18 Dreamy Backyards To Inspire Your Outdoor Oasis

family-friendly luxury

In this backyard oasis, the homeowners envisioned an outdoor space that felt like home. Generous chaise lounges and a luxurious outdoor kitchen allow adults to relax and entertain, while the pool's long, shallow entry is perfect for kids splashing around.⁠

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lush & modern

The straight lines of the terrace and concrete pool integrate harmoniously with the contemporary architecture of the house. To maintain privacy, the owners opted for an elegant wooden pergola that stretches the width of the house, ensuring a sense of seclusion and natural appeal.

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Growing zones

Multitiered zones neatly organize the yard, carving out sections for different activities. “The decking creates an easeful continuation from indoors to outdoors,” says design consultant Milaré Turgeon of the composite material that can withstand harsh winters.

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Blissful backyard with a secret office

“We wanted our backyard to feel like a French garden oasis with our modern studio nestled in there,” says designer and homeowner Tori Leach-Lussing.

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Multi-functional backyard retreat

This once-boring backyard is now a multi-functional retreat, complete with lounging and eating areas, an outdoor kitchen and an expansive pool.

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Modern and escapist

The design of this Montreal backyard was centered around avoiding dead space. The solution? Create focused zones based on function: a patio adjacent to the house with a living room and dining area; a lawn where the kids can play freely; and the star attraction, the infinity pool.

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A city hideaway

Different zones based on function help to organize space in the small backyard. In the raised dining area, a custom pergola provides shelter from the sun. The tall fences and solid brick walls create a sense of enclosure and privacy, making the backyard more like an outdoor room; mirrors resemble windows, furthering the illusion of an interior room and visually expanding the space. 

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Resort inspired

As the focal point of the space, a striking poolside pavilion combines the airy elegance of white metal with the natural warmth of western red cedar. Providing a shaded retreat on hot summer days, this relaxation area is enhanced with discreetly integrated patio heaters, allowing the homeowners to enjoy the pool well into the crisp autumn evenings.

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bright and breezy

By repainting the aging stones and columns on this backyard patio, the designer brought in a fresh lightness that instantly modernized the entire area. 

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Sleek and city-friendly

A cool, minimal-pivot door leads to the backyard with a chic fire pit setup.

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Black, White and Bright

An artful combo of smart landscaping and statement-making black and white turn an urban backyard into a chic retreat.

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Two outdoor spaces. Two tiny footprints.

Built-ins and convertible furnishings were the name of the game in designing this Toronto yard. Even better? They proved a genius way to fulfill her clients’ desire for a restful backyard haven and hip urban rooftop lounge.

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prefab with a purpose.

“To me, the look is all about combining Japanese and Scandinavian design elements, both of which celebrate natural elements, comfort and clean lines," says Shanty Wijaya of Allprace Homes. 

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urban oasis

Nestled within a shared urban property, this small courtyard has been reimagined as a contemporary haven for lounging, dining and entertaining.

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Gardener's paradise

This sweet garden is home to a greenhouse, raised garden beds, and rabbits and chickens.

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A resort-like getaway

A series of stand-alone spaces helps this backyard function like an expansive resort.

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Modern chic

The backyard was revamped to work with the architectural direction of the home. Suitably tidy, low-key landscaping softens the sharp angles.

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rustic chic

Custom-built, this pavillion houses a kitchen, dining area, bar and lounge, and is positioned near the residence to offer sweeping views of the grounds. The kitchen features a barbecue, ample storage and convenient counter space, all of which enhance the functionality of the work area.

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