Do you long for the lazy days of vacation? Can you visualize the wind billowing through linen Curtains as you swing in a hammock nearby? We all do, of course! In January, what if you could start planning something now that would make all summer feel like a vacation? Let’s talk about making your home a vacation destination! Specifically, the back porch. Whether it is a roofed addition or an open deck, creating your very own stay-cation spot is not as far out of reach as it might seem.
What is a stay-cation?
You can probably tell that the term stay-cation is a combination of stay and vacation making the meaning quite obvious. A stay-cation means you vacation by staying at home. There are many ways you can make a vacation period at home seem different from the day to day, including shutting off your phone and taking day trips to see local tourist destinations. One fun way to create a permanent stay-cation environment is to set up the back porch for a retreat.
Back Porch Paradise
There are many ways to make your everyday outdoor living space one that attracts leisure and relaxation, but we’ll just focus on a few.
Curtains. If you have a covered porch, curtains are the perfect way to create a serene atmosphere. By purchasing lightweight, sheer fabric curtains and hanging them at each post you will catch each backyard breeze. For those with a screened in porch, you can also use the curtains to shield from afternoon sun. If you don’t, the curtains can double as protection from bugs, not to mention privacy. Porch curtains, as you can see here, are quite fashionable, contributing to that exotic atmosphere you’re trying to develop.
Furniture. Whether or not your backyard living pace is covered, furniture is a great way to change the way you look at your home- both the furniture itself and the way you arrange it. For a tropical feel, try tying up a hammock to sway in whenever the mood strikes you. You can add wicker furniture for a sophisticated look. Make sure you provide yourself with a piece you can stretch out in, like a chaise lounge. That’s important for creating a vacation head space -it’s all about relaxation. Check out these tips for optimum furniture arrangement.
Lighting. As evening dawns, you want lighting that matches the mood. If you’re going for a stay-cation space, the lighting should promote relaxation. String lights are a simple way to pack a big punch. You can also try adding wall sconces on the back of the house so disperse warm light upward. You can even add a gas, propane, or ethanol fireplace, all of which provide the warm feelings of a fire without all the heat and labor. A natural stone hearth or fire pit is the perfect addition to tie your stay-cation paradise together. These fire pit designs are sure to inspire you.
When will you transform your back porch?
The idea of a back porch paradise is not all that far fetched, especially if you already have a few things like old curtains and patio furniture. And even if you don’t, a stop at the clearance aisle of
your favorite mass merchandiser is sure to yield some affordable decor. Get creative and make your home a place you long for just as much as the beach–just like these folks did.
If you haven’t done it already, when will you add some things to the back porch to make it a getaway space? What will you add – billowy curtains or a fire pit? No matter what it is, we want to hear about it! Leave us a comment with your plans. You never know, you might inspire someone else.
The post Series #5–Creating Your Outdoor Living Space: Backyard Paradise appeared first on The Rock Place.
