Home Improvement Ideas Porches & Outdoor Rooms Outdoor Rooms 14 Ideas for Creating a Backyard Oasis Create a calming outdoor escape with these easy design ideas. By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on April 3, 2024 Close Photo: Ed Gohlich Transform your outdoor space into a place of escape where you can unwind, enjoy some fresh air, and have fun with friends and family. To foster an inviting atmosphere, combine outdoor furniture, decor, landscaping, and other elements that suit your style and needs. Try these ideas to get the most serene, sophisticated backyard oasis your budget allows. 18 Backyard Landscaping Ideas to Upgrade Your Hangout Spots 01 of 14 Incorporate Colors and Patterns with Textiles Edmund Barr Personalize a deck or patio with weather-resistant textiles that add softness and style. First, decide on a color scheme, then gather outdoor pillows in different sizes and patterns. Opt for easy-to-clean outdoor cushions and fabrics that dry quickly, and resist UV rays. To add a larger dose of colors and patterns, anchor your seating area with a stylish outdoor rug. 02 of 14 Provide Spots for Lounging Jay Wilde In addition to areas for outdoor dining and entertaining, a place to relax is key. A hammock provides a snug spot for an afternoon nap when strung up between two trees or deck posts. A chaise longue is ideal for sunbathing or lounging with a book. Add plenty of outdoor pillows or cushions to boost comfort even more. The 7 Best Hammocks of 2024, According to Testing 03 of 14 Add Lushness with Plants David Patterson Surround your outdoor space with lush greenery. Plant container gardens with eye-catching varieties and arrange them near the seating area to provide living decor. A shallow planter filled with succulents can serve as a beautiful centerpiece for an outdoor table. Plants with tall stems and full leaves double as privacy screens with strategic placement. Continue the natural look with serving platters made from jute or rattan materials. 04 of 14 Plan Outdoor Lighting Ann VanderWiel Wilde Outdoor oasis ideas for after sunset must include backyard lighting. At its most basic, this consists of porch lights that illuminate access to the house and provide ambient lighting. You'll need good task lighting over the grill and work areas for outdoor kitchens. Candlelight, wall-mounted downlights, or dimmable electric lamps work well in dining and conversation areas. Steps and walkways should also be illuminated for safety. You can also use solar-powered accent lights or low-voltage lights to add drama and interest to the landscape and highlight paths. Combine a mix of lighting sources to make your backyard getaway a magical place after dark. 05 of 14 Create Shady Spots Bob Stefko Even sun-worshippers will welcome a little shade in the heat of summer. On days when it's bright and hot outside, you and your guests will enjoy your deck or patio more if you can provide relief from the sun. Choices for shade include patio umbrellas, mature trees, retractable awnings, or even arbors and pergolas planted with vines. Choose the option that best suits your space and budget. The 8 Best Patio Umbrellas of 2024, According to Our Tests 06 of 14 Define Your Outdoor Space Ed Gohlich Make your backyard a versatile destination by defining different activity zones within the space. Multiple outdoor furniture arrangements carve out spaces for dining and relaxing on this patio. A pergola covered with luxurious vines and an abundance of plants in containers augment the surrounding garden and help blend the structure into the landscape. 07 of 14 Create a Picture-Perfect Patio Michael Partenio A patio should be a welcoming extension of the house, calling you outdoors to enjoy cool breezes and fresh air. You can make your patio a comfortable seasonal room with some planning. Patios are usually surfaced with brick or stone. If you opt for concrete, consider adding texture and color to imitate stone for a more natural look. Use planting beds, container gardens, and weatherproof furniture to decorate the outdoor space. Soften the look of an outdoor dining set with rattan planters or dining accessories. 