How to Turn Your Backyard Into The Perfect Staycation
Let’s be honest: most of us can’t just hop on a plane to a luxury resort whenever we feel like it (if only!). But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little slice of paradise at home. After a long week, you deserve a place to relax, recharge, and feel transported—even if it's just steps outside your back door.
With some thoughtful planning and creativity, your backyard can become more than just an outdoor space. It can be your own personal getaway. Here’s how to bring that resort feeling to life at home.
Create Ambience with Soft Lighting
The right lighting sets the tone for a relaxing escape. Layer different sources of light to create a warm, calming atmosphere. Downcast path lights, flickering fire pits, and lanterns add a cozy glow, while a subtle water feature can help mask city noise and encourage relaxation.
If you're looking for an affordable fire pit that blends in seamlessly with your design style, Devoko offers great options that work well in both minimal and boho-inspired spaces.
Pick a Theme and Keep the Colors Cohesive
Think about your dream destination—maybe it’s a breezy Mediterranean villa, a tropical island, or a Moroccan riad. Use that inspiration to guide your design choices, from the furniture to the color palette. Soft blues, greens, and muted neutrals create a serene vibe that’s easy to build on.
Stick to materials that are both stylish and durable, like wicker, teak, and powder-coated aluminum. Better Homes & Gardens has affordable wicker sets that look much more expensive than they are. For modern lines and elevated style, Article and Castlery are excellent choices.
Design a Pool That Feels Like a Destination
Your pool should be more than just a place to cool off, it should be the centerpiece of your at-home escape. Consider features like Baja shelves for lounging, built-in fire and water elements for drama, and sleek tile or stonework to match your design theme. Travertine decking, for example, stays cool underfoot and adds that high-end resort feel.
Prioritize Comfort
Resort living is all about comfort. Bring that home with plush, weather-resistant cushions, soft throws, and multiple lounge areas. Mix and match seating—think loungers, hammocks, and deep sectionals—to give everyone a place to unwind.
Polywood’s Elevate Chaise is a great pick for sun lovers who appreciate clean, sustainable design. Article and Castlery both offer beautifully made outdoor furniture that’s designed to last and look good while doing it.
Go Big on Greenery
Lush landscaping can completely transform a space. Choose tropical plants like bamboo, bird of paradise, or bougainvillea to create a vacation-worthy atmosphere. Layer in herbs like rosemary and lavender for a fragrant touch, and mix plant heights for a more dynamic, natural look.
Planters matter too. Grandin Road has beautiful options in a variety of colors and finishes that instantly polish up your patio or garden area. Plus, grouped plants can double as natural privacy screens.
Incorporate Luxurious Touches
Small upgrades can make a big difference. An outdoor kitchen or bar area adds a resort-style flair to entertaining. Crate & Barrel’s glassware and modern tableware are perfect for serving drinks and snacks in style.
Bring in a soft outdoor rug, a few accent pieces, or extra seating from Grandin Road to round out the space. Devoko’s budget-friendly chaises are ideal for lounging, especially when paired with a fire pit for cozy nights under the stars.
Even if you’re not traveling anytime soon, your backyard can still feel like a luxurious escape. With the right mix of soft lighting, lush greenery, cozy seating, and thoughtful design touches, you can create an outdoor space that’s relaxing, stylish, and uniquely yours.
Dreaming of a backyard that feels like a vacation every day? Whether you're starting fresh or giving your pool a glow-up, Blue Environments would love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s chat about how we can design a space that’s just as beautiful as it is functional. Reach out for a free consultation—we’re here when you’re ready.
