An oasis is a refuge from the harsh realities of your surroundings. It’s a place for you to relax, take stock and philosophize from the safety of a tranquil scene. When creating this space, you’ll want to pay particular attention to contrasts that highlight the world out there and the inside-outdoors world you’ve created.

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1. A sharp divide to keep in the beauty

One thing about oases – there’s usually a pretty distinct divide between where the “desert” outside and the oasis inside begins. Whether you close it off with buttressed masonry or a tall picket fence, you’ll want to accentuate that difference, particularly if there’s a stark contrast between your outside living area and the natural world around it.

 

2. A shaded place to lounge

A setup like this one lets you have the best of both worlds: the pillowy comfort of your living room outdoors, with a shade to let in a summer breeze while keeping you protected from the direct heat of the sun.

 

3. Stay cool

Pools and water features help you keep cool in the summer heat. But even if you don’t have a pool, an enclosed space with an organic foliage-draped roof will keep you comfortable while you gaze on your surroundings.

 

4. A roof over your head

Extending the roof over a patio gives continuity to the scene while still allowing you to feel the openness of your outdoor space. This allows you to take more advantage of the space you have, even on a scorcher of a day.

 

5. The Woodsy Look

While taking advantage of natural and local materials, you can still accentuate that “oasis” feel with sharp angles and lines that differentiate your home from the forest, without making the space disconcertingly alien. Pay attention to color and finish to give the wood or stone a sophisticated look.

 

6. Patio Umbrellas

Umbrellas are easy additions to your oasis, giving you cost-effective cover, colorful variation and a party feel for those special times.

 

7. Light up your life

See how the light filters down in this scene, gently feeding into a pleasant aura of warmth for this cozy space? The colors come down in unexpected ways, changing by the hour. This complex and beautiful effect can be created with simple materials and relatively little effort.

 

8. Play with texture

A multi-layered approach gives complexity to a scene, helping contrast it with the natural beauty that you might not appreciate if the space were just opened up on its own. Look at different types of stone and wood, and experiment with rougher or smoother textures depending on how much contrast you desire.

 

9. Swing away

A hanging bench or other furniture (tables, lanterns, etc) is a unique addition to your oasis that helps differentiate it both from your outer surroundings and from the inside of your home. Create a magical space where the rules of gravity are defied.

 

10. Where everyone knows your name

Recreate the fun of cocktails on the beach from your vacation, or an afternoon on the patio at your favorite pub – all from the comfort of your own home. No need to travel far; you’ve got your own little oasis of mellow fun just steps outside your door.

 

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Have you created an oasis outside your own home? Let us know how you made this special place.