Summer is typically the season for spending a lot of time outdoors. Many people may start to think about making trips abroad or a getaway location, but with a little effort and imagination, you can create a small oasis right in your backyard. A beautiful outdoor space can be a great place to relax with your family, as well as the perfect setting for hosting friends and neighbours for a pleasant afternoon tea time or a lively BBQ party. Here are a few ways you can make your yard a little more luxurious:

1. Music

A little bit of background music can go a long way in enhancing the atmosphere in your backyard. Try soft and soothing music if you’re looking to set a relaxing vibe for you and your guests, or find a quicker beat for a bigger party or special occasion. You can try bringing your regular speakers outside and hooking them up with an extension cord, but there are some fun, outdoor-appropriate options, like wireless speakers that are intentionally shaped like rocks. Consider taking that organic spirit to the next level by playing background noise like running water or birds.

2. Lighting

Lighting is not only for illuminating your yard at night. If you use it effectively, it brings a certain glow to your yard. Candlelight is one option, but a safer alternative is a lamp that is dimmable or wall mounted lights. If you have a pool, a great idea would be to have floating lights. It doesn’t have to expensive; you can have battery operated lights inside inflated balloons and float them.

3. Furniture

Furniture is always a must if you are thinking about luxury. These days you have a number of options from wrought iron furniture to weatherproof sectional couches. Whatever your taste, furniture can always bring comfort and luxury to your yard.

4. Water

Water features are an elegant and tasteful addition to any backyard. The appearance and sound of running water creates a meditative and relaxing atmosphere. A small fountain can have the desired effect, or if you are a little more ambitious, consider installing a full aquarium or fish pond.

5. Television

If you like watching TV, having a television in your backyard can be a fun touch. And when there’s a big game on, having your friends over to relax in the yard without missing the game is a great party favour. There are a number of water resistant TVs on the market; you can purchase them online or in stores.

6. Privacy

You can ensure some privacy for your backyard by using fences or garden walls. Plants and hedges are also good ideas, and they will probably blend in better with your backyard depending on if it already has a lawn. Curtains are also a great choice. You can hang them around your yard or even use flowers to do the job.

All these decorative details can really boost your garden, and take it from a standard outdoor space to being a lovely, decadent and relaxing haven. And don’t forget to put your green thumb to work — a wide variety of flowers, shrubs and herbs are crucial to creating a great backyard.