6 easy ways to create the backyard oasis of your dreams
Summer has finally arrived — and Canadians are counting down to the weekends. Whether you’re looking forward to a weekend roadtrip with your family, a fun day spent hiking, or simply kicking back in your backyard oasis, Everything Awaits you at Canadian Tire.
There are few things Canadians love more than when summer comes knocking on our doors. For a few short months, we (finally!) get to hang up jackets and enjoy everything our stunning country has to offer in the great outdoors.
If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard or patio, this summer, why not make the most of it by creating a desirable outdoor space that you and your loved ones will want to spend endless hours enjoying.
It can be as simple and budget friendly as hanging a few string lights or adding some accent pillows to your patio furniture. However, if you want to curate an unparalleled backyard experience, we have some great ideas that will turn an ordinary space into a covetable oasis for all your summertime activities. The only problem? You might never want to leave!
Carve out 'rooms' or activity areas
Much like the interior of your home, you want to create easily defined areas within your backyard for activities like cooking, eating and relaxing.
The separation of a dining space, lounging area, an outdoor kitchen and a place for kids to play will create organization and a flow to the space that makes sense. Creating different rooms within your backyard will also make it easier to come up with design schemes.
Create ambiance with lighting
One of easiest things you can do to elevate your backyard or patio space is to incorporate some fun and practical lighting elements. It’s amazing how this little touch can transform your outdoor space, especially when night falls.
The best part is that adding lighting to your patio can be very easy on the wallet. The CANVAS Montmarte Heavy-Duty Outdoor String Lights bring a touch of vintage charm to your outdoor space and even a single string of lights can create a dreamy environment that transports you to a different time and place.
If you’re dining late into the night, you’ll want to bring some light to your patio dining table. A hanging element like the CANVAS Salerno Pendant Light makes for the perfect trendy addition to your outdoor decor. Sleek and modern lanterns like the CANVAS Black LED Lantern can also add a sophisticated touch to your patio tables.
Get comfy
Another important part of creating a top-notch backyard experience is finding patio furniture that’s not just attractive, but comfortable, too. Your patio is a place where you’ll likely spend a ton of time kicking back and relaxing, so you’ll want to choose wisely to ensure it’s the best possible experience.
Canadian Tire has tons of stylish outdoor furniture options, whether you're looking for something classic and neutral or bright and trendy. Our top tip to make your space look like it's being plucked from a home decor magazine? Fun accents like pillows and rugs or flooring. Adding a chic, colourful accent pillow or a gorgeous patterned rug is a great way to create a totally new look without investing a lot of money — and it doubles as a functional, comfortable upgrade.
Dine al fresco with patio ready dinnerware
Tie your outdoor oasis together with chic patio dinnerware that perfectly complements your decor. A splash of colour is great to amp up your backyard space, and the CANVAS Sea Green Stacking Dinner Plates offer a subtle dose of colour that’s neutral enough to go with a variety of design themes.
And what’s a day spent in the backyard without a refreshing beverage? Serve up your favourite summer wine in the CANVAS Stemmed Patio Wine Glass set, or your signature cocktail in the CANVAS Cantina Tumbler Set. Keep beer and coolers ice cold in the CANVAS Oval Outdoor Party Tub for easy access.
Get grilling
Finally, the pièce de résistance of any good backyard gathering is great food. Naturally, a day spent outdoors in the summer wouldn’t be complete without a well thought out BBQ menu.
Whether you prefer a protein rich BBQ or a light vegetarian based spread, nothing beats an authentic charcoal BBQ experience. The Weber Master-Touch Portable Charcoal Grill fits seamlessly in small spaces, but can handle a lot of food as well, which makes it an ideal grill choice.
Heat it up
One of the best parts of summer is being able to take advantage of time spent outside with those closest to you — but it wouldn't be Canada without some chilly, unpleasant evenings, especially during the later summer or early fall. Many Canadians want to extend their time spent outdoors as long as humanly possible — and if you're one of them, there are plenty of options to keep your outdoor space toasty warm.
Fire pits or fire bowls are a great option that can easily be added to any space and can be moved around seasonally. If you're looking for something a bit more luxe, a fire table is a stunning and elegant, yet functional, decor option.
A patio heater is also a great option to increase warmth to your dining space.
Regulations around fire pits and heaters differ Before deciding on any heating, make sure to check local bylaws in your region to avoid purchasing something you're not actually able to use.
