We love inspiring our clients with easy ideas to create backyards that feel like a holiday destination. But the truth is, our clients inspire us just as much!
Our team loves the patio design and install process, but we love the reveals even more. Seeing how our customers finish our patios and add their own personality and style is the best part of what we do.
After over 26 years in the patio industry, we’ve been inspired by hundreds of our Perth patio customers. We pulled together our top inspiration from our time in the patio industry to inspire you with our best ideas.
Ready to feel more like you’re on holiday than in your backyard? Here are our favourite ways to upgrade a backyard, including plenty of options for any budget or square footage.
13 Easy Ways to Transform Your Yard Into a Relaxing Oasis
- Create Zones
- Add A Water Feature
- Add a Dining Area
- Install a Variety of Outdoor Lighting
- Get Creative with Privacy
- Add Lushness with Plants
- Make an Easy DIY Backyard Movie Theatre
- Add a Simple DIY Outdoor Kitchen
- Bring the Indoors Out with Cosy Finishing Touches
- Prevent Bugs
- Add Strategic Shade
- Create A Fun Play Area for Kids
- Hang A Hammock or Outdoor Swing
1. Create Zones
Defined zones can make a simple backyard feel upscale and resort-like. With strategic furniture placement, you can easily create subtle zones that feel cohesive and functional.
This approach works well in both small and large yards. For instance, a table for two can provide a simple coffee or meal area to make a small space feel larger.
A simple sitting area with a bench, outdoor cushions, and a couple of colourful throw pillows can serve as a cosy reading nook.
Adding zones to larger spaces can feel cosier and less overwhelming than one expansive outdoor space. Try separating areas into a dining space, cooking space, and lounging area in large patios.
One of our favourite examples of a defined outdoor area that maximises space is this large custom gable patio. The owners wanted a functional, gorgeous patio that could provide a versatile space for enjoying their backyard.
With an area for dining, grilling, playing ping pong, lounging, and relaxing in the hot tub, this space is the ultimate spot for relaxing and family fun.
2. Add A Water Feature
A pool is a classic water feature that creates a true retreat-like feel in a backyard. This outdoor pool with a curved domed roof is one of our all-time favourite projects. The owners wanted a space that made their backyard feel like a getaway, and we love how it turned out!
Not every yard or budget is suitable for a pool, but a water feature can still invoke a spa-like feel in your backyard. Channel feelings of a lush oasis with these backyard water features:
- A small trickling fountain
- A stock tank pool
- A bird bath
- A miniature pond
- A hot tub
See more of our poolside patio inspiration here: 5 Poolside Patio Ideas and Examples from Our Work – Aussie Patio Designs.
3. Add a Dining Area
No matter how small the space, there are many ways to add an outdoor dining space. If your yard is limited, an outdoor dining area can be as simple as a small bistro table with two metal chairs for dinner for two or relaxing with coffee in the morning. Add a weather-resistant tablecloth and a bouquet of fresh-cut wildflowers to add a cosy finishing touch
4. Install a Variety of Outdoor Lighting
If you’ve read our patio idea blogs, you know we love outdoor lighting. There is no easier way to instantly upgrade a backyard and create a magical, welcoming atmosphere. Plus, outdoor lighting can be as budget-friendly and easy as you’d like.
We like using outdoor lighting to highlight landscaping, illuminate walkways, and light up dining or lounge areas.
We prefer using a mix of lighting sources for versatility, such as:
- String lights – the true classic!
- Solar lanterns
- Mounted outdoor wall lights
- Patio umbrella lights
- LED candles
- LED rope lights
- Step lights
- Outdoor lamps
5. Get Creative with Privacy
Block out neighbors or a bad view with backyard privacy options. A custom patio with outdoor blinds is the ultimate privacy solution, but there are other easy ways to add privacy to a backyard.
