Having an outdoor living space can bring you numerous benefits. It gives your family room to spread out, escape the confines of your house, and enjoy time outdoors without leaving home. Whether you want to entertain guests, have a peaceful place to unwind, or both, your backyard can serve as the perfect space to do so.
Outdoor living areas are incredibly customizable. No matter how large or small your back yard is or what you want to use it for, there are numerous ways to transform the space and make it your own. Still, when you’re building your dream patio, certain key features need to be included.
Comfortable Seating
One essential element to include in your backyard oasis is comfortable seating. Whether you’re out there enjoying a quiet cup of coffee on a pleasant morning or hosting a neighborhood barbecue, you need a place to sit and relax. That could be a simple patio set, some cushioned lounge chairs, or sitting walls to name a few of the possibilities. Be sure to think about where the sun is at any given time throughout the day as well. You may need to add a pergola, retractable awning, or umbrellas for shade.
An Outdoor Kitchen
If you enjoy cooking outside, an outdoor kitchen would be a perfect addition to your backyard retreat. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want and space allows. A portable grill and food preparation station can serve you well, but if you want a more intricate setup, you have have a full kitchen built complete with a range, sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator. A bar area can give you counter space for preparing food while doubling as a dining area.
Water Features and Fire Pits
If you’d like to take your outdoor space to entirely new levels, adding a water feature or fire pit might be nice. Listening to the sound of water flowing with a small fountain or pond can be incredibly relaxing. Watching the flames of a fire pit can have calming effects as well. On top of that, a fire pit can help keep you warm on chilly nights.
Lighting
Additionally, outdoor lighting is an essential feature for a backyard oasis. It’ll make the space functional both day and night. It’ll also make it safer for nighttime use. Light your seating areas, walkways, food preparation areas, and other spaces where your family and guests might go to get the most out of your backyard retreat.
Plants
Many people feel that no outdoor space is complete without plants. They beautify your yard, and some plants can give you more privacy. If you add a vegetable or herb garden to your retreat, those plants can be both aesthetic and functional. If you don’t have a lot of space for planting in your yard, you can use planters, raised beds, or hanging baskets. For the previously mentioned privacy factor, you can use spreading vines on trellises or fencing to create a curtain over your patio or pergola.
Building Your Backyard Retreat
Creating the perfect backyard retreat is a matter of incorporating elements that will make the space suit your style and meet your needs. The options mentioned here are some of the most common additions, but as mentioned, numerous possibilities are at your disposal. Think about what’s important to you and what you plan to use the space for to determine which features are essential for you. Be sure to add some finishing touches as well to truly make the space your own.
