7 Secrets to Creating an Outdoor Oasis from Ty Pennington

Our outdoor living space is one of the most important areas of our home. We love to be outside on our back deck space and we often have dinner out there as a family. We will also sit out there late in the evening to relax.

We have spent years creating a space that everyone, even our guests who come over, wants to be in. If you are looking for things to make your outdoor living even better, check out Sears.com/outdoorliving. The always adorable Ty Pennington had some great tips to share about how to create an outdoor oasis.

TY'S 7 SECRETS TO CREATING AN OUTDOOR OASIS

1. Build your base, add over time

After envisioning your dream outdoor space, you can purchase an entire patio collection at once or build it over time, depending on your entertaining needs. Fortunately, the Ty Pennington Style Parkside Collection encompasses 20 matching outdoor necessities – from a loveseat and ottoman to a dining table, umbrella and even a resin wicker swing. It allows you to make additions to your set on your own time. The collection is now available in three colors for custom personalization.

This is exactly what we did. We bought a few nice pieces of furniture that we could afford and then we added to that to build a collection over the years.

2. Get to grilling

Whether you’re a novice griller or a seasoned outdoor pro, Sears has the grills to match your space and skillset. With 40,000 BTUs of power, a side burner and two large wheels for easy maneuvering, the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill with stainless steel lid is ideal of the beginning griller. If cooking for a crowd is more your style, consider the Kenmore Elite® 600 Series 4 Burner Gas Grill. With 694 square inches of total cooking area, 64,000 BTUs of power, and a cast iron side burner to cook side dishes and sauces, it’s the ideal grill for the avid entertainer.

My husband is the expert griller in our family and he takes his grilling very seriously.

3. Welcome small spaces

Think your condo balcony or ocean-side deck is too small for outdoor entertaining? Think again. For an intimate yet eclectic look and feel, consider the extensive line of bistro and bar sets available at Sears. They are easily customizable and ideal for dining for two.

We have a tiny space in our carport area that we made into another outdoor living space. It was very small and we didn't think that it would work but it ended up being perfect for us.

4. Go green and add some color

Nothing dresses up a patio faster than plants and flowers. Many planters at Sears coordinate with our patio collections. Refresh your patio with colorful rugs, pillows and cushions. In addition, a strategically-placed patio umbrella can do more than just block the sun – it can define your entire outdoor space. After all, summer parties should create a relaxed vibe.

We added a wall of green behind our seating area in our outdoor space (see first picture above). It made a huge difference and made the space look a lot better.

5. Make your move, weigh your priorities

Summer is moving season. Whether you’re moving from the city to the suburbs or from a single-family home to a condo in the city, match your outdoor entertaining to the space you have. If moving to a market with extreme climates, invest in durable furniture that can stand up to the environment. Consider patio furniture with a rust-resistant steel frame, UV-resistant fabric and an all-weather resin weave like the La-Z-Boy Charlotte 4 pc. Seating Set available at Sears. This set will accommodate your guests comfortably while upholding inclement weather for years to come.

6. Dine with family and friends

Party hosts know the frustration of carrying food back and forth between the kitchen and the backyard. Fortunately, the Kenmore 5-Burner Island Gas Grill with Refrigerator takes elements from the kitchen to the great outdoors. With a side searing burner, a storage cabinet, two storage drawers and a built-in refrigerator, hosts can focus on the food and their guests with fewer trips to the kitchen.

We are constantly entertaining and a fridge in the grill would be perfect for our family.

7. Consider your climate

The most popular patio sets on the market are made with either aluminum or steel. Steel is heavier than aluminum but can rust over time. Aluminum is naturally rustproof and generally requires less maintenance. For added protection, make sure your patio set has a heavy duty powder-coated frame if you choose steel.

We have some steel in our outdoor living space and we made certain that it is powder-coated so it lasts as long as possible.JOIN THE TWITTER PARTY ON 5/21

@Sears is hosting a Summer-themed Twitter party on Thursday, May 21 from Noon CT – 1 p.m. CT where we will chat about all things outdoor living. Just jump right in with the #searsoutdoorliving hashtag.

ENTER THE SHOP YOUR WAY SWEEPSTAKES

Check out the Shop Your Way Sweepstakes where you can enter to win 1.5 million Shop Your Way points towards creating your dream outdoor space.

Enter here: ShopYourWay.com/SearsPatioSweep

WHAT DOES YOUR DREAM OUTDOOR SPACE LOOK LIKE?