Creating Balance and Harmony for the Perfect Outdoor Oasis
Transform your backyard into an extension of your home during the warm summer months. With thoughtful planning and a balanced layout, you can create a seamless flow between indoor comfort and outdoor relaxation. Follow these guidelines to design an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional outdoor retreat.
Start with a Focal Point
Choose a central feature—such as a fire pit, water fountain, or outdoor kitchen—and build your layout around it. A well-defined focal point brings cohesion and purpose to your outdoor space. Use this as your central axis and mirror furniture, plants, colours and accessories on either side to bring symmetry to your design.
Define How You’ll Use the Space
Consider how you plan to enjoy your backyard and break up large areas into distinct functional zones:
Entertaining guests
Dining al fresco
Lounging or sunbathing
Cooking outdoors
Your intended use will influence the furniture you choose and how you arrange it, as well as adding dimension and encourages movement throughout the space.
Plan for Flow and Accessibility
Allow 30″ to 48″ of clearance for high-traffic paths and no less than 24″ for low-traffic zones.
Place the longest piece of furniture along a wall or edge facing your focal point to anchor the space and create balance.
Outdoor Kitchen & BBQ Placement
Keep cooking areas separate from seating for both safety and comfort.
Locate your kitchen or BBQ near the indoor kitchen for easy access and convenience.
Layer with Décor
I like to add some personality and warmth with outdoor accessories such as:
Planters and greenery
Fresh florals
Pillows and throws
String lighting, lanterns and candles
These elements create ambiance and help soften harder surfaces, making your backyard feel like a true extension of your home.
Adding symmetry to your design brings visual harmony to your outdoor space, perfect for a sense of peace and relaxation. Of course, you can implement asymmetry with uneven shapes and sizes to provide a less formal sense of balance – or a combination of both to create an interesting and dynamic design scheme. Whatever your preference, your own personal touch will make your backyard oasis uniquely yours!
