7 ways to make your Backyard or Patio feel like an Oasis during Quarantine

September 16, 2020

The past seven months have been a blur of Zoom calls, virtual classes, countless attempted sourdoughs, and certainly a lot of squabbling for the best spot on the couch. So, if you have a backyard or even a sliver of a patio during quarantine, consider yourself very lucky. Here, the editors at Sunset magazine have found seven ways to transform your backyard space into the perfect spot for working, hanging, and entertaining (even if it’s just for you)!

1. Create a Zen Home Office-Meets-Entertaining Space

By now, the novelty of working from home has certainly diminished. For many of us, our “office” is a cramped kitchen table or, sometimes, bed. If you have an outdoor space, consider transforming it with an outdoor table and cabana set-up. Not only will you get a chance to breathe in some fresh air, but you’ll create an inviting space to enjoy after the workday is done.

2. Add some Mood Lighting

Shift your space from day to night with a bit of light. It seems simple enough, but adding some string lights or a unique colored light setup adds just the right touch of ambiance to your outdoor space.

3. Start an Herb Garden

If you don’t have the space (or patience) for a full-on garden bed, opt for small pots filled with your favorite herbs and perhaps put them on display near your grilling station (if you have one). If you’re short on space (or, again, patience) start with the top three herbs you use and love and build from there.

4. Invest in a Cowboy Pool

These pop-up “tank” pools are a fun and inexpensive way to cool down during the hot summer months. If you’re planning on leaving the tank full all summer long, add chlorine tablets or invest in a small pump and aerator to keep the water clean. Another tip: Get a cover to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. It’s worth it!

5. Go for Comfy Seating

Whether you’re using your outdoor area to take back-to-back Zoom calls or kick back with a glass of wine after a long week, the right seating can make or break your experience. For multi-use, opt for the largest table you can easily fit into your space––it will serve your work-to-evening needs. If you have room, introduce a pair of cozy chairs for when you’re in full relaxation mode.

6. Add some Bright Flowers and Plants

Simply planting a colorful plant or displaying a few planters can make your backyard or patio space infinitely more enjoyable. Opt for easy care and drought-tolerant plants like bougainvillea, agave, or succulents.

7. A Dreamy Outdoor Sauna

If you have it in your budget (to the tune of $4,000 to $5,000) there isn’t a more luxurious backyard addition than an infrared sauna. Sweat out toxins, loosen tight muscles, and hopefully forget about 2020 (wouldn’t that be nice?) for a few minutes.

—
Photo Credit: Hannamariah / Shutterstock.com

Written by: Vipology Staff Writer

Backyard cabana Backyard Herb garden Backyard lighting Backyard patio plants Backyard Sauna Cowboy pool Sunset magazine Sunset magazine tips for improving backyard patio

Rate it

Girl Power ES

El espíritu empresarial de las mujeres pasa al siguiente nivel

Inno-center, la firma de aceleración de consultoría más grande del país para empresas innovadoras, anuncia el nombramiento de Anne-Marie Leclair como presidenta del comité asesor de Indice F, una iniciativa para brindar asesoramiento personalizado para mujeres emprendedoras. En un contexto económico incierto y en constante cambio, el apoyo que satisfaga las necesidades específicas de las mujeres emprendedoras es una forma de garantizar el desarrollo, el éxito y, sobre todo, la […]

September 16, 2020