Re-Imagining Your Outdoor Space for Relaxation
You don’t need a huge yard or advanced do-it-yourself skills to make your dreams of a backyard oasis a reality. With a few simple projects, as well as materials and accessories, you can create a space just the way you want it. You’ll first want to have a dedicated space for your outdoor oasis. Start by creating a base.
To set off the space from the rest of the yard, you need a good foundation. Here, we’re using pea gravel as our foundation. It’s one of the easiest, most cost-efficient ways to hardscape.
For your pea gravel base, you’ll need the following:
Lay the Base
There are a couple of ways to create a pea gravel patio, depending on your existing space: using bare ground as a base or adding a base layer of crushed stone.
If the soil’s hard, you can use the ground as your base, as we did. Otherwise, create the base with crushed stone. Using a shovel, dig out about 3 to 4-1/2 inches of soil. Tamp the area well and check for level.
Before beginning any excavation, call 811 to check for underground utilities.
Install Edging
Install edging with edging stakes around the perimeter of the patio. Once the edging’s in place, add a layer of landscape fabric to keep the weeds out.
Add Pea Gravel
Using a garden rake, add 2-1/5 inches of pea gravel over the base and level it out with the rake. You should plan to have roughly 1/2 inch of edge border above the final gravel surface.
For more on installing pea gravel, see DIY Pea Gravel Patio.
Using less than 2 inches of pea gravel might reveal the weed barrier, but 3 inches can be tricky to walk on.
Pergola
On those days when you’re enjoying the outdoors but want a bit of shade from the sun, you have a few options available to you. For a versatile and functional option that also adds beauty to your backyard, a pergola is the perfect choice. A pergola helps define the area and elevate the space. Plus it’s great for filtering the sunlight and providing a bit of shade.
You can build your own pergola or purchase a pre-made pergola. Some come with a canopy. Depending on the amount of shade you want, you can leave the rafters open and accessorize with lights and plants or cover the top with a canopy for added shade.
To build your own pergola, see Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers. For more on styling pergolas, read Pergola Design Ideas.
To learn more about vining plants, see Selecting and Growing Vining Plants.
Hammocks and Accent Furniture
When it’s time to unwind, you’ll want a comfortable space where you can relax and read a book or take a nap. A hammock is a great way to get the most out of your relaxing outdoor space. You can choose a freestanding hammock with its own stand, a chair-style hammock, or one that anchors to trees or posts.
Accent chairs give you additional seating and are easy to move around to change the look and feel of the space. Look for styles and colors that complement your hammock.
Plants
Plants and flowers bring beauty and calming energy to a space. Adorn the space by planting them in the ground, hanging baskets from the pergola or other areas, and using ground planters. If you want to go for a jungle oasis feel, try a combination of the three with plants and planters in a variety of styles.
When choosing your plants, consider your climate and the amount of sun and shade your area gets every day.
To help you find the right types of plants for your location, see Learn Your Hardiness Zone to Find the Best Plants.
Refreshments Zone
A small patio table is perfect for setting up a flavored-water or cocktail station. Look for a sturdy table that won’t rock on an unsteady surface. Built-in storage would be a bonus to keep any incidentals on hand. To help you beat the heat, add a portable cooler to keep your favorite cold beverages right at your fingertips. Tumblers or water bottles help protect against spills.
Accessories
Like with any great space, adding the right accessories ties everything together. Adding a few luxuries can make the space feel special. Outdoor speakers let you listen to your favorite tunes as you relax. Look for Bluetooth speakers that blend in with the space.
During chilly nights or cooler months, you can still get great use out of your relaxing spot. Keep an assortment of cozy blankets in a basket that you can easily bring indoors when you’re not using them. Outdoor pillows add an extra layer to your comfort.
When the heat of the day is too much to bear but you don’t want to go inside the house to cool off, a misting fan is for you. While they won’t drench you with a steady stream of water, they’ll emit micro-sized drops of water, creating a mist that immediately evaporates when it reaches the hot air and then cools it.
If you want even more cooling and comfort, install a misting system on the pergola.
Accent Lighting
Your ultimate relaxing outdoor space isn’t just for the daytime. As the sun goes down and you want to continue to hang out in your haven, outdoor string lights help light up the night. When purchasing, make sure the lights are weather rated. Not only do they add elegance and ambiance with warm, subtle lighting, but they also come in a variety of styles. String lights look wonderful when weaved through a pergola rafter or along the top of the fence.
Another option is to use path lights to outline the space. They’re available in a variety of power sources, including solar-powered, plug-in and battery-operated models.
If you don’t have a power outlet nearby, you can run an outdoor extension cord to the nearest outlet. Make sure the cords don’t pose a tripping hazard.
Enjoy Your Space
Now that everything’s in place, grab your book and a refreshing drink and get ready to enjoy your ultimate relaxing outdoor space, day or night.
Shop More Project Ideas for Your Backyard
Ready for more do-it-yourself ideas? Our project kits and bundles help you update your outdoors to create the perfect space. For example, you can:
- Add a touch of living color to your new patio with a palm and planter bundle.
- Expand your pea gravel patio or create a walkway with a paver patio bundle.
- Plant a flower garden or grow your own fruits and vegetables with a raised garden bed kit.
And we've got other outdoor ideas to consider. From fire pits to backyard benches and more, you're sure to find your next project.