6 easy steps to DIY the perfect outdoor oasis for your home | DC Refined

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Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite spaces in Chicvilla -- my bedroom porch! This urban retreat is just what the doctor ordered after a long day. (Image: Ashley Hafstead

It's the perfect spot to curl up with a cup of coffee and catch up on my favorite book, or unwind with a glass of wine and watch the sun set.  (Image: Ashley Hafstead)

By bringing the indoors outside to a small space, you too can create the perfect outdoor urban retreat in six easy steps. (Image: Ashley Hafstead)

Pick out your flooring: The color and texture of your flooring needs to be decided before you start furniture shopping. I love these 1x1 foot decking tiles from New Tech Wood. They have countless colors to choose from, they never need to be stained or maintained over the years, they are simple to install (they click together like a puzzle), and you can place them on top of almost any surface. (Image: Ashley Hafstead)

Furniture shop: When shopping for furniture, try and stay away from the sets. I know it's easy to fall victim to the matching sofa, chair, and coffee table sets, but try and resist! It is much more visually interesting if you find a funky accent chair with a fun pattern or texture to liven up the space.(Image: Ashley Hafstead)

Add nature: Most of us live in a concrete jungle and don’t have a massive yard to enjoy, so adding live plants to your outdoor space is a MUST! Live plants add color, texture, and are beautiful. And don’t worry, you don’t have to have a green thumb to enjoy live plants. If gardening is not your strong suit though, talk to your local nursery and ask about low maintenance plants, like bamboo. Plants can also be multifunctional: we use our bamboo to help hide our air conditioning unit. (Image: Ashley Hafstead)

Add color: Add pops of color with throw pillows and side tables. As the seasons change, so can your space by simply updating your throw pillows. It is amazing how something so simple can really transform your space and make it feel new and fresh. (Image: Ashley Hafstead

Lighting: Decide how you want to light your space after the sun goes down. I think layering both functional and romantic lighting is important. There are so many stylish outdoor lamp options now. You can add more ambient light with strings of cafe lights, candles, and torches. (Image: Ashley Hafstead)

The finishing touches: Layer in throw blankets (when it is cooler) and knickknacks (as long as it can withstand the elements of being outside, it is fair game). If you have enough room, I would recommend getting a water resistant bin (with lid) to store your pillows and blankets during incremental weather. This will prolong the life of your fabrics and allow you to enjoy them for years to come. (Image: Ashley Hafstead)

You can follow Ashley's first-time homeowner series as she renovates #chic_villa on DC Refined. (Image: Ashley Hafstead)

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