Take It Outside: 9 Ideas for Creating an Outdoor Oasis

Earth Day weekend has us ruminating on the environment and sustainability, of course, but also how design can bring us closer to nature. Yet crafting the ultimate outdoor oasis isn’t as straightforward as dropping in some beautiful pieces of lawn or patio furniture. The smallest of details — from the paver you walk upon to lights for when the sun sets — feed into the ambiance of an outdoor space, too.

Sheila Kim Sheila Kim

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Crafting the ultimate outdoor oasis isn’t as straightforward as dropping in some beautiful pieces of lawn or patio furniture. The smallest of details — from the paver you walk upon to lights for when the sun sets — feed into the ambiance of an outdoor space, too. If you’re still missing some pieces of the puzzle in an outdoor-living project, consider some of these fresh product ideas to complete your vision.

B-K Lighting: Louvered Brick Star

Offering a level of safety in low-light conditions, these recessed lights are handsome discreet fixtures that can be installed within walls and steps. Its front — available with a rectangular or round louver pattern and in 32 finishes — is cast of recycled copper-free aluminum or brass, to boot. Lamping is MR16 halogen in 20, 35, 42 or 50 watts.

Gandia Blasco: Pergola Folding Roof

This clean-lined pergola offers an integrated shade roof that can be retracted as desired. Two different sizes are available for accommodating sunbathing, lounging or al fresco dining.

Island Stone: Random Cobbles

Add some Zen to a terrace or yard path with this barefoot-worthy smooth pebble product. The Cobble range, which is also suitable to wall applications, comes in beige, tan, grey or mixed-palette blends.

Mirage: EVO_2/E

The 20-millimeter-thick porcelain tile product simulates the look of stone for patios and yards but at less cost. What’s more, its thickness and weight allow for it to be loose laid right on top of grass or gravel as pavers.

Planika Fires: GaLiO

This linear gas fireplace is available as an insert or with a dramatic Corten steel case. The Corten version measures 44 7/8-inches wide by 13 6/8 deep by 19 5/8 high and has a stainless steel burner and tempered glass shields.

Röshults: Garden Shower

This may look like a doorway frame missing the actual door, but it’s really a sleek minimalist outdoor shower complete with a teak-slatted base. It’s constructed with a stainless steel bar that’s perforated at the top to produce a rain effect.

Sonneman – A Way of Light: Inside-Out

This decorative lighting collection consists of sculptural, eye-catching LED fixtures that are suitable for both interior and exterior applications. Models include a variety of wall sconces and bollards that provide up-, down- or bidirectional illumination, with flat or curved lenses. Depending on the model, finishes range from textured bronze or gray to white.

Sunbrella Fabrics: Sunbrella Contour

This high-performance shade textile provides excellent UV protection while still transmitting light and allowing water to pass through. Available in vibrant and neutral hues, the nondirectional fabric is supple and less abrasive compared to typical shade fabrics, making it easier to work with in fabrications and installations, as well as easier to smooth out.

TerraMai Reclaimed Woods: Reclaimed Teak Decking

Teak lends natural beauty and warmth to outdoor areas yet withstands the elements, making it a popular choice for everything from furniture to decking. And TerraMai’s teak in particularly is attractive, as it doesn’t hurt the environment since it’s salvaged from buildings in Southeast Asia. The planks measure 7/8-inch thick by 5 ½-inches wide by 3- to 7-foot and random lengths.

Looking for more ideas? Click here to learn how Architizer Source can help you find the right material options.

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