How to Design an Outdoor Oasis

We all know that summer is about making the most of your time outside. With those sunny days and warm summer breezes, work from home never looked so good —especially if you have a four-season patio or a beautiful outdoor space to work from! 

Finding solace is simple when you're surrounded by plush furnishings, warm throws, and the great outdoors. Create an inviting outdoor space with an abundance of seating and conversation pieces. We've assembled three essential tips to consider when you're designing your outdoor oasis. And, if you play your cards right, you can extend your outdoor space into the fall just by layering in a couple of extra blankets or some standing heater lamps.

Elise Indoor/Outdoor Throw from McGee & Co, Artificial Paradise Palm Tree by Nearly Natural, Bleecker Wood Mango Drink Dispenser from Pottery Barn, Cadenza Indoor/Outdoor Sofa in Neutral by Lulu & Georgia, Marin LED Light Fan by Hinkley, Dolce Bamboo Frost area rug by Couristan, Outdoor Basket Chair by CB2, Daltile Industrial Park colorbody Porcelain available at Flooring America/Flooring America, Orb Watering Can in Cashmere available at Burke Decor, Nana Ditzel Exterior Hanging Egg Chair available at Scout & Nimble, Rectangle Natural Gas Firepit by Arhaus

Tie in Natural Elements

Keeping things natural in your outdoor space is key to creating an organic oasis. Simple ways to do this include planting trees, designing an herb garden, or simply scattering flowerpots throughout the area. Tie in natural elements like clay pots, ceramic tile, and botanical-themed prints with blankets, pillows, and outdoor rugs.

Couristan's Dolce Bamboo area rug in frost is the prime example of a botanical printed piece that will add color and functionality to your outdoor oasis while also sticking to a nature-inspired theme. Woven out of fiber-enhanced polypropylene, this dynamic area rug is mold and mildew resistant with UV protection.

Create Gathering Spaces

Probably the most significant element to designing a functional outdoor space is creating conversation areas. You can easily do this with a firepit ring, a coffee table, or an outdoor dining area. Make sure you pick out practical seats that are both comfortable and able to withstand the outdoor elements. 

The Cadenza Indoor/Outdoor sofa in neutral by Lulu & Georgia is the perfect piece to cozy up on. With its slim wood frame and low-slung profile, this is the ideal sofa to relax on your terrace. Created with performance fabric upholstery, this couch was made for the outdoors as it's durable, fade-resistant, and easy to clean. If you're looking for some timeless chairs to set around your dining set, try the Outdoor Basket Chair by CB2. This modern statement chair is made of faux rattan weave with a powder-coated frame built to withstand the elements.

Consider the Flooring

When selecting flooring for your outdoor space, consider your specific spaces' needs and the climate you live in. For instance, if your home is located in sunny California, you can probably afford to install white-washed wood decks and grassy turf; however, if you live in the Northeast, you'll need something that can hold up to harsh weather winters. Porcelain tile is one of the best flooring solutions for outdoor areas, as its strength is unmatched, and it comes in a variety of design options.

Daltile's Industrial Park porcelain tile is inspired by Terrazo and concrete and will give any space a contemporary feel with its solid colors textured with colored flakes. This durable tile has super-slip resistance, making it an easy choice for outdoor areas prone to moisture, like the pool deck or your kitchen space.

Finding outdoor flooring to suit your needs can be tricky, but our experts here at Flooring America are here to help! Feel free to contact us or stop by your local Flooring America store today. If you're still unsure about your outdoor space or looking for more outdoor design tips, check out our latest issue of Design At Home.

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