The California Backyard

Creating a Relaxed and Modern Outdoor Oasis

California isn’t just a place—it’s a lifestyle. The gorgeous weather is the perfect backdrop for year-round gatherings with family and friends, and we need casual and inviting spaces that embrace outdoor living. Here’s a few ways to transform your backyard into a modern oasis with a distinctly California vibe.

Create an Outdoor Living Room

Gone are the days of clunky metal patio furniture and plastic picnic tables. There’s no reason that your outdoor space can’t be as comfortable and attractive as your interior space. Dress up your patio with a modern outdoor sofa or sectional and pair it with an outdoor-friendly rug. Add some decorative lighting—solar is a great choice—and a few distinctive containers, and you’ll be ready to entertain.

While minimalist, earthy designs continue to be a popular choice, don’t forget that color can be modern too. A brightly colored chair or a few vibrant pillows can add a pop of happy hues to any outdoor space.

Shade Will Bring the Temperature Down

The abundant California sunshine can make outdoor spaces a bit too warm, so keep things comfortable by adding ample shade. Plant trees that provide a good shade canopy without being messy or having invasive roots—the experts at Plant Depot can help you pick the perfect trees for your yard. 

You can also add patio umbrellas or some well-placed sun shade fabric to keep things cool, especially over outdoor seating and dining spaces. And remember that concrete, asphalt and stonework readily retain heat, so you may want to keep that in mind before you dedicate a significant portion of your yard to hardscape.

Native and Drought-Resistant Plants for the Win

Cool-weather, water-intensive plants just aren’t right for our dry climate, but you can still have a yard that’s full of colorful flowers and shrubs. Talk to Plant Depot’s nursery staff about creating a drought-resistant garden that will still look great through long spells without rain. Pick plants in a variety of sizes to create height and visual interest throughout your space (and native species like butterflies and hummingbirds love to have a variety of plants to visit!)

You’ll enjoy your yard more if every area is accessible. If you have a larger yard, consider creating winding pathways throughout your garden to allow guests to wander and enjoy the space.

Warm Up with a Modern Fire Element

Even after a hot, sunny day, California evenings can be chilly. Keep the party going after sunset by bringing a little heat outside.

While this used to mean splurging on an expensive outdoor fireplace, there are now plenty of affordable options for every backyard. You can opt for modern versions of the classic patio heater, a campfire style fire pit, or even a chic, minimalist fire table that everyone can gather around.

Create A Casual Dining Space That’s Ready for Long Brunches

Dining al fresco makes every meal feel a bit more special, whether it’s a quick weekday dinner or an extended Sunday brunch. Choose a table that’s easy to clean and can withstand the elements, and get creative with seating. Long benches, stools and armchairs can be an attractive alternative to standard dining chairs and can make your space more inviting.

Remember to add enough lighting so your space will be attractive and well-lit even when the sun goes down. Hanging lanterns and string lights can provide illumination directly over the table, while wall sconces should be placed alongside the house and near patio doors. Solar path lights can keep pathways bright in areas where electricity may be hard to reach.