With the weather warming up and things slowly getting back to normal, we’re ready to open up our backyards for summer! Flowers in bloom and the aroma of the barbecue fired up is making us eager to get our outdoor spaces just right. We’ve got 4 essential tips to create your own outdoor oasis perfect for gatherings, or a backyard paradise just for you!

1. DECIDE ON AESTHETICS AND SET YOUR INTENTIONS

There’s no need to re-invent an entirely new aesthetic for your outdoor space! Your outdoor space should be an extension of your indoor space you love. Work with outdoor textiles, furniture and colors already in your home to seamlessly blend the indoor and outdoor spaces together. Make a mood board to capture the essence of your dream outdoor space before investing in your core pieces. Also, determine exactly what the purpose of this space is going to be. Is your backyard the place to be in the summer, weekend barbecues or moonlit get togethers for drinks with friends? Or are you looking for a quiet space to sit and enjoy a book and a cup of coffee? Additionally, if your space needs to accommodate kids and pets, it will impact how it comes together.

Photo Credit: Stacy Garcia Studio

2. TAKE A LOOK AROUND

What’s a unique feature of your space? Do you have an incredible view, a wide-open lawn, or a focal point like a gorgeous swimming pool? Once you’ve decided what the focus of your space should be, arrange your seating and larger pieces to lend themselves to point to it. Erica Reiner designed this beautiful space (below), with ample seating with the perfect focus on the gorgeous wall mural. 

It’s also important to take note of environmental factors as to not sabotage your space. Does your space get strong afternoon sun? Make sure to set up any seating areas under shade, or incorporate an umbrella. If you get an evening breeze, make sure any fire pits aren’t directly in the path of the wind.

Design by Erica Reiner of Eco Method Interiors, Photography by Eugene Lee.

3. CREATE AREAS FOR CONVERSATION

Make sure your outdoor oasis truly welcomes good memories and good conversation. A great way to design a space for conversation is to set up elements that create privacy. While indoor spaces have walls, you'll want to incorporate some kind of barrier or wall that suggests boundaries. Offering a place that feels removed from the loud elements of the outside world creates a naturally relaxing atmosphere.

Stacy Garcia Home Outdoor Furniture Prototypes

4. FINAL TOUCHES

Bring your space to life with your final touches, like greenery, decorative accents and rugs. We love this space by Ariel Richardson, since it sets up an intimate space complete with thoughtful details that set up a carefully styled area complete with a calm ambiance.

Design By Ariel Richardson, ASR Design Studio, Get the rug from Shop Stacy Garcia, Brown Diamond Outdoor Area Rug.

What are your essentials for outdoor living? Browse our picks below and let us know how you create your outdoor oasis!