Transform your patio into a serene escape with stylish seating and vibrant accents for the perfect outdoor retreat. | Photo by Tyson on Unsplash:
A lot of home decor focuses on the inside, but there’s a lot of power to be considered when you walk out the door. No matter the nature of your outdoor space, this can be a gathering area and a retreat from the hustle and bustle of your routine. Enjoy relaxation, good food, and bright sunshine or a cool breeze with an outdoor oasis. How do you start to create this? Whether you have a patio, porch, outdoor kitchen, or all of the above, the key is considering elements that work together for the location and functionality you have and want.
A back porch is different from a front porch, of course, and it goes farther than that, too. A stucco designed porch in Texas is very different from the screened-in porch popular in North Carolina, but both of these are great porch concepts that may work better in different climates and considerations. Let’s get your creative juices flowing for your cozy outdoor oasis creation with some of the popular methods around the country.
Get a Texas-Inspired Stucco Design
A stucco design is the go-to decorative coating for an outdoor space in Texas. You might see stucco on your porch, your patio, or the exterior of your home. It’s often subtle, so you may not even know you have it, but this is a great time to take a look and see what stucco can do for you. You may want to install this element over the walls in your backyard space or get stucco repair all around your home’s exterior if it’s looking a little worn. A different stain or color of stucco can make a huge difference in the appearance of your porch.
Choose the Popular North Carolina Screened-in Porch
On the East Coast in North Carolina, a screened-in porch is the way to go. Screened-in porches are completely covered, so the deck gets the fresh air and the sounds of the great outdoors without the bugs or weather elements being able to get into the space. You get cozy comfort in a protected space. This screened-in porch offers a luxury experience without hefty maintenance. Plus, this type of outdoor porch setup can be easily customized.
Luxury deck ideas of this type include considerations for:
- Flooring type and color
- Furniture placement
- Screen dimensions and material
- Additional elements including handrails, fireplaces, heating and cooling apparatuses, and more
- Enjoy a Southern Style Outdoor Kitchen Experience
One of the hallmarks of outdoor dining in the South, besides the good food, is the comforting environment—and this can come into play with the cozy, lived-in nature of your outdoor furniture. A great way to achieve this effect is to mix and match dining chairs rather than only using one matching set.
Southern summers are legendary for their hazy humid feel, so take that into account with your patio design. Consider shade placement and choose pieces and elements that will hold up well through seasonal weather in your area.
Explore Options for the Outdoor Kitchen
For many Americans, outdoor cooking options consist of a grill in the backyard and maybe a pizza oven for those with more space. But really, you can include much more than that! The options are limitless for crafting your cozy and functional outdoor kitchen. Consider a fire pit. Try an outdoor sink, fridge, oven, or stove. You can include plenty of counters or even an island with enough space. For any elements you choose, make sure to look into proper ventilation and placement.
Create a cozy outdoor oasis with a fire pit gathering spot, perfect for intimate evenings on your porch or patio. Ideal for relaxing or entertaining guests. | Photo by Shane Dawson on Unsplash:
You can also create an outdoor dining space, complete with elements like a bar cart or drink cabinet for optimal comfort and convenience whether you’re entertaining a dinner party or enjoying your morning cuppa on the deck. With this, you’ll want to consider exterior lighting options to ensure your patio can be enjoyed at all times of the day and night.
Customize Your Oasis
Of course, it’s important to state that ultimately, an outdoor oasis should be what makes sense for your household. Even if you live in Texas, you don’t have to go with stucco; not every porch in North Carolina has to be screened in. It’s most important to invest in your outdoor area so you include quality elements that will last not just through a season or two, but a generation or two.
Some of the best outdoor feelings and memories come with historic pieces, such as a porch swing or rocking chair that’s been on the property since a grandparent was young. A good balance of this type of tradition along with updated contemporary features will ensure you have the best fit for a cozy outdoor oasis where you’ll love spending time all year round.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
