It was too chilly and extra blustery today so I am dreaming of milder weather in Northern Illinois! Snowflakes could easily begin to swirl (as they often do in April), but there are also cheerful hued bulbs popping up everywhere as the ground softens. (My prayer is that we would follow suit and allow the ground of our hearts to soften as well.) This post will get us pondering outdoor living as we explore special outdoor spots for relaxing, dining, meditating, reading, and gathering. Modern Outdoor Oasis Inspiration: Shop These Looks is comin at ya!
Modern Outdoor Oasis Inspiration: Shop These Looks & Get Dreamin Now!
Before you go daydreaming something crazy (like that girlfriend here, with all her free time and extra wads of cash, already created a NEW modern outdoor oasis)…um, nope. You may recall I added these beautiful chairs to my pea gravel near the front door…
What I DID do is buy an antique iron dining set which requires refinishing, but it is not ready for its closeup. I also bought a tiny house for us to fix up as an investment property, and I’m busier painting awful lumpy forlorn walls than I can say.
I’m still a student when it comes to the outdoors. As an indoorswoman, I am learning s l o w l y how to garden and help things flourish.
I mean I know my way around painting outdoor furniture and pillows.
And I can handle planting boxwood and a few potted herbs.
But creating an outdoor oasis? Someday maybe.
We Often Simply Need a Nudge to Begin
What I know about the outdoors is to begin planting trees and perennials right when you move in! Time flies, and watching them grow is a treasure. Also, for outdoor living areas, we should start with function, seek help as we need it, find pretty inspiration, and get creating!
It is okay to do a little at a time as energy and budget allows.
In my own courtyard, I kept things as simple, quiet, and airy as possible because those qualities contribute to the meditative mood I was after.
Multiple Interpretations of Modern
Below you’ll find “modern” themed mood boards meaning they work for modern ways of living and entertaining.
A word about budget…ever secured a quote for outdoor design/landscape architecture? MAMA MIA.
All of the DIY looks below have budget in mind. They are also versatile for a variety of decks, patios, and (in the case of this first bistro look) even tiny balconies.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Modern Outdoor Oasis Look 1: Modern French Bistro
Is it possible to create an oasis moment outside in one fell swoop for under $150. Oui, madame. Imagine yourself bringing Paris to your balcony, terrace, deck, or even indoors.
Here’s an idea for a splurge in the dreamiest of blues:
And here’s a less pricey option:
Bonus Idea: Modern and Minimal Planter
I love the modern black containers on our front porch which flank the front door and look awesome year-round. Whether its ferns, trailing blooms, or evergreens at Christmas, these planters elevate the ordinary.
Modern Outdoor Oasis Idea 2: Modern Farmhouse Patio
Sometimes just a simple addition can get your gears moving. I have seen these distressed rustic barrels styled in countless ways by designers for porches, decks, patios, mud rooms, and beyond.
Here’s a simple set which includes cushions and could be customized in any number of ways. I can see it on a deck, in a courtyard, on a screen porch, or on a simple concrete patio.
Bonus Idea for a Modern Farmhouse Vibe
These charming handcrafted metal outdoor hurricane lanterns would work in any number of outdoor locations where you care to add some glow. I often put battery operated fairy lights in mine.
If you love minimal design and softer colors, this friendly-priced slightly coastal arrangement may appeal – the aqua stripes are so soothing, and I have the Malta lanterns myself and have purchased them as gifts – folks love em!
Modern Outdoor Oasis Look 3: Rustic Modern Dining
What I admire about modern rustic design is its simplicity with clean lines and minimal fussiness as well as the zen mood it often imparts.
While this dining set mood board above lends itself to a boho rustic farmhouse look, it could also go in a modern luxe minimal or even Parisian romantic direction depending on your choices for dishes, accents, and tablescape!
Bonus Idea: Timeless Rustic Planter
These hand-thrown, handpainted terracotta vases are NEVER going to go out of style. The silhouette is classic, and absolutely anything at all looks good in them!
Thanks so much for taking these ideas for a spin. I’d love to here how you address your outdoor rooms!
View a Lovely Backyard Makeover!
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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I’m a fan of wicker outdoor furniture with comfy cushions. I find them to be the most comfortable to lounge. There are so many styles to choose from, be it country, traditional, or even oversized modern.
We are enjoying a very mild spring and have been outdoors for a better part of each day during our four week quarantine. We feel very fortunate to have that option. Long walks (keeping our distance) and a little garden work, keeps us occupied for a good part of the day. I do feel for those quarantined in apartments and/or in crowded cities where the opportunity to be safely outside is impossible,
Blessings,
~Joanna
Author
I’m so glad you are enjoying the outdoors, Joanna. Unfortunately, it has been windy and too cool to be outside everyday. But you can be sure that when the sun is shining, and it’s not snowing – I’ll be out there soaking up a little of it. The frustrating thing about working from home during quarantine is my motivation is lacking. I have never before experienced writer’s block until this pandemic. Thanks so much for reading. 🙂
I hear you on the motivation. I had big plans going into this pandemic. I was going to start painting again, perhaps learn Spanish and lose weight/build muscle. Somehow, I have not accomplished anything. However, my garden is looking rather lovely, and my wine cellar is getting empty, so I suppose that is something. 🤪 This is like nothing we have lived through and we need to allow ourselves some Grace. Read books while lazing on the couch, try new recipes, eat the chocolate and drink the wine. I think we just need to feed our souls and hearts. The rest will follow….
Author
We do need to be gentle. I can only have a little wine and chocolate so my thing is rest right now. I’m supposed to be lifting weights everyday and am snoozing instead for now. And wouldn’t you know I started new hrt days before quarantine? How am I supposed to know if I am nutty from circumstances or a changed chemistry? Just a very strange chapter where all sorts of re-evaluating and moods have surfaced. Lord have mercy just sums it up best. 🙂
Michele,
Oh sweet Michele, I am so sorry that you are not feeling well. I hope the weather warms up so you can enjoy outside and heal quickly. I have learned that your outdoor oasis can grow slowly. It takes time to get it the way you want it.
Have a lovely week.
Hugs,
Bev
Author
You’re so right about it taking time, Bev. It does require patience. And I think it comes harder for me because I moved so much as a child, and that spirit of ‘let’s start over’ is never far away. But the most beautiful gardens take time and lots of nurturance so it’s still a new concept for me. 🙂 Thank you for the wishes, and I am praying remission comes sooner than later. Hope you are feeling well and not feeling too nutty from the lockdown (is it even possible to stay centered and balanced during this time…hahahaha). xox
I live in San Diego and we utilize our patio quite a bit! I loved your post this morning because my current project is updating our back porch (on a limited budget). The boards in your post gave me some great ideas for moving forward. For me it was a very timely! Thank you! Sending you positive vibes and hope you start feeling better very soon!
Author
Yay! I have actually been daydreaming about San Diego this week – it was cold here, and I was craving a bowl of cioppino and a visit to the beach!