With the downturn in the economy, homeowners have started to stay home more frequently and spend less money vacationing. They are looking for even more ways to make their home life relaxing and inviting. More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their homes, and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your backyard or patio for entertaining, you don't have to spend a lot of time or money.  You can easily refresh the items you already have, and add new stylish elements by keeping some top trends and design ideas in mind.  Consider these tips to help transform your space into a welcoming outdoor oasis. With just a few easy outdoor improvements or changes you will have the best patio on the block. It doesn't matter if you have a large backyard or a simple small patio. Many affordable, stylish outdoor furniture options are available in many of our home furnishing shops throughout this country.  I hope these outdoor furnishing ideas help inspire you to create your own outdoor paradise.

Add colourful accessories

Incorporating rugs, outdoor pillows, candles and other accessories in vivid colours or fun patterns can really make your outdoor space come alive.  Pick three to four colours for your colour scheme and stick with those colours throughout your design choices. Some of the season's top colours include vibrant oranges, rich reds, blues, soothing neutrals and garden-inspired greens.  Metal accents are quite popular as well, so look for décor with gold or silver detailing for a design that is modern with a tropical flare.

Add dimension and privacy  

You can showcase those natural elements by adding dimension to your space.  Drapery is an easy and inexpensive way to enhance the feeling of privacy and add dimension.  Hang a billowing panel in a colour that matches your scheme from your wall or pergolas.   Enrich your design with plants to create a calm sanctuary that is contained and cozy.  This option gives just the right amount of privacy, creating your own outdoor room in which to enjoy those long sunny days and cool nights.

Add patio furniture

Gone are the days of plastic lawn chairs leaving imprints on your arms and legs!  Backyard and patio furniture has gone stylish, as well as comfortable.  There are countless options on the market today that include lounges, outdoor sofas, chairs and other furniture pieces all made in weather friendly materials that will transform your outdoor living space.  These furniture pieces are made in materials that are able to handle the extreme weather elements and resist mildew and fading in direct sunlight.  The most important factor in patio/outdoor furniture is weatherproofing.

Add a grill and dining area

Outdoor living spaces typically utilize various combinations of designated areas. However almost everyone also employs an outdoor grill and dining area.  This specific trend has many numbers of definitions, layouts and designs- you can truly have as little or as much as you like.  A dining area is a key part of outdoor living spaces for our weekend "limes" and family gatherings.  Add colourful weatherized seating and surfaces in dining, grilling and kitchen areas.  Your dining area can be really great without spending a lot of money.  Grills come in all shapes, sizes and specialties, the style you choose is entirely dependent upon your personal preference and budget. Free standing models are an option, and be sure to include the cooking elements you will use most often. Besides a grill, the outdoor living area or kitchen can feature outdoor ovens, refrigerators and sinks if you decide to include such amenities.

Add a water feature

A perfect way to complement an outdoor area or patio is incorporating a simple table fountain or an elaborate Koi pond.  Today, water features come in varying sizes, styles, and prices.  By adding the simplest waterfall, you can improve the overall mood and feel of the space.  Suddenly relaxation is taken to a new height.

Add outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting creates mood and sophistication. Lighting can vary, from motion or light sensitive lights to those set on timers.  Spotlights can be used to accent special plants or pieces of interest within your yard or patio, while candlelight can create ambiance for socializing or dining. Any area that may include people moving rapidly for example, a play area, should be lit adequately when used at dark times to prevent injury.

Add natural elements

By adding natural materials like boulders, bamboo and lots of plants and flowers define outdoor spaces and add contrast against concrete features.  These features will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. 

Add high tech

We live in the information age so, stereo systems, internet access and televisions are becoming more common in outdoor spaces.  Many of us want to be entertained, and have access to technology inside and outside our homes. So with any budget, you can really deck out an outdoor living space with high-tech features.

Add fans or cooling systems

Especially in hot climates such as ours, outdoor fans or cooling systems are wonderful to keep air moving and allow enjoyment in your space.  For covered patios and outdoor rooms, air conditioning units and ceiling fans can be installed above; otherwise standing fans are adequate.  There are many styles and models available in order to add comfort, while still blending with the surroundings.

Add a meditation room

An outdoor meditation room is great for those who enjoy the peace and quiet found when surrounded by nature.  Hedges are recommended to provide seclusion from the rest of the yard; fences or latticework can be used as well.  Furnishing the meditation room can be as simple as adding a bench or chair that you can relax in with your favorite book, or it could involve a water feature, plants, flowers or anything else that will aid your tranquility. 

Whether you choose one or all of the above trends, your backyard or patio space will become more inviting and comfortable, a place where the young and young-at-heart will want to gather and enjoy time together.

Enjoy creating your outdoor oasis.