Turning our Backyard Patio into a Nordic Spa Retreat | Fall 2025 One Room Challenge

Come along as we transform our underused backyard patio into a Nordic-inspired spa retreat, complete with a sauna, outdoor shower, and cozy wellness upgrades – because we all deserve a little backyard sanctuary.

 

It’s fall, y’all—and that means it’s time for the Fall 2025 One Room Challenge! If you’re new here, the ORC is one of my favorite ways to dive into a project because it’s all about community, encouragement, and actually finishing those “someday” ideas that tend to sit on the list forever.

This season, I’m focusing on a backyard patio makeover with the goal of transforming it into a Nordic-inspired spa retreat. We recently purchased a lightly used sauna (so grateful!) and it has already been such a game-changer. That one addition sparked a bigger vision: creating a home wellness space that supports both relaxation and health, right in our own backyard.

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Current Backyard Patio

Our patio has always had great bones—it’s spacious, covered, and overlooks the flowers and trees we fell in love with when we bought this house. But truthfully, we don’t take advantage of it as much as we’d like to. With a few intentional updates, I’m hoping to make this our favorite spot year-round. Read all about our previous patio makeover here!

Why We Love Our Patio

• The wood-burning stove: As soon as temps dip, this is where you’ll find us. There’s something magical about sipping something warm, curling up with a book, and listening to the rain while the fire crackles.
• The view: Our backyard feels like a little oasis, and the covered patio is the perfect perch to take it all in. Peaceful, green, and grounding.

What’s Not Working (and Needs a Refresh)

• Feels cut off: The railing makes the patio feel closed off from the rest of the yard. Removing it will open up the space and connect it more naturally.
• Pollen problems: Every spring, the patio gets coated in pollen, which makes it frustrating to keep clean. We’re considering curtain-style screens or protective covers so we can still enjoy the view without the mess.
• Dining area issues: Our current table is hard to maintain and doesn’t fit the vibe. We’re ready for something functional, durable, and inviting.

Our Vision: A Backyard Nordic Spa Retreat

The sauna is already up and running (hallelujah!), but to complete this DIY home spa project, here’s what we’re planning for the full transformation:

Core Elements of the Outdoor Spa

• Sauna (check!)
• Outdoor shower for rinsing + refreshing
• Cozy relaxation area
• Dining + entertaining space

DIY Sauna Upgrades

• Cedar duckboard floor inside the sauna
• Wood slat mat outside (perfect for brushing off feet)
• Fold-up upper bench for flexibility
• Must-have sauna accessories

Creating the Backyard Spa Vibe

• Remove patio railing to open up the view
• Add a swinging bench (because yes, please!)
• Upgrade fans + lighting for comfort
• Replace outdoor dining table + chairs
• Explore curtain screens to block pollen
• Add plants + landscaping for a lush, calming feel

It feels like a big list, but I’m so excited to chip away at it week by week. By the end of the challenge, I want our backyard spa retreat to feel like an escape—a place to recharge, relax, and linger (preferably in a fluffy robe with hot tea in hand).

And honestly, that’s what excites me most about this project: the chance to carve out a sanctuary right at home. Life moves so quickly, and it’s easy to fill our days with doing, rushing, and multitasking. But a space like this is a gentle reminder to slow down—to take a deep breath, connect with nature, and ground ourselves in the present moment. And that feels like exactly what this season is calling for.

Be sure to check out the other projects on the One Room Challenge blog and on Apartment Therapy for featured projects!