Life can get stressful. You know it. We know it.
Whether it’s pressure, work, deadlines, family commitments, or lack of time available to get to the tasks you enjoy, you could probably use a little relaxation.
Lucky for you, nature has the answer. It can lower blood pressure and stress levels, enhance your immune system function, increase your self esteem, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood. Nature’s calming effect can even reduce headaches and help you think more clearly.
But you can’t always go to a park or natural area for escape. Sometimes don’t you wish you can just walk out your back door and find that healing and soothing outdoor element?
In fact, you can create a relaxing backyard in Chicagoland and get the stress relief you need. Try these strategies for best results.
5 Relaxing Backyard Ideas
Ok, you want to create a relaxing backyard, but maybe you’re not sure where to start.
When it comes to relaxation, you want to assess your outdoor area for elements that it needs to make it a place you want to escape to. What does it need to turn it into a refuge for relaxing and kicking back?
Your backyard and patio have so much potential for this transformation. Here are some ways we suggest for bringing more soothing sensations to your space.
1. Try a Pergola or Pavilion
A wonderful way to add a space for calm in your backyard is to add a room with some privacy, such as a pergola or pavilion.
These landscape structures create height in your landscape. A pergola has an open roof with layered beams, while a pavilion is a small room with a roof and no walls. Both structures provide shade, but a pavilion has the added benefit of rain protection.
This additional sunblock and relaxing backyard oasis can do wonders for reducing your stress.
2. Consider a Fire Feature
A fire feature can be a great relaxing backyard landscaping idea.
You can sit around it for warmth, enjoy the dancing flames, bask in the mesmerizing ambiance, and sit back and relax with family and friends.
A fire feature can be an addition that makes you feel like you're on vacation even though you’re in your own backyard. One step outside and you immediately enter a more relaxing environment.
3. Add a Water Feature
A water feature can be an extremely soothing addition to your backyard oasis.
The sight and sound of water has a calming, restorative effect. It can mute nearby traffic or stressful sounds and enhance relaxation in your environment. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a pool, hot tub, pond, fountain, or pondless waterfall.
4. Plants Can Bring Relaxation
A relaxing patio is the goal. Another way to get that is by softening the edges with the right plants.
When you choose plants for stress-relief, think about satisfying all of your senses.
Lavender, for instance, has a soft color and a soothing scent. Bee balm can be relaxing, too, because it brings hummingbirds. Plants with great texture like sage or lamb’s ear can add soft elements.
5. Don’t Forget Comfortable Furniture
Sure, you want seating in your backyard oasis, but comfortable seating can make all the difference.
We mean things like oversized chairs and chaise loungers for stretching out and relaxing. You want to add furniture that will draw you outside. A hammock can do the trick as well – something that gives you a place that makes you feel like you can take a deep, relaxing breath.
We Can Help You Create a Relaxing Backyard
When you think about a backyard oasis, you’re certainly not thinking about a concrete slab with some plastic chairs and a grill.
You want a space that beckons to you, calling you out to enjoy its greenery and fresh air and soothing sounds and scents.
If you can’t envision how your patio can become a private, peaceful place for reflection and relaxation, give KD Landscape a call. We can show you your options and help you see what kind of elements can take your patio from something that bores you to a space you adore.
Ready to see how KD Landscape can transform your Greater Chicago backyard into something you can really enjoy? We’d love to share our design and installation expertise with you and deliver a space you’ll never want to leave. Get started today with a free consultation. Together, we can prepare a relaxing patio that eases your nerves.
