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Show your optimism for the future with a cosy, comfortable outdoor space that greets warm weather and happy times in serenity and style.
Since the majority of us are on lockdown, the best place to be is out on the patio, porch, deck, balcony or in the garden, enjoying fresh air in a stress-free environment.
Whether catnapping after a long day or taking a break with a cup of tea and a good book, having a peaceful spot where you can slip away, is more essential than ever.
Here are a few simple ways to create a relaxing outdoor retreat that will help ease your mind and lift your spirits.
1 - Pick A Private Spot
Not everyone has the luxury of a backyard, large sitting area or private garden. If you have close neighbours beside or behind you, consider a trellis or divider so you have some privacy. A folding screen or large potted plants can also do the trick. A giant palm can provide privacy or a patio umbrella positioned just right can help to block distractions.
2 - Create A Comfortable Seating Arrangement
Your personal oasis should be an inviting spot to relax and take your mind off of work and worries.
Whether you retreat to a rattan sofa or garden lounger, the key is to have comfortable furniture that provides the perfect place to get cosy.
Don’t forget your favourite cushions and a fluffy throw to cuddle up in.
3 - Choose A Serene Colour Palette
Pick a colour scheme that puts you in a relaxed state of mind. Start with neutral furnishings if you want a peaceful setting, then add a few pops of colour with cushions, an umbrella and accessories.
If your patio umbrella or outdoor furniture is already patterned or features vibrant colours, incorporate accessories and outdoor pillows in subtle variations of those colours. If you have decorative accents in the wrong colours. See our next tip...
4 - Get Creative With Paint And Fabric
Have some extra paint hanging around? How about some craft supplies such as heavy twine or pieces of fabric? There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint on furniture, a decoupaged flower pot or updated outdoor lanterns.
Give your wicker garden set a beautiful new look with spray paint or create a side table out of stacked wooden crates. You can leave the crates natural, stain them or paint them in a soft cream or soothing shade of aqua.
There are a million ideas on Pinterest. Purchase a few new outdoor cushions or make some no-sew cushions covers. Check out tutorials online. A bit of fabric can go a long way to turning drab into fab.
5 - Opt For Organic Textures
A peaceful environment is always enhanced by natural textures and tones.
Add a soothing look and feel to your relaxing garden retreat with organic finishes such as a jute rug, planters wrapped in rope or twine, wood or wicker accessories.
Use an old tree stump as a handy table to hold a tablet or book. Place a rattan tray on an outdoor coffee table to hold refreshments. Natural textures make any space more inviting.
6 - Surround Yourself With Greenery
If your personal retreat is on the patio, porch or balcony, you can still place potted plants or hanging planters all around your seating area.
Don’t have green fingers? Opt for succulents. They’re difficult to kill! Place a few succulents in pots or wall planters. They’re easy to maintain and help to bring a space alive, naturally.
7 - Create A Fragrant Environment With Flowers And Herbs
Scent is a powerful tool in relaxation. Fill your relaxing garden retreat with fresh herbs and fragrant flowers. Plant mint, sage, lavender and jasmine in outdoor pots and planters.
Fresh cut roses in a glass vase or a potted gardenia in the corner of the patio will also help to enhance your mood the moment you inhale.
8 - Enjoy The Sights And Sounds Of Nature
In addition to enriching your space with fragrance, take advantage of the beauty that’s right in front of you. Sit in your garden retreat, close your eyes and listen. Hear the birds singing? That magnificent sound is free! ]
Hang a bird feeder or fill a bird bath nearby so you can sit back and relax, watching and listening. If you don’t have a feeder, make one.
Encourage the kids to make feeders from a tin can, plastic jug or pie plates. It’s the perfect way to teach them to appreciate nature. You can also play soothing music to further enhance your mood.
9- Create Ambiance With Garden Lights
While the stars above provide the most magnificent light show, you can create additional ambiance in your backyard oasis using tealights, patio lanterns or a string of fairy lights. Wrap them around the umbrella stand, a nearby tree or along the garden gate.
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