In recent years, we’ve realized the importance of learning how to relax in our own homes. We’re learning how to create sanctuaries in our backyards for times when getting away isn’t possible.
The reward is a one-week retreat and a higher value for our house.
Stay-cations leave us looking for new ideas and ways to create beautiful getaways in our own backyard. We’ve compiled 29 of the best ideas for backyard oases for relaxation.
When thinking about backyard ideas for your oasis, there are several things to consider. Think about the primary use of the area. Are you looking for a simple lounge area, an outdoor dining area, or are you planning to be the gathering place for large parties?
You also need to decide if your goal includes more privacy, more shade, or outdoor lighting.
Get our best home and garden ideas delivered to your email inbox every day.
Click here
It’s free, no credit card required!
Whatever you decide, we have plenty of ideas here for every type of retreat. Take notes and get ready to build the backyard of your dreams.
- How can I turn my garden into an oasis?
Ask yourself what relaxes you. Is it a swimming pool, a fire pit, or green space and plants? Then start there. Whatever makes you calm and peaceful could find its place in your backyard oasis.
- How can I make an outdoor area more inviting?
Add a splash of color and patio furniture. If you can afford it, a pergola or small pool would be even better.
- How much does it cost to build a backyard oasis?
It may cost a lot if you prefer luxurious patio designs and furniture, but don’t worry – you can easily spend a few hundred dollars on furniture and other decorations to achieve the same effect.
1. Expand the patio area with a spa or hot tub
Nothing defines an oasis like a hot tub. A spa can even fit in small backyards. Make sure to add more seating because your hot tub will be the hit of the neighborhood.
This spa is built on a raised deck to keep the plumbing above ground, and by installing a pergola, curtains can be pulled down to create more privacy.
2. Redesign the barbecue area with an outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen can include all the elements you need to mimic your indoor kitchen.
This food prep area has been well planned as an extension of the indoor kitchen, making it easy to transport supplies indoors when the weather turns bad. There’s even a breakfast bar.
3. Bring garden plants to your deck
Plants are the cornerstone of any backyard area, but we seem to forget to add them back after building the decks and patios.
Replant them in planters of all shapes and sizes.
4. Vertical gardens provide more height and privacy
Vertical gardens are perfect for a small backyard.
They can be built from plastic planters that anchor to a wall. Place them around your patio for instant privacy.
In a vertical garden you can plant anything from flowers to vegetables.
5. Portable awning provides shade where needed
Awnings, sails and canopies can be installed just as easily as putting a tarp over a tent.
Create your perfect oasis anywhere in your garden by anchoring four sturdy poles into heavy planters and securing them in place with ropes.
6. Climbing ivy adds green to your walls
Ground covers create a lush wall for this seating area.
If your garden has a slope like this, experiment with hanging plants or an ivy trellis. Lush ferns provide plenty of greenery with minimal maintenance.
7. Water feature adds soothing white noise
Adding a water feature to your outdoor oasis is easier than you think. The white noise it creates is soothing and it’s mesmerizing to watch the water flow.
There are many ideas and projects that you can realize yourself with a container, river stones and an aquarium pump.
8. Add rock gardens near the pool area
An area near the deck gets a minimalist design with small plants and three smooth brown stones sitting amidst white marble chips.
This is a great idea if you need to close off an old hot tub area.
9. Incorporate textured fabrics into your deck
Transform your simple wooden deck with textured textiles. Potted plants and grass surround the outdoor area. A canopy and curtains further define the deck.
Throw rugs, pillows and macrame items add a calming touch.
Round lanterns provide soft light in the evening.
10. Add a grill to your fire pit
The grill area is connected to the fire pit so the cook never misses the conversation.
Adding a rustic fence around a fire pit will make it more cozy. Colorful stadium seat cushions also work on granite slab benches in a pinch.
11. Raised terraces and pergolas provide intimacy
A large patio is surrounded by a large stone fireplace and a separate seating area.
Adding a pergola and lattice trellises turns it into an intimate gathering place.
12. Create a peaceful view with less patio furniture
If you have a great view and tall trees for shade, it doesn’t take many things to create your perfect backyard oasis.
This inviting space consists of a spacious terrace and an infinity pool. A couple of chaise lounges on the terrace and a parasol complete this minimalist retreat.
13. Create comfortable seating areas
A fire pit is the focal point of this paved patio, which is divided into three entertaining areas, and a low log wall keeps wildlife from entering the group.
RELATED: 35 AMAZING DIY OUTDOOR FIRE PIT IDEAS YOU CAN DO IN ONE DAY
Bright decorative cushions break up the monotony of the brown chair cushions.
14. Stone walls give an old world feel
Enhancing your garden with stone walls is a labor of love. It is a good solution for hilly yards with boulders that may be too difficult or expensive to remove.
The gravel section shown here can serve as a seating area around a fire pit. Stone walls can be decorated with garden ornaments and plants.
15. Luxurious Backyard Waterfall and Fire Pit Upgrades
Embrace the hill in your backyard retreat by creating a patio retreat with a waterfall.
The fire pit can be installed under a tree as long as it is at least 12 feet away from overhanging branches.
16. The stone waterfall is a real eye-catcher
A superb patio and pool area showcase upscale elegance with a stone waterfall and propane fire table.
17. Showcase craftsmanship and unique pieces
Painting a colorful frame around the window and hanging chili pepper strands or ristras in the doorway are just two of the ideas that make this southwest patio and garden unique.
Add homemade garden decorations to personalize the patio.
18. Expand the barbecue area with lamp posts and lumber
Take your outdoor adventures to the next level by setting up a preparation station around your grill.
This project includes posts with light caps so the grill master can keep cooking after dark.
19. Classic elements create a perfect terrace
A red brick patio surrounded by juniper bushes sets the stage for this New England coastal terrace.
White wicker outdoor furniture with nautical blue accents is all you need for a classic look.
20. Oversized fireplace brings the feeling of a homey cabin
An oversized fireplace makes a dramatic statement in any outdoor space. Not only does it act as a cozy focal point, but it also protects the home from the elements.
21. Use multiple umbrellas for more shade
Large areas of a garden can become unusable if exposed to hot sun all afternoon.
Reclaim these spaces with umbrellas, awnings and other coverings.
22. Higher structures add intimacy to a large garden
Gazebos are warm and inviting structures that look great in country cottage gardens.
They are available open or with insect screens.
23. Divide the patio into smaller entertainment areas
Parasols and a pergola can be used to create intimate entertainment areas.
Creating separate seating areas makes a small garden appear larger.
24. Gain privacy with pergolas and fences
A trellis in a fenced terrace provides quiet comfort.
The square openings in the surrounding fence provide more privacy.
25. Lots of seating increases comfort
Patio furniture made from recycled composite materials is environmentally friendly. You will find a style that suits your garden.
26. Add color with pillows and cushions
Add comfort with neutral-colored pillows. Swap out pillows as the seasons change.
27. DIY kid-friendly deck and hideout
A simple framing on a small patio is the basis for a wonderful play area.
It’s open enough for parents to keep an eye on the kids, yet private enough for them to plan their sweet tea empire.
28. Enhance evening entertainment with outdoor lighting
Install an electrical box outside to add any type of outdoor lighting.
Consider options from strings of bulbs hanging from a pergola to pedestal lights on fence posts.
29. Add secluded nap areas
For the perfect summer sleep, hang a hammock between shady trees.
If the trees in your yard are ideally positioned, you can get a freestanding hammock and set it up anywhere you like.