage sales or keep your eyes peeled for discounts. Add colorful area rugs and throw pillows to tie it all together and keep things comfortable. For a long life, be sure to put pillows and chair cushions away during bad weather and when they’re not in use.

Be Sure there’s Greenery

Next, be sure your seating area has some green! Add a touch of the outdoors to your balcony with a potted plant or two or surround your deck with planters. If your outdoor oasis is in full sun, be sure to choose plants that can tolerate that; otherwise, place your greenery in the shade. For a fun touch, grow herbs like basil or mint and use them in your drinks or meals.

You can also use greenery to add privacy to your seating area with shrubs, hedges or even lattice fencing with vining plants to grow on it.

Add Room for Fun

Whether you like to play horse shoes or corn hole, have a pool for the family or even want to craft or do yoga outside, make sure you factor in a spot for it in your plan.

Finally, Add Coziness

The things that really make an outdoor oasis shine are the add-ons like fire pits and string lights. Pro tip: buy an extra set of string lights for replacement bulbs. You can also put your outdoor lighting on a smart plug so you can turn them on and off with voice commands, just like you can do with your retractable awning or screens.

Fire pits are a fun trend in outdoor design, but if you don’t love the smell of a campfire, you can always choose a propane-fueled option.

Water features add a special touch to an outdoor space, from Koi ponds to cascading water pumps, the sound of bubbling water really sets the tone for relaxation.

If you’re working with a balcony or small space, you can still enjoy a small water fountain and add windchimes to help block out city noise and get the relaxation you deserve. And if bugs are a concern, you can add retractable screens to a balcony too!

Those are our tips for designing your perfect outdoor space – no matter where you live and what you use your outdoor time for, we hope you get outside this summer and enjoy everything nature has to offer. And if you’re ready to add an awning, retractable screens or even a motorized pergola to your space, let us put you in touch with a dealer today.