Transform your garden into an outdoor oasis

Written By Chantal Thomas

Summertime means we’re spending time outdoors. What does your outdoor area look like or feel like to you? Does this area work for you still? Is your garden, an outdoor oasis for you and your family? If not, use this guide to help you create your very own outdoor oasis. As an interior designer, I always view the outside space of a home as an extra room and as such, the approach I would take when redesigning or redefining a garden space would be the same as if I was looking at an interior space.  Let me guide you through the process of creating your outdoor oasis. 

Creating a functional space

Consider the purpose of your outdoor area and how it will function. Would you like to create an entertainment area that is a tranquil and inviting space where family and friends can gather? Or a space for you and your family to relax and enjoy each other's company as you all unwind after a long day? Perhaps you’d like to grow your own veggies or require a space for your children to play?

Once you’ve determined the purpose and function of your outdoor oasis, we then move on to blending function and aesthetics as well as comfort to make this outdoor space perfect for various activities. But before we do that, we need to plan out the space into zones as I’m sure you have multiple functions in mind. 

Zone your oasis

Image credit: Future PLC/Brent Darby

 Now that you’ve determined the functions or purposes of your outdoor space, it’s time to divide your outdoor space into zones. Planning the layout is essential before thinking of furniture and anything else. Think about access to the garden from the kitchen for BBQs and dining outside as well as who is going to use the space.

Consider the available space and its surroundings, keeping in mind the traffic flow and ensuring there's ample room for various activities. Creating distinct zones for different purposes, such as a dining area, a relaxing comfy spot, a veggie garden area, a play area, and of course a planting area ensures that your garden is fully utilised.

  Remember if you have a large spacious area for a garden, you’ll be able to create a few different activity zones and conversely, if your space is on the smaller side, there will be a limit to the number of zones that you can create. Too many zones will create a sense of not enough outdoor space and I’m sure you don’t want that.

 You’ve now a large outdoor open plan ‘room’ which needs to be organised according to each function or purpose and just like an interior space, we need to ensure that there is enough space and that each area adheres to its function and is practical as well as aesthetically pleasing.

 Zoning allows for efficient use of space, easier maintenance, and a more enjoyable outdoor experience. It helps create a well-structured garden that accommodates various activities and plant requirements while maintaining an organized and cohesive design.

  In order to connect these distinct spaces within your ‘open-plan garden room’ carefully placed paths, different ‘flooring’, and architectural elements can be used. In addition to that, these areas can also be divided up (just like interior walls) by hedges, trellises, fences, or low walls. These act as boundaries and help create a sense of privacy and separation while maintaining an overall cohesive design. 

Adding focal points and features

Just as every room in an interior space has a focal point, think about a creating focal point in different zones where appropriate: such as a soothing pond, a calming water fountain, an artistic sculpture, or an archway leading to a secluded seating area ideal for reading a book. These create visual interest and add to the ambience of the outdoor area. Let your creativity shine while keeping in mind the overall theme and style of the area. 

Paths create a sense of unity and connection, and different ‘flooring’ types like grass, gravel, paving steppingstones, and decking all add to the aesthetics of your oasis and help as guides to each different area with their different functions. 

Plants also play a vital role in defining the character of each ‘garden room’. Consider choosing plants that match the intended function or theme of the space. For example, fragrant flowers or herbs could enhance a relaxation area, while vibrant blooms might be suited for a lively play area.           

Styling your oasis

Decide on your style, whatever takes your fancy. How about a rustic sustainable look using natural elements, such as natural wooden decking or stone pathways? Finish the look off by adding a cosy seating area with cushions and warm blankets for chilly nights. Adding lanterns or string lights will also create a feeling of warmth and cosiness.

Perhaps you prefer a more contemporary modern complete with sleek, clean lines? Following a more minimalistic design is the key here. Using a design based on neutral colours and geometric shapes, a concrete patio with a metal fire pit and adding minimalist furniture with bold accents, like a bright outdoor rug or decorative cushions will complete the look.

 Choosing outdoor furniture

Image credit: Graham and Green

Selecting furniture that is practical for outdoor use and comfortable is crucial to creating a cosy and functional outdoor space. To increase longevity, choosing weather-resistant, durable furniture that can withstand the elements and is easy to maintain is very important (I’m sure you don’t want to be looking for replacements every 2 years?) Durable materials are also less likely to fade, crack, or warp over time, which means that they will retain their original beauty and functionality for much longer. Consider comfortable seating options like cushioned chairs, outdoor sofas, and chaise lounges. Remember, if you have the space, to add a sturdy and stylish dining set for al fresco meals.

Wood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture as it’s a natural material that adds warmth and character to any outdoor space. However, not all types of wood are suitable for outdoor use. Pine is not an ideal wood as it is a soft wood, which means that it is prone to rotting and warping, so won’t last very long.  The more durable woods, which can withstand the weather are hardwoods like teak, cedar, and redwood. These woods require less maintenance as they are naturally resistant to insects and decay. 

Styling for Comfort

When it comes to comfort, we often think about soft and cosy, but what about ensuring a space has sufficient shade for those hot and sunny days? To create comfort on a scorching hot day, incorporate shaded areas into your design, this could be in the form of a retractable awning or a pergola with climbing plants which will provide much-needed relief on a hot day whilst preserving the open-air feel of the space.

On the flip side, think about think about investing in a firepit or chiminea, for those chilly evenings in spring and summer. Adding warmth to your outdoor oasis will extend usability during cooler months and create a cosy, inviting feel even when the temperature drops. Keep a basket filled with soft throws nearby for comfort on chilly evenings.

Comfortable seating is essential for any outdoor space. Look for options that offer proper support and cushioning, and consider the materials they are made from, as some materials can be uncomfortable in hot weather.

  

I do hope that by following these guidelines and incorporating your personal taste, you are now inspired to transform your outdoor space into an oasis that will beckon you to unwind and enjoy the beauty of your garden. My wish for you is that whether you’re relaxing alone with a good book or hosting a delightful gathering with loved ones, your outdoor oasis will fill you with joy as it is now a cherished extension of your home.

Need a little more inspiration? Have a look at the Outdoor Oasis shopping board below. Have fun creating your oasis…. I certainly hope there’ll be some warmer evenings ahead so that you can fully enjoy your outdoor space.  

Chantal Thomas
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