An Oasis Refresh: Adding a Little More Color, and a Little More of ME!
Around this time last year, I got a chance to work with a brand to do a patio refresh - which ended up being more like a major overhaul! My goal for this refresh was to create a space at my home that I could call my own sanctuary, my oasis - especially since during that time, we were still at some level of worldwide quarantine.
There’s something about being out in nature that restores me creatively, physically, and emotionally - I’m sure many of us feel the same sense of calming joy when we’re out in creation! So, after being inside since practically the onset of 2020 - and with travel still being under ban - it was time to revive my patio area and restore it to a place I could call my personal getaway - Oasis IV
The Beginning
Side Note, yet major point: my dad and I - with the help of a great friend - built this deck ourselves!
Technically, there was nothing wrong with the space. The deck area is where I would drink my morning coffee, and read affirmations before starting the day. So, it served its purpose as the starting point of a positive day. But, it was still lacking personality, the feel of a personal oasis . . . and it was missing ME reflected in the space.
It was time to change that . . .
The Between: Our first refresh
Photo by Kim Thomas
During last year’s overhaul - that’s what we’re going to call it now, because as you can see from the very first picture, some MAJOR changes needed to take place to make Oasis IV what it is now - I acquired the all of the furniture in this space, along with the rug. I also managed to change out the light fixtures for fixtures that addressed the space a bit better and that would withstand the elements better than the previous fixtures.
Y’all, I loved getting the opportunity to revamp my space with this brand. It was my chance to really bring the vision for Oasis IV to life. And since then, gathering restrictions, of course, have been lifted. So Oasis IV has already served as the setting for my neice’s graduation party, as well as the outdoor bistro for my parent’s anniversary dinner! I LOVE this area of my home.
But as with anything else, over time your personal style changes up a touch, and small changes are needed to be made to have a space really feel like you. Plus over the winter, the patio to a considerable hit due to the snow and ice we experienced.
So, yet again, it was time to change things up a bit.
Now
Over the months, I’ve developed a love for a little more vibrancy in my personal design, along with mixing textures and patterns. As you’ve seen, the interior of my home is a love story of pattern and color play. So, there’s no reason that my exterior space shouldn’t bring the same energy!
Noooooooow, Oasis IV feels like it truly belongs to me - and here are the changes I made.
I decided to take a note from my wardrobe curation for the season and lean into mixing neutrals with bold (and sometimes neon) punches of color. Too, I introduced a bit more pattern and texture play with the pillows and blanket.
My general rule of thumb for mixing patterns is to choose one bold and larger print, then mix it with a smaller print. To make sure you maintain the cohesion in your design, although differing in size, try to choose patterns in the same color family. And that’s exactly what I did when mixing a geometric, butterfly, and tribal pattern in my pillow choices!
I also decided to switch out the planters, vases and bowls for more dramatically shaped and scaled pieces. The wavy, conch-like bowl that sits on my patio table holds just some of my recycled glass beads that I collect. And did you notice how they just happen to go right along with the new color story?!
And in the dining area is where I decided to play with scale in my selection of vases and planters. I typically like to style items in threes. And when playing with scale, I usually like for one piece to be slightly oversized, while the other two pieces are closer in size, yet still display some variation is the visual space they own.
And just for fun, I took the planter and the smallest vase to the outdoor bar area - yes, I added one to Oasis IV and I need to restock it ASAP - breaking my own styling preference, to create a little moment in this space.
I must admit, I might like the pairing over here a little more . . . in fact, after moving them to the bar, I left them there to see if I still like it in the morning! Just in case I do, that gives me a chance to search for a couple more pieces to restyle the table - an opportunity I openly welcome as we’re getting ready for patio season!
Overall, I now feel that Oasis IV speaks more to my personal style, really reflecting where I am as a person and as a designer. And y’all, I love it out there - I even fell asleep here during the long weekend.
I’ve said this a lot, our homes should reflect who we are. And as our personalities and taste evolve, it is completely OK for us to continue editing our spaces to match whatever vibe we’re feeling at the moment!
If you’re looking for me this summer, this is where I’ll be until further notice, ready to create even more moments of joy for myself and with those who I love!
Now, let’s get into sharing links so you can shop Oasis IV’s look🌿
Also, for when it rains, or for general storage, this is where I store all of my pillows, blankets, and vessels. I live by these storage boxes and love their convenience for storing outdoor textiles and accessories!
