Transform Your Patio into an Oasis

We’ve all daydreamed about a coastal oasis that will whisk us away from the stress of our daily lives. In our minds, it’s a thousand miles (and dollars) from home. But, you don’t have to pay for pricey vacations to find your peaceful and serene setting. Just look to your home’s outdoor space for an escape from reality. Our friend Steve Athea, co-founder of Modani furniture, offers some tips on how to transform your patio and custom home into an oasis in Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra, Florida.

Whether it’s an afternoon soaking up the sun, or an evening outdoors enjoying the sweet summer breeze, you don’t have to travel far and wide to getaway. Not thinking your patio is relaxation ready? Not to worry, these tips will bring the coast close to home with their “beach club cabana” inspiration.

Courtesy Modani.com

There’s no better way to escape than lounging out and enjoying a day of wonderfully warm weather. Create a comfy, coastal lounge area by incorporating a large lounge piece into your patio or deck space. This is great for an afternoon snooze or turning the pages of your favorite novel. Complement it with smaller seating options to turn your solo afternoon into an evening of entertaining.

While it’s great to enjoy the sun’s rays, be sure to have a shaded area for cooling off. To bring a genuine coastal touch to your patio, use a sailcloth to stay out of the sun. Place atop a wooden frame and accent with a classic sailing rope for a true summertime feel. Incorporate rocks into the surrounding landscape to bring the shore right to your toes for a breath of instant bliss.

Courtesy Modani.com

Whites, beiges, and blues work wonders in any sea-inspired home. The neutral tones ease the mind as the blues bring a sense of calm to the area. This classic color scheme perfectly reflects the hues we find at a day at the beach. Add depth with deeper shades of blue and teal.

For additional color to your outdoor décor, look to your favorite beach scene for inspiration. For lovers of a sunset stroll, include orange accents in your lounge area with pillows or a brightly colored serve ware set for entertaining. Love the contrast of lush vegetation with a calm shoreline? A darker wood finish on your favorite outdoor furniture will go perfectly with a neutral tone fabric and healthy green plants. Layering low shrubs with plants of different sizes and textures will create a dense garden.

Courtesy Modani.com

Sometimes we are most relaxed when we are surrounded by those we love. Our mothers and grandmothers would all agree that no gathering, no matter how small, is complete without something to munch on. To keep your outdoor oasis a stress-free zone, a small bar area can be the perfect place to store your outdoor entertaining needs. Add a textured plant, like echeverrias, to accent tabletops and make guests feels as if they’re under-the-sea with their urchin-like appearance.

Heartfelt conversation and warm laughs feel even more special in soft lighting. Use lanterns to display candles atop an outdoor coffee table or dining table. These work great in numbers for accenting outdoor stairways and paths. The warm glow will truly illuminate sunset meals or evening cocktails. For an added spark, add a fire pit to your yard. From table top to campground size, they come in a range of shapes and sizes to accommodate any yard or preference – Let the storytelling begin!

Courtesy Modani.com

Don’t forget the water! One of the most calming features about the coast is the water itself. Its calming effect can reduce stress and wash away worries. If your outdoor space is lacking liquid, be sure to bring in a water feature. Backyard ponds are a great way to hear the soothing sound of trickling water – and bringing in a school of fish can be fun for the kids as well. Fountains are also a fun way to get creative and will work with any budget. A large plant pot and a small pump are all you need to get started.

Courtesy Modani.com

Favorite shore memories are the best way to decorate your personal oasis. From collecting shells to drawing in the sand with driftwood, these special memories can bring a special touch to your outdoor area. Use your favorite conches to decorate the garden, slide them on string for a DIY wind chime, or display in jars for a tabletop centerpiece. A driftwood bench can also be a fun weekend project as well as an original vintage piece to incorporate into a garden area. Use leftover materials to create a fun beach sign, pointing in the directions of your favorite beaches or cities. Remember swimming out to the buoy? Drape them over a garden fence for an eccentric, mix-matched touch to your private outdoor coastline.

Steven Athea is the co-founder of Modani, a contemporary furniture store based in Miami with locations across the U.S. Steven has a degree in Design and Architecture from The Architecture School of Antibes in France.

Glenn Layton Homes builds coastal style, custom homes in Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra, Florida.  Let Glenn Layton Homes help you live your Coastal Lifestyle.  Contact us today!

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This post was written by Glenn Layton Homes