Texas Backyard Oasis Ideas: Let's Get Inspired

You work hard — you deserve to feel like you're on vacation every time you step into the backyard. Imagine a serene escape or a vibrant retreat right outside your door. With the right design-build experts, transforming your Texas outdoor area into a true backyard oasis is more attainable than you think!

At Allied Outdoor Solutions, we’ve transformed 25,000+ Texas outdoor spaces into resort-quality retreats. We know what it takes to design and build a backyard oasis for Texans — and we have the local expertise and expert process to make your vision a reality.

Let’s ignite your imagination with inspiring project examples from real Texas homes. Then, you’ll learn the 8 essential features that define a true backyard oasis, and introduce you to 6 dazzling custom outdoor water features. 

Backyard Oasis Inspirations: Our Project Gallery

Ready to dive into some backyard oasis ideas? We asked our design-build experts to showcase 4 real-life examples of Allied Outdoor Solutions projects. See how we transformed these Texas backyards into custom, personalized outdoor retreats. 

Want more backyard oasis ideas? Visit our updated before & after gallery. 

Stunning San Antonio Spa

Homeowner Wishlist:

• The whole nine yards. The homeowners wanted a fleet of backyard oasis design features — pool, spa, cabana, custom fire feature, and terraced landscaping. 
• Custom in-pool seating. The request: build seating into the shallow end of the refinished pool, but make it unique to their space. No “copy and paste” solutions!

The Finished Backyard Oasis:

This dazzling San Antonio retreat delivers the sumptuous sophistication of a resort pool and spa into the homeowner’s backyard.

Visual intrigue is everywhere. We used terraced landscaping and an elevated spa to create vertical design and maximize the space. Light natural stone and Carvestone pool deck materials keep surfaces cool underfoot and place the focus on the gorgeous local plants and trees.

The inground pool offers unique stool seating for 6. After you take a dip, relax in the cedar pergola by a custom fire pit for drinks and conversation.

Green and Serene

Homeowner Wishlist:

• Green space. The homeowners had a gorgeous existing lawn and landscaped areas. Our job — accentuate this strength with water, natural stone and earth tones.
• Thoughtful, defined zoning. We were challenged to execute a functional pool and pool deck space that didn’t cut into the existing lawn and landscape areas too much.

The Finished Backyard Oasis:

A rustic natural stone pathway leads you through the lush green lawn and onto a quaint, defined pool deck. We used Carvestone modified concrete overlay to emulate natural stone — it’s  extremely heat and moisture resistant and withstands up to 6,000 PSI of direct pressure.

The circular spa sits just above the inground pool to create separation and prevent cold water from splashing into the tub. The Roman-inspired inground pool design is bordered on one side by a lovely brick wall. 

Curved shrubs further distinguish the pool deck as a dedicated outdoor living zone, and tie the area into the surrounding trees and plants.

Turn your outdoor dreams into reality - schedule your free design consultation.

Natural Stone Hideaway

Homeowner Wishlist:

• Seamless design. Geometric pool and spa shapes, clean lines and angles tie the pool deck into the existing architecture. Dark Carvestone pairs with the roof shingles, and light natural stone complements the existing home.
• Private pool. The homeowners required a stylish solution to add privacy to their refinished inground pool. 

The Finished Backyard Oasis:

The quiet MVP of this backyard oasis design is the natural stone feature wall. It creates privacy and separation from the neighbors, separates the pool deck from the lawn and landscaped areas, and features a gorgeous waterfall that cascades gently into the swimming pool.

The geometric pool and spa add dimension and definition to the space, and naturally reflect the rectangular design features and materials of the existing home (brick, natural stone).

Carvestone allows the pool deck to transition seamlessly into an outdoor dining and patio space, complete with a custom fire feature and plush sectional seating.

Modern Side Yard Spa

Homeowner Wishlist:

• Maximize space. A small side yard still offers plenty of outdoor oasis potential in the right hands! 
• Modern elegance. Sleek lines, a neutral color palette and minimalist design elements define this uniquely beautiful side yard retreat.