Here are some other options for adding privacy to a yard:
- Faux hedge privacy panels
- Lattices with climbing vines
- Tall, full plants or trees
- Outdoor blinds
- Decorative privacy screens or fences
6. Add Lushness with Plants
Plants are one of the easiest ways to invoke a lush, inviting atmosphere in a backyard. We like using pots for how versatile they are. Flower pots can easily be moved around depending on the day or if you need more room for hosting. Try a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours to add visual interest and create a dynamic feel.
Along with potted plants and flowers, we love sprinkling wildflower seeds into the landscaping to attract pollinators and add a burst of colour to a backyard.
Other ways we like to add greenery with plants include:
- A vase of fresh cut flowers as a centerpiece
- A small herb garden to add greenery and function (we love grabbing a handful of chives to add a boost of vitamins and flavour to freshly grilled suppers!)
- A terracotta pot with herbs or succulents as a centerpiece
- One or two raised garden beds with easy-to-grow options such as lettuce, tomatoes, and peas
- Tall plants with full leaves to boost privacy
We love how the owners added a mix of hanging and potted plants to this custom alfresco area. The result is a lush, inviting space that invokes relaxation and tropical vibes.
7. Make an Easy DIY Backyard Movie Theatre
An outdoor movie threatre sounds elaborate and expensive, but it doesn’t need to be! An outdoor movie can be as simple as some bean bags, pillows, plush throw blankets, and a white bed sheet with an outdoor projector.
8. Add a Simple DIY Outdoor Kitchen
Not everyone has the space or budget for a full-on outdoor kitchen. However, a strategic setup can have you enjoying a DIY outdoor kitchen in no time.
Here are our favourite ways to create an easy outdoor kitchen:
- A grill or pizza oven
- A bar cart that can double as prep space and serving space
- A small dining table or bistro table
- 2 to 4 dining chairs or a bench
- A mini outdoor fridge or a large cooler
9. Bring the Indoors Out with Cosy Finishing Touches
Bringing the indoors out is one of the top patio trends in Australia for 2025. Make your backyard feel like an extension of your house with these ideas:
- Outdoor rugs
- Outdoor pillows
- Throw blankets
- A smart speaker
- Artistic elements and ornamental touches, such as waterproof art or garden sculptures
- Outdoor curtains (for visual interest and an easy way to add privacy to a backyard)
- Weatherproof floor or table lamps
- A fire table
- Traditional light fixtures, such as an outdoor pendant light
10. Prevent Bugs
Even the most stunning backyard design can quickly be ruined by buzzing pests. Keep mosquitoes and flies away with products like citronella candles or incense.
11. Add Strategic Shade
Shade is a non-negotiable if you want to spend time outside in Perth in the summer. A custom patio with an insulated roof can add shade and temperature control.
On a budget? Add shade with these ideas:
- A patio umbrella
- A retractable awning
- A pergola with climbing vines
- A sail shade
12. Create A Fun Play Area for Kids
Keep your kiddos occupied and get them the fresh air they need with fun outdoor activities. A small swing set or playhouse and a sandbox can provide hours of fun.
For more ways to make a family-friendly backyard, see our ideas here: 12 Family Friendly Backyard Ideas – Aussie Patio Designs.
13. Hang A Hammock or Outdoor Swing
Few things say relaxation like a hammock or an outdoor swing. Read, nap, or watch the clouds go by while gently swaying back and forth. There are many budget-friendly options and a variety of styles to choose from.
If you don’t have two strong trees to rely on, opt for a freestanding hammock or two sturdy posts.
Ready to Transform Your Yard? Our Perth Patio Team Is Here to Help
We hope you find some great ideas from our list of easy backyard oasis ideas. Need help bringing your backyard vision to life? We’d love to dream with you and create a backyard you never want to leave.
We’ve helped hundreds of Perth homeowners transform their backyards with custom patios,carports, and outdoor blinds. Contact us for your free quote and we’ll work together to create a sophisticated, serene backyard oasis within your space and budget requirements.
