Turn Your Backyard into a Relaxing Oasis

When you look out into your backyard, do you see nothing but grass that needs mowing and dusty furniture from summers past? Maybe it's time to give your outdoor space a face lift. Here are some ideas on how to make your backyard a relaxing oasis:

Add a fire pit

You can spend a lot on fancy built-in models, but for less than $200, you can find a portable fire pit at the local home improvement store. (Do check your town's laws on the matter first; fire pits are illegal in some areas).

Add a fountain

A water feature, like a pond with a waterfall or a standalone waterfall, adds some soothing sounds to your space. The gurgle of a fountain is relaxing and it has the added benefit of drowning out background noise from the street. You don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money digging up the backyard to install plumbing and wiring. A lot of today's outdoor fountains are self-sufficient units, using solar power to circulate the water.

Buy new patio furniture

Have seating in all areas so you can sit and enjoy your creation. If stackable chairs and flimsy plastic tables are the extent of your outdoor "furniture," maybe it's time to upgrade. Now with water-proof fabrics and weather-proof materials means you can get just about anything for the backyard that you can for the living room. Why not invest in something that is comfortable and that will still look good several summers from now?
If you have a large area, create separate seating areas. Maybe adding a multilevel deck that includes a dining area and a relaxing area with lounge chairs and cozy seating around a fireplace. Include a mix lush of greenery and flowering plants in each area and try to incorporate some unique features into your space.

Source: luxuryhousingtrends.com