The Finished Backyard Oasis:

Small yard? No problem. This beautifully modern side yard retreat makes the most of the available space. A light Carvestone pool deck, inground pool and spa, and smartly placed landscaping features are one simple step off the porch.

The small feature wall packs plenty of impact. The timeless combination of brick and concrete offers stability, while 3 separate water features add movement, sound and calm to the space.

Concrete and Carvestone combine for an intriguing, singular design feature — a series of squares along the border between spa and pool. These squares mimic stepping stones, adding a sense of natural charm to the design.

Looking for Carvestone design inspo? View our Carvestone gallery!

8 Essential Features of a True Backyard Oasis

If you simply wanted a pool, pool deck or spa, you wouldn’t be searching for a “backyard oasis”. You want something special — a space that feels uniquely yours, designed to meet your precise definition of a relaxing retreat.

How you define the perfect outdoor escape is up to you. But from Austin to Houston, we’ve discovered 8 key trends and features homeowners consistently ask for in their backyard oasis spaces:

Reflect Your Aesthetic

Remember: The most important part of your backyard oasis is you.

Your backyard oasis feels truly personal when it mirrors your home's existing aesthetic and your personal style. Integrate materials, colors, and design elements that complement your architecture — and ones that inspire you to relax. 

You won’t just create an outdoor space that seamlessly flows with your home’s architecture. You’ll create a cohesive environment that feels uniquely yours.

Shade Structure

Every Texas outdoor oasis is designed to escape something. In Houston, it’s the oppressive humidity. In Dallas, it’s 100+ days of 100°F heat. In San Antonio, it’s the blazing UV radiation.

No matter where you live, the solution is the same: a durable, hand-crafted shade structure.

Select a structure that complements your desired aesthetic:

• A breezy, classic lattice pergola at poolside
• A solid roof cabana to protect an outdoor kitchen or appliances
• A louvered pergola for adjustable protection against rain and sun
• A gable or hip roof to divert rainwater

Inground Pool or Spa

Any size or shape will do — as long as you can slide into a refinished pool of your own! Work with your outdoor living designer to select a layout that complements your lot size, property shape, and desired aesthetic.

Freeform pools look great in open spaces and mimic a natural pond. Cocktail pools function well in virtually any backyard oasis.

Have a smaller lot in Dallas or Austin? Use a geometric pool to create defined zoning in a tighter area. 

Outdoor Seating Area

Every oasis needs comfortable zones for relaxation and socializing. We design thoughtful seating areas that invite you to unwind, whether lounging by the pool or gathering around a fire feature. 

Consider outdoor sectional sofas and loungers for cabana and pergola spaces, elegant chaise loungers on your pool deck, or in-pool loungers in the shallow end of your pool.

These spaces become the heart of your outdoor living, perfect for conversations and cherished moments.

Built-In Privacy

Don’t forget the “private” in private oasis! Truly escape from the world by creating a sense of seclusion and separation from the street, the neighbors and passing cars.

We integrate design elements like privacy walls, strategic landscaping, or custom pergolas with lattice infills to provide intimate spaces. Your backyard becomes a shielded sanctuary, removed from outside distractions.

Connective Landscape

Thoughtful landscaping weaves all the elements of your backyard oasis into a cohesive space, and allows you to develop a deeper connection with nature.

Use a variety of plants, textures, and levels to create depth and visual interest. Native plants are so effective in these areas — they’re naturally hardy in our regional climate, which creates low maintenance and zero-stress situations.

In Texas, use local grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda, native flowers like tickseed and daylilies, and lush shrubs like Texas sage, esperanza and Texas lantana.

The outdoor oasis you’ve imagined? We’ll help make it real. Schedule your free consultation. 

Custom Fire Pit

A custom fire pit adds warmth, ambiance, and a compelling focal point to any backyard oasis. It invites gathering and extends the usability of your outdoor space into the cooler evenings. 

Elevate your new fire pit feature with modern materials like natural stone, concrete and porcelain tile. 

Ask for a handcrafted fire pit table with a tempered glass surround, and you’ll create a dazzling conversation starter for decades.

