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Converting Your Back Yard into an Outdoor Oasis – Part 1

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As the pounding summer heat begins to recede into the cooler weather of fall, now is the perfect time to consider creating the perfect outdoor oasis. Whether you need an escape from the confines of the indoors, or you just want to utilize your outdoor space in an inventive and practical way, MDV Remodeling wants to get you pointed in the right direction! For today's post, the first in a two-part series, we're going to outline some great ideas for transforming your back yard!

There are numerous design elements that, when combined together, can create wonderful outdoor experiences. Let's look at tips and tricks that will help you create the cozy retreat you crave.

Create A Relaxing Atmosphere In Your Backyard With Music
When creating an outdoor oasis, atmosphere is everything. You want this to be about relaxing and feeling like you are on vacation in your own yard. Maybe that means you want a space that allows you to hide from the world, or maybe you just want a fun environment for entertaining - either way, ambiance is the key.

If you're looking to create a place where you can unwind after a long day at work - then music may be just the thing you need. Imagine your favorite song drifting through the air while you kick back, sip on a cool or warm drink, and let your stress melt away.

There are numerous outdoor speaker systems on the market today that will bring your music outside, which can be as simple as one wireless speaker or as elaborate as an outdoor stereo system, depending on your budget. There are even wireless, weatherproof speakers that disguise themselves as rocks or other outdoor design elements that can allow your music to blend seamlessly with your landscaping.

Whatever method you choose, bringing your sound sounds outside can help to drown out all your daily distractions and worries.

Add A Light On Your Oasis
Adding lighting accents or effects to the design of your backyard escape can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Lighting can be added through candles, floating pool globes, solar landscape lighting, overhead chandeliers, or even from simple outdoor tube lighting.

Another option may be the use of new outdoor paints that omit a soothing evening glow after being exposed to sunlight. These paints can be applied to outdoor planters or stones, lighting up your night in a whole new way.

Create a romantic atmosphere for your outdoor oasis by using numerous lighting sources throughout your back yard. One piece of advice, though: avoid harsh spotlights, neon-bright LEDs, or overpowering colored lights, as they can create eye-strain that is distracting rather than relaxing.

Don't Forget Comfortable Outdoor Seating
This is sometimes completely overlooked when homeowners remodel their outdoor areas. Whether it is a hammock, porch swing, or recliner- you need a comfy spot to sit back and relax, so comfortable seating is a must!

If you have an area that provides coverage from the weather, then consider bringing indoor furniture outside. It can be very inviting to bring indoor textiles outside, so long as they're protected from the weather. If that concept appeals to you, look around your home and see if there are pillows, tables, rugs, or chairs that you can transport to your outside oasis. There are also plenty of outdoor fabrics that mimic indoor ones and reupholstering an indoor chair in a sturdy, yet pretty, outdoor fabric, can allow you to bring those textiles outside.

Remember, a cozy chair is THE perfect accessory for your outdoor retreat.

Create Privacy In Your Back Yard
Without privacy, one cannot truly let go of the cares of the world and de-stress! However, creating a place where the prying eyes of the world cannot see you may require more creative thinking when you live in the city or in a crowded suburban area.

So, be inventive when it comes to ways in which you can wall your outdoor oasis off from the rest of the world. Landscaping can certainly come in handy when you want to hide-a well-placed tree or hedge can help to create a discreet outdoor area while providing cooling shade at the same time.

Just like indoors, draperies can block views outside, too. You could hang outdoor curtains around a pergola, or grow a natural curtain of flowers with a trellis and some climbing clematis.

If budget is not a concern, then consider covering your deck with a permanent roof and adding a screen. Creating a "room" like this can be a great investment that guarantees outdoor privacy.

Be sure to check back next week for Part 2, where we'll explore some of the more luxurious options for your backyard oasis! If you are ready to take the first step in creating the outdoor space of your dreams, contact us for a fast,free estimate.

*image courtesy ofpaperlanternstore.wordpress.com
 
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