We love living in Scottsdale because, let’s face it the weather is impeccable 9 months out of the year with constant sunshine, all we need is a beach. Since we can’t necessarily move the ocean any closer, we have great ideas to create a tropical paradise in your backyard. With the weather slowly cooling off, we did our research on some of the most tropical places in the world to give you great tips on transforming desert landscape into a tropical oasis this fall.
Sit Back and Relax
Comfort is crucial in a tropical oasis. No world-renowned spa or beach resort would be caught dead without luxury furniture. Our advice, don’t skimp on this portion of the project! Choose outdoor fabrics that are water-repellent and mildew resistant to maintain breathability no matter the weather. The newest in outdoor fabric technology gives you peace of mind for easy maintenance allowing moisture to escape reducing the chance of unwanted odors with unbeatable durability. In Scottsdale, it can be dusty and the easier cushions and pillows are to maintain the happier you will be. At La Maison Interiors our collection of luxury furniture and outdoor fabrics will wow you! Find the perfect set for your outdoor oasis in our Scottsdale showroom.
Tropical Sound Effects
Water is key when designing a tropical getaway in your backyard. Leaving a space for an elaborate water feature, or even installing a waterfall that leads into the pool offers a dramatic effect to the eye, and a soothing sound to the ears. Focus on what your backyard already has, such as a pool or pond, and build from there. If you do not have anything of the sort starting from scratch is still a lot of fun. We love the idea of building a water feature that spans around your backyard with a pathway alongside and a small seating area tucked away for a private and tranquil space to read and relax. Imagine your last trip to the beach, and how peaceful it felt to be near the coastline; well you can easily achieve this in your backyard with a little bit of planning and a lot of fun!
It’s All in The Details
Architectural details are a must! With a myriad of options you can get really creative with this. We love the idea of a footbridge that takes you from one area of the backyard to another. This can give the space a sense of purpose for leisure activities such as relaxing in a hammock, taking a much needed soak in an outdoor spa or a tree house getaway for the kids so you can relax while they play. We love the way stone walkways feel beneath bare feet over brick or concrete, and there’s no upkeep needed as more wear and tear produces a more authentic look. Surround a pathway with greenery for added privacy to achieve a truly tropical look and feel. During chilly winter nights keep warm with a fire pit area, a perfect solution for extra light and a place to spend time with family and friends.
Cater to Ambiance
Avoid harsh lighting in your backyard, especially on a breezy fall night you want to design a space that adds a touch of romance. We love candles cleverly hidden from view that offer extra light and add to the space’s relaxed atmosphere. Candles add a certain twinkle and shine we absolutely love, and this is a good tip for any space in your home to change up the ambiance. Invest in battery-operated candles for an authentic look and feel that won’t melt in the warm Arizona sun. Include lamps and lighting in your backyard for a tropical ambiance! There are countless designs to choose from for another great way to accessorize the space. Include a rug with durable fabric and an eye-popping print or pattern to frame a sitting area. This is a great way to add warmth too, as you can enjoy a soft surface beneath your feet. It’s also important to create a space that feels private to combat road noise, neighbors and children. We love the idea of framing a seating area with shrubs or a bamboo fence for a secluded and relaxed atmosphere.
Greenery Galore
Planting trees, shrubs and flowers is almost as fun as picking them out at your local nursery, and since most Scottsdale homes already have palm trees, creating a tropical getaway is even easier. Don’t be afraid to have too much green as it has a calming effect on the eyes and generates cool airflow and more oxygen. The key here is varying shades of green for a versatile landscape that appears natural and gorgeous. While choosing what you want, think about how much time you want to spend tending this potential forest because there are multiple trees and shrubs that require almost no attention at all. The next step is adding color to your garden, and this is where the real fun begins as once you inject color into the backyard the green will pop! Think lots of flowers, even cacti that bloom in the spring will add a special Southwestern touch to the landscape.
What about food?
You thought we forgot the most satisfying part of going on vacation? Think again. We love the idea of outdoor kitchens with high-tech appliances, fancy grills that will excite even the worst cook and the perfect wine cooler. Design and set up is your priority here, as you want to create a space that has enough seating for friends and family and counter space for serving. Adding an umbrella offers shade from the hot Arizona sun and a pop of color to keep with the tropical oasis theme. Steer clear of cheesy tropical/Hawaiian prints, as you want your space to be sophisticated and luxurious.
Our team of designers is here to guide you in luxury furniture choices, and décor for your outdoor tropical oasis. Stop in at La Maison Interiors in Scottsdale today to see amazing options you will absolutely love!