More homeowners are seeking function and efficiency from their outdoor living spaces, according to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects. Demand is growing to make outdoor spaces unique and usable year-round. Experts say one of the first ways to create this personal year-round oasis, is by bringing the indoors outside.

“A great outdoor space serves as an extension of your home,” says Dan Berger, expert landscape designer, HGTV.com contributor and owner of LandPlan Landscaping in Pleasanton, Calif. “When planned properly, your backyard can provide you extra square footage of living space and serve as an inviting retreat throughout the year.”
 
Berger offers some design hints to help turn your backyard living space into a multi-functional, multi-season oasis:

Define your Space with a Base
“You need to define your space based on function,” Berger says. “Once outside you need to feel cozy, enclosed within your new space while oriented to other rooms within your house and yard.”

You can start with an existing porch, deck or patio, or build new ones, to establish boundaries for your space. Consider how you will use it – for living, dining or entertaining – and include features that will make the space easy and efficient for those intended uses.

Use Natural Materials that Compliment the Outdoors
Eco-chic – materials that are environmentally friendly and beautiful – remains a hot outdoor living trend. “I always like to use natural materials as they just make me feel more connected to nature and more relaxed,” says Berger. Natural, organic, eco-friendly materials create a warm, inviting feel and are better for the environment.

Fortunately, some tried-and-true materials, like Western Red Cedar are spot-on with this trend. This versatile material holds a finish for an extended period of time or weathers beautifully naturally, making it a green choice for everything from decks to flower boxes and furniture. You can learn more about Western Red Cedar and locate a retailer or distributor in your area, by visiting www.wrcla.org.

Add Dimension
Pergolas, gazebos and trellises add height and dimension to your outdoor environment, and can enhance the feeling of privacy whether in an outdoor kitchen or entertainment space. Consider building outdoor walls to help achieve that feeling of privacy, coziness and orientation. Explore walls made of real wood, rock or fabric.

For extra detail and shade, drape a thin veil of papyrus or other vine over a pergola to create an intimate lounging area. Consider adding a tall plant in the corner or edge of the deck to balance the space and add height. During the holiday season, wrap tall plants with string lights to brighten the space. For more how to tips, visit “WRCLA’s Channel” on YouTube.

Simplify the Installation
Choose materials that are easy to install over alternative, composite building products.
Durable materials last longer by avoiding the damaging effects of mold and mildew, and can save you money long-term. They are also lighter than man-made products, making it easier to design and create an ideal space. Instead of spending the last days of summer fixing material that splits, breaks or crumbles, you’ll have more time to relax in your outdoor oasis.

Update Seasonally
As the seasons change, so should the look of your outdoor accessories and furnishings. Berger recommends decorating your outdoor rooms as you would inside. Add holiday decorations in the winter and pictures to your walls in the spring. From summer barbecues to enjoying fall colors or even gathering around the fire pit after the big football game, select accessories and furnishings that will facilitate year-round use.

“The most important thing to remember is to have fun,” Berger says. “Enjoy turning your plain backyard into the outdoor oasis of your dreams. Take your time and make choices that are right for you and your family, and you will enjoy the space for many years to come.”

The post Easy Ways to Create a Year-Round Oasis in your Backyard first appeared on The How Do Gardener.

Upgrading your backyard may work for you on multiple levels. Not only will you increase your enjoyment of the time you spend there, backyard enhancements like decks, patios and landscaping can increase your home’s resale value. You can create your own oasis of luxury at home for much less than the cost of a luxury vacation.

From murals to outdoor kitchens, resort-style luxury can be had for less right in your own backyard. To get an idea of where to begin, think of the features and decor that you most loved about your last resort stay and work toward recreating them at home for a fraction of the cost. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Theme Park
HGTV star Jamie Durie has elevated outdoor living spaces to an art form by creating each design around a specific theme, whether it’s capturing the exotic flavor of Thailand or the dreamy, relaxed style of California. You can borrow Durie’s techniques and create a theme in your own backyard.

Do you dream of a vacation to the English countryside? The right mix of flowers, cultured pathways and gracious seating areas can evoke the beauty of an English garden. Is a beachside retreat more to your taste? Try potted tropical plants, torches and decorating accents in sand and ocean hues to recreate the atmosphere of the beach.

Dazzling Decor
Your outdoor decor can go a long way toward creating a luxury resort feeling. Draw on favorite luxury touches of interior designers, such as luxurious floor coverings and engaging wall murals. An outdoor mural can transform a space from mundane to exotic.

New technology, dubbed SmartStick, can allow you to mount a mural virtually anywhere outdoors. All you need is a flat surface (other than non-painted brick). The space-age material will withstand all weather conditions, won’t shrink or curl, and can even wrap around corners and curves. It’s easily removable, peeling effortlessly away from the surface without leaving any marks or residue, and can then be re-used elsewhere. Log on to www.muralsyourway.com to learn more.

A Splash of Class
For many of us, water play is a key part of a resort experience. If you live in a community that permits pools, you can easily install an above-ground pool for less than you would pay for a luxury vacation. Modern kits include everything from the pool walls and liner to the filter. Prices range from just a few hundred dollars for basic, modestly sized pools to a few thousand for more upscale versions.

If a pool isn’t possible for you, consider adding a different type of water feature. Installing a fountain or building a pond can not only be a great do-it-yourself project for the entire family, everyone will enjoy the delightful presence of water in your outdoor living space when you’re done. Whatever type of water feature you choose, from a tabletop fountain to a bird bath, the object is to deliver the restful mood and charming sound of flowing water.

Seating that Sizzles
For some items, it’s worth paying a bit more to get better quality, and outdoor furniture is one of them. You’ll be spending a lot of time on your deck or patio, and your seating area should be comfortable, inviting and luxurious. A table and at least four chairs is a must, but think beyond the box and consider incorporating loveseats, lounges and ottomans into your seating design.

If you have the space, consider creating seating groupings throughout the yard. Your deck or patio will be the main entertaining area, but a simple bistro set tucked away beneath a tree or beside a flower bed can make a great spot for quiet chats, or reading a book while sipping your favorite wine.

This summer, consider staying home and keeping your money with you by creating a backyard resort that your whole family can enjoy throughout the season.

The post Backyard Upgrades Bring the Resort Lifestyle Home first appeared on The How Do Gardener.