7 Essential Tips for a Relaxing Outdoor Sanctuary

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In our busy, hyper-connected world, the need for a true sanctuary—a place where we can unplug, decompress, and find a moment of peace—has never been more important. For many of us, the most accessible and powerful sanctuary we can have is right outside our own back door. Your patio, deck, or backyard has the potential to be a personal retreat from the stress of the world, but it doesn’t happen by accident.

Creating a truly relaxing outdoor space is an act of intentional design. This is true whether you have a sprawling suburban yard or a small urban patio. Even a high-rise rooftop garden can be transformed into a lush, private oasis with the right elements. The key is to thoughtfully engage all of your senses to create an environment that feels like a genuine escape.

If you’re looking to turn your outdoor space into your favorite “room” of the house, here are seven tips to get you started.

1. Create a Sense of Enclosure

You can’t fully relax if you feel like you’re on display for the whole neighborhood. Creating a sense of privacy and enclosure is the first step in making a space feel like a true sanctuary. This doesn’t mean you need to build a giant fence. You can use soft, natural barriers to create a feeling of seclusion. Plant a row of tall, slender arborvitae or a hedge of clumping bamboo. A simple trellis with a flowering vine like jasmine can also create a beautiful and fragrant privacy screen.

2. Add the Soothing Sound of Water

One of the most effective ways to create a calming atmosphere is to add the element of sound, which can help to mask distracting neighborhood noises like traffic or lawn mowers. The gentle, trickling sound of moving water is universally relaxing. You don’t need a massive, custom-built waterfall. A simple, self-contained fountain is an easy and affordable way to introduce this soothing soundscape to your patio or garden.

3. Layer Your Lighting for an Evening Glow

Your outdoor space shouldn’t disappear when the sun goes down. A well-designed lighting scheme can extend the enjoyment of your yard well into the evening and create a truly magical atmosphere. The key is to use multiple, soft layers of light instead of a single, harsh floodlight.

String Lights: Bistro-style string lights are perfect for creating a festive but relaxed, cafe-like feel over a patio or seating area.
Landscape Uplighting: Use small, low-voltage spotlights to gently illuminate a beautiful tree or an architectural feature of your home.
Candles and Lanterns: For the most intimate and cozy glow, nothing beats the flicker of real candlelight.

4. Choose Comfortable, “Lounge-Worthy” Furniture

If your outdoor furniture is stiff and uncomfortable, you’ll never want to spend time in it. Treat your outdoor seating with the same importance you give your indoor living room sofa. Look for deep-seating chairs and couches with thick, comfortable cushions made from weather-resistant performance fabrics. A place to put your feet up, like an ottoman or a chaise lounge, is a non-negotiable for a truly relaxing space.

5. Soften the Space with Textiles

Hard surfaces like concrete patios or wooden decks can sometimes feel stark. You can instantly soften the space and make it feel more like a cozy room by adding outdoor textiles. An outdoor rug is a fantastic way to anchor a seating area and add a pop of color and texture. A few comfortable outdoor pillows and a soft throw blanket for cooler evenings can complete the transformation from a simple patio to a true outdoor living room.

6. Incorporate Calming Scents

Our sense of smell is powerfully linked to our emotions and memories. Weave fragrant plants into the garden beds or planters that are closest to your seating area. The scent of lavender, for example, is well-known for its calming properties. Other great options for a fragrant garden include jasmine, gardenias, and rosemary.

7. Stick to a Simple Color Palette

While a palette of different colors can be beautiful, a more limited and cohesive color palette is often more relaxing to the eye. For a truly serene and spa-like feel, consider a simple palette of cool colors like blues, greens, and soft purples for your flowers and decor. A well-curated color story can have a huge impact on the mood of a space.

Your backyard has the potential to be a powerful tool for your well-being. By being intentional with these simple design choices, you can create a personal sanctuary that will be your favorite destination for years to come.