Creating an Outdoor Space Where You Bring the Vacay Home To You

We crave escape. It’s in our bones. The pull of somewhere else. Of warmth and slow mornings. Of outdoor meals that stretch into starlit hours. But here’s the thing – you don’t have to travel to capture that feeling. You can bring it home. It’s all about crafting an outdoor space that breathes, that whispers stay awhile, that pulls you in like the smell of sun-warmed pine. Here’s how to design an outdoor oasis that feels less like a patio and more like your own vacation space at home.

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Think Like a Traveler (Not Just a Homeowner)

Travelers notice things. The play of shadow and light through a cabana curtain. The crunch of gravel underfoot. The layered textures of a seaside café. To bring these vibes to your outdoor space, start with the senses. Think about how a place feels, not just how it looks. A stone pathway that sounds like the French countryside. A bubbling fountain whispering Mediterranean breezes. Low, dappled lighting that mimics the glow of a beachside resort as the sun dips below the horizon. Don’t forget the scents, too – a rosemary hedge or a cluster of lavender pots can instantly transport you somewhere sun-drenched and far away.

Create Zones That Tell a Story

The best outdoor spaces have layers. They meander, they intrigue, they pull you through. Create zones, but don’t overthink it. Maybe a sun-soaked corner for morning coffee. A lush, shady nook for midday escapes. An open-air dining area that can handle a party but also feels perfect for two. Use outdoor rugs to define spaces, but let the edges blur. Let your outdoor kitchen design feel like it’s just a breath away from the herb garden. Make your fire pit feel once naturally placed with distanced trees as a backdrop, as if it simply sprouted there one night, ready for stories and s’mores. Consider adding a hammock or hanging chair for those slow, swinging moments with a good book or just the sound of the breeze.

Mix Materials Like a Wanderer

World travelers don’t match their tiles to their couches. They collect. They layer. They mix. You can too. Weathered wood against sleek metal. Stone against polished concrete. Handwoven throws beside polished marble tabletops. It’s a dance of contrasts that makes your space feel storied, curated, alive. Use natural finishes that weather well and fabrics that soften with time and sun. Think linen, teak, terracotta, and raw steel. Choose pieces that feel like they have a history – or are about to make one. Don’t be afraid to mix in a few modern pieces for contrast – a sleek, minimalist chair against rough-hewn stone can add just the right amount of edge.

Add a Touch of Drama (But Keep It Real)

It’s easy to get swept up in the idea of a perfectly curated space. But perfection isn’t the goal. Nostalgia is. And nostalgia lives in the unexpected. A rusted lantern hung from an old tree branch. A hammock that sways a bit off-kilter. A mix of lush, overgrown plants and tidy, sculpted shrubs. Be bold but stay honest. Use that driftwood you found on a hike as a centerpiece. Let your garden grow a little wild. Embrace the imperfections – the weathered wood, the slightly crooked path, the way a vine stubbornly climbs where it wasn’t planted – these are the touches that give a space soul.

Curate for Company (But Design for You)

Yes, your friends will love it. But remember – you’re the one who will use this space the most. Make it personal. A wall for hanging straw hats that double as décor. An outdoor bar cart stocked with your go-to summer beverages, my favorite is peach sweet tea. A weatherproof speaker that plays your favorite sunset soundtrack. Let the space reflect your style, not just the latest Pinterest trend. If you love to cook, make sure the grill or outdoor kitchen is not just functional but a focal point. If you’re more of an evening sunset person, set up a cozy corner where the sun hits just right at 5 p.m. If you're an early riser be sure you can see the rising sun at that hour.

Light for Atmosphere, Not Just Visibility

Don’t just light the space. Set the mood. Twinkle lights for a festive vibe. Lanterns for a softer, more intimate feel. Solar path lights that guide you through the dark. Consider candles for their flicker and warmth – real ones if you can manage it, flickering LEDs if you can’t. Layer the light so your space shifts with the time of day and the type of evening. And don’t underestimate the power of a few well-placed shadows – they add depth and drama, turning even the smallest corner into a scene.

End with a Feeling, Not a Finish

Ultimately, a great outdoor space isn’t a checklist. It’s a feeling. It’s the way the cushions feel after a long, lazy nap in the sun. It’s the smell of wood smoke mingling with night air. It’s that first barefoot step onto cool flagstones in the morning. Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for personal. Aim for a space that calls you outside on those quiet mornings and warm evenings – a space that makes you feel a little lighter, a little freer, a little more at home, even when you’re just a few feet from the kitchen door.

This is a contributed post.

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