Creating your own backyard oasis

Imagine an ice cold drink in your hand as you lounge with the warmth of the sun beaming on your face, and the sound of birds chirping in the background. We crave the idea of relaxation because we are so consumed with our busy lives, making it sometimes difficult to get away. This is part of the reason why well designed outdoor spaces have become more important, they have become an extension to our indoor living spaces. Like any space whether interior or exterior, functionality is key. In order to determine that, however, you need to understand how you want to use the space, and who will be using the space. Consider your lifestyle and start from there.

Small Spaces

Despite what you may think you don’t require a huge backyard to create the outdoor oasis you desire. Take our Vellore Village project; we designed an outdoor space that meets their needs within a 720 sqft backyard.

What were the needs?

• BBQ area with counter space and storage
• Covered Lounge area (something that wouldn’t require permits)
• Large Pots for their Plants

The BBQ Area

Luckily, the homeowner is handy and was able to build out the design. The BBQ area includes counter space with storage and top grills. A natural stone was tiled on the surface that will allow it to hold up in the exterior elements, along with a granite countertop.

The Lounge Area

We created a lounge area where everyone can gather together, have a coffee, or take a break and enjoy the nice weather. In order to bring the space together, an exterior rug was added to make the space feel more homely and bring colour to the otherwise neutral natural stones. It also creates a designated zone for the lounging area. To create shade, we went with a freestanding canopy with a removable sail. A great alternative to the typical gazebo that would require permits for anything larger than 10′. This canopy is 13′, and can be easily rolled up and covered for the winter.

The seating uses Sunbrella fabric, which we love for the outdoor. The colours stay vivid for a long time, and they can be easily washed. Several outdoor pillows were placed to break up the orange, but still tie in everything together. The ottomans can have a double function as a coffee table, or be used for extra lounging. They can also easily be reconfigured if you require more seating.

The Planters

It was important to find large durable pots to hold their gorgeous elephant ear plants. The plants are required to be brought inside during the winter months, so we needed something that would be tall and slim, as well as easy to bring in and out. There are two large planters that were added on either side of the canopy to frame out the space.

Here are our top 6 tips for creating your own backyard oasis

1. Key to a great outdoor kitchen is choosing the right appliances and materials.

Consider what appliances you need. At minimum you should have the bbq and some storage. Some extra items that can really make your outdoor kitchen easy and convenient for entertaining is to include a trash bin, fridge, sink, ice machine, side burners, and a pizza oven. These extra features can make your kitchen fully functional, so if you have parties you don’t have to run back and forth inside.

Choosing the right materials is important for your outdoor kitchen. The most common countertop material is granite because it is porous and water resistant. Marble, although a beautiful stone absorb stains and fades overtime. This is why when using marble in an indoor kitchen you have seal it every so often to protect the material. Other options can be stainless steel, concrete or tile. Bare in mind in extreme cold weather tile can potentially crack. As for the cabinets, there are four main materials that can be used: stainless steel, stone, teak and marine-grade polymer. When considering flooring you want to insure you choose a material that is not slippery when wet. Safe flooring materials include concrete, brick and natural stone.  There are some tiles available that are not glazed or porous, just be sure it is slip resistant. To achieve a more contemporary look, cast-concrete or slate will work.

2. Create an area with shade

Creating an area of shade is important for those hot summer days. There are so many ways to achieve this, either through a canopy, umbrella, pergola, cabana, sail, pavilion, etc. Before deciding on how you want to create your shaded space, take a look at all your options and see what your city bylaws will allow. Some cities may have restrictions and require permits for certain structures.

3. Create different zones within your backyard

Outdoor spaces can be divided into multiple spaces based on use/activity. Create a backyard retreat with different zones, ie. Dining and lounging. To visually designate an area, laying down an outdoor rug where your furniture is, really helps to define the space.  

4. Add Potted Plants

Aside from flower beds or gardens, having potted plants throughout the backyard is a great way to add texture, colour, and play with different heights. They are also easy enough to move around if you want to change things up, or even provide the option to bring your plants inside during the winter months.

5. Add Lighting

Lighting is just as important in your home as it is outside. Incorporate task lighting where needed, such as near the BBQ or to light up a path. Ambience lighting is also important, such as twinkle lights or even lanterns.

6. Add a fun feature

Your backyard oasis should be your get-away place when you can’t actually get away. So add something fun, whether it is a hammock, a fire pit, a sculpture, a water feature, or a tree house. Make your space unique to you!