08 of 14 Add an Outdoor Kitchen Jamie Hadley Consider an outdoor kitchen if you love grilling and eating outdoors from spring through fall. You don't need a fancy grill for your outdoor kitchen. Still, a countertop for food prep and conveniences like closed storage and a separate side burner will greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Place beverage dispensers on a stand to make it easier for guests to serve themselves. Add a refrigerator to keep food fresh on hot days and a sink to make cleanup easy. 32 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas Perfect for Entertaining 09 of 14 Ensure Privacy James Yochum Your outdoor room will feel more like an oasis if it has a sense of enclosure. Fences and garden walls ensure privacy for patios and decks. You can also use lattice, pergolas, and landscaping to define outdoor spaces and screen views of neighboring houses. Hanging outdoor curtains is another easy, inexpensive way to boost privacy. Patio Privacy Ideas to Help You Create a Relaxing Outdoor Oasis 10 of 14 Furnish for Comfort and Durability Marty Baldwin You have more choices than ever when considering backyard oasis ideas for furnishing your outdoor rooms. Wrought iron and cast iron, wrought or cast aluminum, and traditional wood are classic options for outdoor furniture. Synthetic, weatherproof patio furniture and fabrics are also available, offering similar styles and comfort as interior furnishings. Opt for acrylic drinkware that won't break if dropped. Even weatherproof floor lamps and table lamps combine stylish lighting with durability. 11 of 14 Define Spaces with Outdoor Structures Bob Stefko A gazebo adds another level of luxury to your backyard oasis. Whether attached to the deck, set near a pool, or placed in the landscape, a gazebo is an outdoor room in its own right and offers a protected spot for dining, cooking, or relaxing. Pergolas, trellises, and arbors can also be used to define activity zones in your outdoor paradise. Use them to create focal points, separate areas according to function, or provide transitions from one place to another. 33 Gazebo Design Ideas for a Relaxing Backyard Escape 12 of 14 Add a Hot Tub or Spa Kritsada Panichgul A hot tub or spa on the deck is the ultimate luxury for long, relaxing soaks at the end of the day. To determine the best location for the spa, consider privacy, access to the house, and whether you want the tub in sunshine or shade. A typical round hot tub is 6 feet in diameter and takes up about 30 square feet. A rectangular tub requires about 48 square feet. You'll also need additional room for sitting and walking around the tub. Bear in mind that a hot tub full of water could weigh 2 tons, so it will need a foundation independent of the deck's foundation. 13 of 14 Create Cozy Warmth with a Fire Ed Gohlich Fireplaces make a natural focal point that can help define space and provide privacy for an outdoor room. They're also a good starting point for an outdoor kitchen. The best firepits, whether move-in or moveable, serve to draw people together and can extend the usefulness of an outdoor living area into cooler weather. 23 Cozy Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for a Cool-Weather Hangout Space 14 of 14 Bring in Artistic Elements Peter Krumhardt Fountains, statues, and art enhance the beauty of your backyard. If you enjoy the soothing sound of trickling water, consider installing an outdoor fountain to serve as the focal point of your yard. Or accessorize the space with garden sculptures or weatherproof art, such as plates, garden plaques, or decorative wrought iron. These ornamental touches help create a welcoming, personalized space for outdoor living. Frequently Asked Questions How much does it cost to build a backyard oasis? Unfortunately, outdoor projects, including backyard oasis, have one of the most widest ranges when it comes to budget and it all comes down to the upgrades or additions you want to create the oasis of your dreams. On average, a typical cost may go between $4,000 and $12,000, however, it may go up to close to $20,000 if you want to install an outdoor home spa or jacuzzi, and even a greenhouse, for example. For specific costs and timeframes, it's always recommended to talk to your contractor for an estimate. Learn More: How to Estimate Backyard Renovation Costs How much value does a backyard add to a house? Whether you go for simple and budget-friendly, or extravagant and luxe, creating a backyard oasis increases the home value by up to 10%. Keep in mind, though, that you need something relatively simple to maintain over time. Focus on well-manicured landscaping designs and high-quality, lasting features that will surely become a selling point. Learn More: Landscaping Projects That Add Value to Your Home Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit