Hallelujah! Fall patio season is finally upon us … and while we wait patiently for those cooler temps to make their debut here in the Valley of the Sun, now is a great time for you to wash down those dust-stormed patio chairs and spruce up that outdoor space for your first backyard shindig.
From adding new decorations, to throwing lights up in the trees, here are five tips and tricks to make your outdoor space your new backyard desert oasis.
Bring the indoors … out!
Arizona is known for its indoor/outdoor lifestyle. So, if you want your outdoor space to feel as cozy as it does inside, try adding rugs and throw pillows. It’s a great way to achieve the comfy factor. Additional ‘indoor’ items to add to the mix include blankets draped over chairs, framed photos, votives or lanterns and greenery – cacti and succulents are some of our favorite to provide that organic desert feel. Most outdoor lines have made their ‘indoor looking’ accessories suitable to withstand the outdoor climates so don’t be afraid to experiment with different décor elements.
Hang Curtains
Just as your indoor space feels cozier with curtains, the same applies to the outside. Curtains help ‘zone’ the outside, allowing you to create separate areas in your backyard oasis. Ensure you hang curtains with a hook or tie, to secure them out of the way when you want the space to feel bright and open. Curtains also offer a nice ambiance and privacy, when you need to relax and enjoy an afternoon siesta.
Mix Materials
Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Create a nice, balanced combination of rattan, wood, concrete, ceramic, glass, or metal to help the space feel natural and connected to the interior. Mixing also applies to furniture textures and materials. A nice wicker bench pairs perfectly with wooden end tables or coffee tables, and try mixing and matching your rug and throw pillow patterns too!
Gather Together
Much like your living room is centered around the TV, mirror or fireplace, center your outdoor furniture around a gathering place. This can be anything from a fire pit, a shady tree, fountain or sculpture. Whatever you choose as your focal point, arrange seating to attract attention to it and make it a cozy spot to connect.
Light The Trees
Trees are a beautiful sight in Arizona … take them one step further and light them up! During the day, the trees will provide perfect shade for the yard, but they don’t’ do much to combat the dark of night. Hang holiday lights, solar lights, or mason jars with flameless candles on the tree branches for a perfectly lit space. There are endless possibilities to help you light up your backyard, without taking up too much space.
How do you make your Arizona backyard a cozy desert oasis? We’d love to hear. Let us know in the comments below!
