It Is Time for an Outdoor Oasis

In my home, the baseball schedule runs the show during summer.  We have been so busy at games that I have hardly had time to enjoy my beautiful new custom outdoor cushions made by a friend.  All spring I looked for replacement cushions for backyard furniture and with no luck I reached out to my talented friend Diane.  We were able to get a great deal on outdoor fabric and she worked her magic!

As my schedule starts to slow now that summer is coming to an end, I have had time to look around and realize my outdoor space just isn’t inspiring me.  I am in the planning phase of a fall backyard makeover, and I have created a vision board of my top six outdoor design ideas that I want to pursue before the snow starts to fly here in Illinois.

Image: Brazilian Wood Depot

1.      New Decking:

Starting from the ground up I am wanting to get rid of my old concrete patio, and I want a beautiful natural wood deck.  I found Brazilian Wood Depot online, and their aesthetic really appeals to me. I did a lot of research regarding real wood vs. composite decking and am convinced that the Ipe real wood decking is the right choice for me. It is naturally resistant to rot and decay, resists scratches, and tends to be less expensive than composite decking.  Check out composite wood decking for more comparison between the two materials!  I am excited to design a deck that is decorative and functional for my family.

2.      Outdoor Rugs:

I am hoping to make my deck big enough to have different “rooms” and I like to include rugs to help define the space.  I am partial to brightly colored rugs that coordinate with each other but aren’t identical.  It is important to research the different fabrics that outdoor rugs may include.  I am partial to synthetic fiber rugs like polypropylene because they are waterproof and long lasting, and they maintain their bright colors despite the elements. Acrylic and polyester also are synthetic fibers that have positive attributes.  Many people like natural fibers like jute, bamboo, or sisal but I find they fade quickly and retain moisture, making them more likely to mold.

3.      Outdoor Lighting:

Who doesn’t love the golden twinkle of lights at night?  I hope to have strings of Edison lights hanging around my cozy outdoor oasis, making it feel like a special secret hideout in my backyard.  These days there are many affordable options for outdoor lights.

4.      Outdoor Heater:

Us Midwesterners are tough and spend as much time outdoors as the weather will allow.  One way to buy just a little more time outdoors is to purchase an outdoor heater.  When searching for an outdoor heater the first decision you must make is whether you want propane or electric. You also want to consider the longevity and efficiency of the heaters, as well as making sure you don’t need any special skills to install it!  Safety first- make sure they are appropriate for the ages and stages of your children and pets.

5.      Water feature/Fire Feature:

Water and fire are like yin and yang.  They look so beautiful together!  It was too hard for me to decide which I would rather have until I realized that I could have both…together!  One popular design is a water and fire bowl which would fit any size oasis because they are very versatile.  They can be integrated into pools or hot tubs but can also stand alone on a column. There are many types of design looks from sleek, modern metals to earthy, natural looking bowls.  There is some sticker shock when it comes to these features, but you can’t beat the impact in your outdoor space.

6.      Planters:

Of course, don’t forget the natural elements of various plants and greenery to bring it all together!  Using planters of various materials, shapes and sizes and filling them with seasonal plants creates a fun, less formal feeling that I appreciate in outdoor spaces.