How to Create Your Own Outdoor Oasis

Do you view your patio or backyard as a valuable extension of your living space or is it more of an afterthought? With some creativity and strategic thinking, you can transform your backyard into a stylish and inviting space you can enjoy all season long. Here are a few tips for creating your own outdoor oasis and essentially extending your square footage.

• Consider your needs. What do you want to use your outdoor space for? Entertaining? Relaxing? Once you know how you'll be using the space, you can start to choose furniture and decor that will make it functional and enjoyable.
• Think about the layout. Arrange your furniture in a way that makes sense for the flow of traffic. Create conversation areas with seating facing one another. If you have a large space, you can even create multiple zones for different activities.
• Think beyond the rectangle. Create cozy nooks, hidden gardens, or even a firefly-friendly hangout with strategic lighting.
• Reflect your personality. Curate your living space by playing with textures, colors and heights to bring your outdoor haven to life.
• Don't forget the details. Accent pillows, throws and outdoor rugs can add your unique stamp to your space. String lights and lanterns can also create a magical ambiance in the evening.

At Crewe & Drake Design Co., we love designing outdoor spaces and part of the fun for us is strategically creating multiple vignettes that speak to one another. These vignettes can be thoughtfully placed throughout the space to fulfill specific purposes of connection, relaxation and play. Here are some additional questions to consider when designing your outdoor space:

• How much sun does the space get? This will help you determine what type of plants will thrive in the space.
• What is your budget? Outdoor furniture can be expensive, so it's important to set a budget before you start shopping.
• What is your climate like? If you live in an area with harsh winters, you'll need to choose furniture that can withstand the elements.

Here’s to maximizing your home’s potential through outdoor living!