Custom Water Feature

A custom water feature introduces movement, sound, and a captivating visual element that instantly elevates your outdoor space. It creates a serene atmosphere, calming the senses and adding a layer of sophistication. 

It’s simple to say “add a water feature to your backyard oasis” — but the decision on a specific feature is more complex. Thankfully, it’s also visually inspiring and a lot of fun!

Outdoor Water Features: Elevate Your Backyard Oasis Ideas

Think of water features as more than just decorative elements — they are sensory experiences that bring tranquility and dynamic beauty to your backyard.

The right water feature for your personal outdoor oasis will reflect the style, function and overall vibe of the space. 

Let’s introduce you to 6 outdoor water features that shine in Texas backyard retreats.

Pool Waterfall

A pool waterfall creates a soothing cascade of sound and visual interest, turning your swimming pool into a dynamic centerpiece. It introduces a lively, refreshing element that enhances both the look and feel of your oasis.

Rock Waterfall

A rock waterfall connects your space to nature, featuring natural stone elements that guide water over varied surfaces. It produces calming sounds and a natural, organic aesthetic that blends perfectly with a rustic or natural landscape design.

Rain Curtain

A rain curtain provides a sleek, modern, and shimmering sheet of water that falls gracefully into your pool. It offers a sophisticated visual element and a gentle, mesmerizing sound, creating a contemporary ambiance.

Our clients frequently request a rain curtain that tumbles from an elevated spa or jacuzzi tub into their inground swimming pool.

Water + Fire Feature Combination

A water and fire feature combination creates a striking contrast between two powerful natural elements. This unique blend offers both the tranquil beauty of flowing water and the captivating warmth of flickering flames. 

Incorporate and merge these 2 contrasting design features, and escape to an elemental spa in your own backyard.

Dreaming of your own fire feature? View our fire feature gallery! 

Outdoor Fountain

If calm elegance is your desired aesthetic, choose an outdoor fountain for your space. 

An outdoor fountain serves as an elegant focal point, offering classic beauty and the soothing sound of flowing water. Use any of these fountain options to create a serene and inviting atmosphere: 

• Tiered fountain:: a great stand-alone visual statement
• Wall fountains: great for vertical designs in limited spaces
• Urn fountains: great as statement pieces within landscaping or borders
• Birdbath fountains: great for attracting wildlife and hummingbirds

Garden Pond

A garden pond brings a slice of natural serenity to your backyard, complete with aquatic plants and the potential to add fish. It creates a miniature ecosystem, offering a peaceful and contemplative space that deepens your connection to nature.

We Transform Texas Backyards into Private Resorts

Thoughtful design and expert local craftsmanship separate Allied Outdoor Solutions as the premier builder of outdoor living spaces in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth. 

During our design-build process, you’ll work with your own dedicated team of professionals. Rely on your Outdoor Living Designer, Construction Coordinator and Construction Supervisor for collaborative decision-making, informed material selection, and exceptional communication throughout the project.

We’re honored by awards and certifications from the NHBA, Texas Association of Builders, Angi, and the National Association of Realtors. But our greatest reward is the word of our clients:

"We had our pool deck and front sidewalks redone this past week using Allied Outdoor Solutions and their Carvestone overlay product, and the finished product looks incredible. Their crew was one of the more professional construction crews that we’ve ever utilized when doing remodel work. We couldn’t be more pleased and feel we’ve definitely added value to our home. Highly recommend these folks." – Rick H.

We Bring Backyard Oasis Ideas to Life in Texas

Creating a backyard oasis in Texas is an investment in your well-being and lifestyle. It’s a space designed to inspire relaxation and a personal sanctuary away from everyday life. 

The most important design consideration in these spaces is you. Whether you want a custom fountain, lush green space or modern spa, it’s vital to work with an experienced design-build firm that collaborates on your vision and definition of peace, beauty and happiness.

Allied Outdoor Solutions is ready to bring your dream to life. We deliver thoughtful design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and a stress-free process based on 25,000+ successful builds. 

Contact us today for a free consultation — let’s transform your backyard into a permanent vacation.