Looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors? You don’t have to look any further than your own backyard.
By combining the right elements of design and nature, you can create a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life, right outside your door. Whether you have a sprawling yard or a cozy patio, here are some tips that will help you design a relaxing landscape.
1. Plan it out.
The first step in any successful landscape design is to create a plan. Think about how you want to use your space. Is it mainly for pure relaxation, or do you also want it to be a space or things like entertaining or gardening? Once you have an idea of the function(s) your space needs to perform, think about the key elements you’ll need to make that a reality. Will you need seating areas? Planter boxes? Shaded areas? Prioritize what is most important to you.
Next, sketch out a rough layout of your yard or patio, noting where you want to place these features. Take into account the size of your space, your budget, and how much time you want to spend maintaining these outdoor areas.
As you plan, try to strike a balance between open space and structured elements. Include a mix of hardscaping and greenery to provide visual contrast and create welcoming areas.
2. Incorporate natural elements.
Nature is inherently soothing, so make sure to incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and (of course) plants into your design. A wooden pergola or stone patio can add texture and warmth to the space, blending the indoors and outdoors seamlessly while also creating a comfortable space. Consider materials that will age well over time, like weathered wood or natural stone, which develop character as they age and contribute to a timeless, relaxed aesthetic.
Use native plants or those that are well-suited to your climate to ensure your landscape thrives with minimal effort. In regions like Arizona, for example, succulents, agaves, and desert blooms are both visually striking and drought-tolerant, making them ideal choices for low-maintenance, water-wise landscapes.
3. Use water.
Few things are as calming as the sound of running water. Adding a water feature, such as a fountain, small pond, or birdbath can instantly enhance the tranquility of your landscape. The sound of water helps drown out background noise and creates a peaceful atmosphere.
One great thing about water features is that they come in all shapes and sizes, so you don’t need a large yard to enjoy one. A small tabletop fountain can be just as soothing as a larger waterfall or pond, and can be placed on a patio or near a seating area to maximize its calming effect.
4. Create comfortable seating areas.
To fully enjoy your outdoor sanctuary, you’ll need a comfortable place to sit and relax. Think about the seating options you’ll need to achieve this. Do you want lounge chairs, a full sofa or sectional, a hammock, or something else? Choose pieces that will give you the comfort, function, and look you need to create a perfect relaxing spot for reading a book, meditating, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Remember to include cushions and pillows in soft, natural colors to make your seating area even more inviting.
Remember: when choosing seating, consider materials and durability. If you live in a sunny or hot area, select furniture that is UV-resistant to prevent fading and heat damage.
5. Add shade and shelter.
Direct sunlight can make your outdoor space feel hot and uncomfortable, so create areas of shade where you can relax in comfort. There are several ways to add shade to your landscape, including pergolas, awnings, umbrellas, or even strategically placed trees.
If you have the space and the budget, you might want to consider adding a covered space like a gazebo, which gives you the ultimate place to relax outdoors year-round, rain or shine.
6. Think about colors and textures.
The colors and textures in your landscape play a key role in setting the mood. For a relaxing vibe, opt for soft, muted colors like greens, blues, and neutral earth tones. These shades blend harmoniously with the natural environment and create a sense of tranquility.
Textural contrast can also enhance the visual appeal of your space. Combine different textures and materials to engage the senses—rough stone, smooth wood, soft grasses, and delicate flowers all work together to create an inviting, soothing experience.
7. Include lighting
Proper lighting can transform your landscape when the sun goes down, creating a magical ambiance that encourages relaxation. Soft, warm lighting is ideal for a peaceful ambience. Consider using low-voltage LED lights, solar-powered path lights, and/or string lights to illuminate your garden and highlight key features like trees, water elements, or seating areas.
Avoid harsh lights, overly bright lights, or flood lights, which can disrupt the calming vibe. Instead, focus on subtle, indirect lighting that creates a serene glow with pools of light. Also think about adding lanterns and candles, which can add a romantic, cozy touch to your outdoor space.
8. Minimize maintenance.
A relaxing landscape shouldn’t be stressful to maintain. To keep your outdoor space low-maintenance, choose hardy plants that thrive in your local climate and are resistant to pests and diseases. Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together to simplify care.
Incorporating ground covers or mulch can help reduce weeds and conserve moisture, cutting down on the amount of time you spend maintaining the garden. Additionally, consider installing an automatic watering system to ensure your plants are watered efficiently and on a schedule, freeing up more of your time to simply enjoy the space.
9. Think about scents.
When selecting plants, consider incorporating plants with fragrant blooms or soothing scents, to further enhance the calming atmosphere.
Examples of these plants include:
- Lavender
- Sage
- Geraniums
- Evening primrose
- Desert willow
- Jasmine
- Gardenia
- Honeysuckle
- Rose
- Mint
- Rosemary
10. Add personal touches.
Your landscape is meant to be relaxing for you, which means it should reflect your personal style and preferences. Whether you enjoy the sound of wind chimes, the feel of soft grass underfoot, or the sight of vibrant flowers in bloom, incorporate elements that resonate with you. Personal touches like sculptures, decorative planters, outdoor art, or elements that attract wildlife can add character and make the space feel uniquely yours.
When you find the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and personal style, you will end up with a yard that offers you the relaxation and serenity you crave. Use these tips to create an outdoor space that will help you relax, recharge, and see the beauty that is right there in your own backyard.
