4 Tips to Transform Your Patio into an Outdoor Retreat

How to tackle your outdoor transformation, and what we learned from our own project, including the features we love most

We spent the last five years living tiny, in an RV, where our outdoor space changed weekly, from campground to campground as we traveled the US. That all changed last year when we purchased a deeded lot.

It was the first time in a long time that I was reminded of the potential an outdoor space offers, and it was one of the first projects we tackled to transform a bare concrete pad into an outdoor oasis.

The good news is, if we did it, you can too. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create your own outdoor sanctuary.

Here’s how:

1. Decide your vibe

Before you begin investing in furniture or planting a jungle, think about how you want to feel when you’re outside. At this stage, you can start to consider some of the primary functions of the space, and we’ll get into this even more in step two.

For now, imagine you’re opening the door and heading outside. You have your favorite drink. It’s the perfect temperature.

How do you imagine your outdoor living space making you feel?

• Cozy, comfortable, and secluded?

• Spacious, open, and breezy?

• Is it functional or luxurious?

• Organic or rigid?

For me, it was all about creating an extension of our interior living space, bringing the indoors out.

I wanted it to feel lived-in and relaxed, organic with soft textures, cozy with warm lighting, and with special details that brought out our personality. I wanted it to feel like somewhere I’d want to sit and sip a cup of coffee, just as much as somewhere you’d want to hang out on a Friday night.

So, whether you’re aiming for a coastal deck retreat, a boho backyard lounge, or a modern outdoor sanctuary, deciding your vibe will help guide every decision.

A few examples that may inspire you:

---

2. Create intentional zones

Even if you’re working with a small space, breaking it into “zones” can make it feel bigger and more functional.

In our case, we’re gifted with an outdoor space that rivals the size of our indoor footprint, and I wanted to take advantage of every inch, treating it as if it were an addition to a house. My goal was to include a space to dine, a space to cuddle up and watch a game, a zone ready for entertaining, and a corner that felt like a bit of a sanctuary where we could unplug.

Consider how you’ll plan to use the space, your desired outcomes, and if there are any specific needs you’ll want to accommodate for those using the space.

Potential zones to consider creating in your outdoor living space:

• Dining area: A teak, concrete, or glass table with outdoor chairs provides flexible dining options

• Bistro corner: A small foldable or iron bistro table with two chairs offers the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or afternoon apps

• Lounge area: Depending on the size of the space, a sectional, or comfy outdoor chair with a rug and tables can bring your living room outdoors

• Grill station: You could build an entire outdoor kitchen complete with a fridge and plumbing, or carve out space for a simple food prep surface and your favorite grill

• Plant sanctuary: From pollinator-friendly to ornamental plants, you may consider creating a dedicated space that favors growing conditions

• Zen zone: A fountain, swing, or cozy hanging chair with outdoor pillows can create the perfect retreat to enjoy peaceful moments

Tip: Once you decide on the zones to include, sketching the plan on paper can offer perspective on the flow between zones and overall sizing of the space.

Are there any other zones you would add to the list?

A few of our patio zones: Dining, Lounge, Zen, Plants

---

3. Layer it on

What is the key to making your patio feel like a retreat? Layers. Layers automatically make any space feel lived-in and well-loved, and your patio is no exception.

A few ways you can add layers to your patio design:

• Textiles: Outdoor cushions (including dining chair seating cushions, sectionals, benches, etc.), outdoor rugs, welcome mats, outdoor throw pillows and blankets, and even tablecloths. Weather-resistant textiles are key for day-to-day use, but that shouldn’t stop you from bringing out indoor pieces for special occasions, too.

• Lighting: From string lights to overhead basket lights, pulling a variety of lighting options into your outdoor space will add warm, glowy magic for the coziest of nights. Additional options include solar lanterns, battery-powered candles, and landscape lighting.

• Shade: Consider adding large outdoor umbrellas or sail shades over otherwise uncovered seating areas, or outdoor fabric strips woven into the roof of a pergola. Not only are they functional, but they add visual interest.

---

4. Make it personal

This is where the magic happens. In many design-inspired posts, I often reference one of my favorite quotes about personalizing our living space, from Sam Gosling, who shares, ‘As humans, being understood is one of the most prioritized subconscious needs, so we decorate our homes to reflect the self.’ As a maximalist and someone who values being seen for who they are, this has quickly become my mantra.

When personalizing a space, consider how elements inspire your senses.

• Touch: Add natural elements like wicker, teak, and bamboo to add texture and warmth with an organic feel to your outdoor space

• Sight: Create interest with color and pattern, like thrifted saucers for your plants, vintage trays, suncatchers, or climbing plants up a trellis

• Smell: Pots of citronella, rosemary, and jasmine offer both beauty and function, deterring pests, and you could consider fragrant plants, lavender, or herbs

• Taste: Evoke taste through other sensory cues like creating a cozy coffee zone, creating a custom drink or tasting experience, or adding pots of edible flowers

• Sound: Display windchimes or a fountain to offer relaxing tones, or create a custom playlist to enjoy over outdoor speakers

Scroll down to see a few of the ways we added personality to our outdoor oasis, and grab our patio vibes playlist.

(If you aren’t yet a paid subscriber, viewing this content through the Substack app may enable a free preview.)

---

If you’ve made it this far and you’re on the fence with whether or not you should tackle your outdoor space, let me reassure you that you can do this!

A few tips to keep in mind:

• Tackle the project in stages: Transforming your patio doesn’t have to be a huge renovation, you can make a big impact with small, incremental changes. Add a plant, a solar lantern, or a folding chair that overlooks your favorite view

• Keep it low-maintenance: We want you to enjoy your space, and nothing will deter you from doing so like needing to tackle a to-do list before you can enjoy it. Choose items that are easy to clean and outdoor-friendly

So what’s your dream outdoor oasis? Easy breezy coastal vibes? Cozy, comfy boho? Sleek, clean, and functional? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your pation transformation photos. I can’t wait to see your creative vision come to life!

---