Patio Decor Ideas: How to Create an Outdoor Oasis

Do you love a relaxing outdoor space? These patio decor ideas will help you create an outdoor oasis of your own!

Summer has a feel all its own. Warm nights sitting outdoors, time spent reading on the patio, and of course, dining alfresco. All of these activities call for an outdoor space where you can relax and recharge. But if you’re anything like me, your outdoor space may not be quite what you want it to be.

But that doesn’t have to be the case! I know that because in our last home we were able to realize our dream of having an outdoor space that we loved. And that’s because a few simple changes made such a difference.

These patio decor ideas will help you refresh your patio or outdoor space. And in case you think your area is too small, I don’t think so! It doesn’t need to be a large space to create something special.

In fact, I think the key to creating a true outdoor oasis is much more about ambience than it is size.

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Take Inventory of What You Already Have 

The first thing to do when spring rolls around is take an inventory. Does your furniture need to be replaced, or will a good cleaning do the trick? Maybe your furniture is fine but just needs new cushions. 

Take a look and decide where you need to invest, both time and money-wise. If you need new furniture, start looking now as things tend to sell out towards the end of May. I know because I missed our teak dining table two years ago and had to wait until last summer when it came back in stock!

 

 

 

Add Plants and Flowers 

Plants bring so much life and color and really help an outdoor space feel complete. Even the most beautiful outdoor space feels a bit bare without any plants or flowers!

 

In fact, if it feels like something is missing in your own outdoor space, it’s almost sure to be a lack of blooms. And on a small patio, flowering plants can really make a huge difference in how the space feels.

 

Clean, Tidy, and Clean Some More

It’s hard to overstate what a difference a clean space can make. Every spring when I start to tackle our outdoor areas there are dead leaves and debris accumulated behind the pots, and under the furniture and the dining table.

Spend a day sweeping everything, scrubbing the furniture, and cleaning cushions if you have them.

Believe me, cleaning will make such a difference. Even before you add flowers or new furniture, it will look and feel so much better!  

 

 

Add Something Unique 

Because I’m a lover of vintage elements, I tend to add those to the patio as well. 

But really you can add anything – from a garden statue, to a gorgeous antique urn, to a wine barrel. And it doesn’t have to be antique – anything that you love and that tells your story does the trick!  

Personally, I’m a huge fan of fountains. Not only do they add unbelievable charm to any outdoor space, but the trickling water sound is immensely relaxing.

 

I also love antique garden spheres. You can find authentic antique ones which are made of concrete and are very heavy, or you can go with these stone spheres that I own and love. They come in 3 sizes and are easy to move. I love the European character they add!

Adding some unexpected decor elements helps make any outdoor space feel like an extension of your indoor space. And when you bring your style outside, your home continues to tell your story.  

 

Add Indoor Comforts

If you really want to create an outdoor oasis, add some comforts from indoors. Throw pillows on the sofa and outdoor heaters or throws for cooler evenings help to make it cozier and also extends the amount of time you can spend outside.  

 

Add Extra Lighting

One thing our previous outdoor space didn’t have originally is a lot of light. There are only two wall sconces and they don’t really light up the patio. So until I added our string lights, it really did get difficult to stay out much past dinnertime! Even if it wasn’t cold, it just felt way too dark.

But now the string lights have added so much light and made for much better evenings outside.  To be honest, I can’t think of anything that has changed the look of our outdoor space for such a small investment!  

And don’t forgot to add lanterns or hurricanes to the table for added ambience, too. 🙂  

 

Invest in an Outdoor Rug

As someone who didn’t have an outdoor rug until a few years ago, I would argue that they add much needed coziness to an outdoor space. In fact, outdoor rugs are one of my very favorite patio decor ideas!

Not only do they make any outdoor space feel cozier, but they keep lounge areas feeling much cleaner. They also help to delineate different areas – especially helpful in larger outdoor spaces.  

 

Add Lounge Seating of Some Kind

No outdoor space is complete without somewhere comfortable to sit. And if you can fit it, an outdoor sofa is even better. Once we added our outdoor sofa and chairs it made a huge difference in how we spent time out here.

If you can’t fit a sofa, choose two or four cozy chairs and a small coffee table or side table. That way you have somewhere to sit with friends, or just enjoy your morning coffee.

 

There’s almost nothing better than reading on a comfortable sofa on a sunny summer day!

Now it’s time to relax and enjoy your summer!

Sheila
xo

 

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If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more spring and summer decor ideas below!

Simple & Pretty Outdoor Patio Refresh 

How to Host an Easy Summer Wine & Cheese Party

Charming & Cheerful Summer Table Setting