Your backyard has so much potential! It should be the place you go to for peace, relaxation and fun. It also could be a place that your friends and family come to when they want a quick escape from the day-to-day grind. With just a little bit of DIY gumption, you can turn those “should” and “could” fantasies into reality with a backyard oasis that makes you the envy of the neighborhood and the most coveted invitation for all those family gatherings.

To kick off your simple backyard reno project, focus on the 3 f’s: food, fun and furniture.

We recommend starting with food because, well, that’s the focal point of most good backyard gatherings. The goal here is to make both cooking and dining al fresco easy, and it all starts with design. We love a corner cooking nook, particularly if it’s on wheels, because it melds fit and function and goes anywhere you need it. You take up only the space you need, leaving more room for seating and mingling. Plus, tucking the outdoor kitchen into a corner allows the chef the best vantage point to enjoy the festivities while keeping an eye on (read: laboring over) the food.

Once you have a place to prepare the food, you need to create an eating area befitting your new backyard. We’re partial to large, family-style tables made of a durable (yet attractive) wood to really tie the outdoor experience together. Plus, the larger the table, the more your friends and family will feel welcome to join in. After all, you’re doing this for the quality together time. For a little dining space inspiration, check out some easy DIY dining table options sure to fit any design style.

Now that you’re set on prepping and eating the meal, it’s time to move on to the fun. This is the easy part. What if I told you that with just 1 purchase, you could please virtually everyone on your list (and even some not on your list), including the kids, spouse, parents, neighbors, kids’ friends, and more? Better yet, that 1 purchase is highly durable, super easy-to-maintain and energy-efficient. Intrigued? We’re talking about a hot tub. It truly has something for everyone. Kids love anything with water. Parents can indulge during the party and then slip away for a little alone time after the kids are in bed. Friends can come over and watch the game or relax in the tub while still being in the heart of the party. With so many hot tub benefits, it truly a win-win for everyone. Plus, some hot tubs can plug right into a standard 110v outlet with no special wiring required, making it super simple to operate.

If you want a little more privacy, try adding in some plants, bamboo or even tall screens. Instant escape, just add water!

On to the final “f” – furniture. Make this one DIY, too, to ensure that you have the exact style of seating you really want. Get creative and match different materials together or keep it consistent and have your seating match your cooking nook and dining table. Be sure to include outdoor lighting, pillows or an umbrella in vibrant hues for a splash of color to catch the eye. Check out some options to get the creative juices flowing.

We love DIY projects because they allow you to customize your space into the exact vision you have for the exact audience you want to entertain. With just these few simple upgrades, you will truly create your fantasy backyard oasis.

Ready to get started? Jump right in! Don’t forget to share your before and after pics to help inspire others!

Happy DIY-ing!