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Designing The Perfect Staycation Backyard

March 6, 2024

Imagine feeling like you’re heading on holiday every time you step out into your backyard. Well, with a staycation backyard, you can do just that! In recent years, the popularity of these unique landscapes has exploded as homeowners look for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The concept of a staycation backyard is all about creating a space that embraces relaxation and entertainment. Whether it’s sunbathing, swimming, or hosting celebrations with friends and family, the possibilities are endless. But how do you design the staycation area, though? We thought we would explore some of the key factors that you need to consider.

What is a staycation backyard?

To create the ultimate staycation backyard, it is important to understand exactly what one is. In the simplest terms, it is a unique outdoor space that provides a vacation-like experience every time you use it. When building one, you need to focus on three core principles: relaxation, entertainment, and leisure.

The idea is to replicate all of those features that you love most about being on holiday, such as sun loungers, plunge pools, outdoor dining, stunning landscaping, and luxurious spaces. Creating the right blend of these will provide a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life without the need to ever leave your home!

Creating your dream staycation backyard

Designing the perfect staycation backyard requires careful planning and consideration. From creating warm and inviting spaces to choosing the right plants and décor, every element has a crucial role in creating an end result that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

If you are looking to build a staycation backyard in your home, it can be tough to know where to start. To help you, here are our top five steps to follow:

  1. Planning

Planning is arguably the most important phase of building a staycation backyard, and it’s vital that you do not rush it. Make sure you carefully consider every aspect of the space, ensuring that it aligns with your overall vision.

When planning your backyard, the most important consideration is how to best optimize your space. Carefully considering the placement of features, such as a patio area or plunge pool, as well as pathways and landscaping, will ensure a sense of cohesion throughout.

It is also essential to identify the primary purpose of your staycation backyard as soon as possible. Do you want it to primarily be a space for lounging and relaxation, a space to entertain, or to engage in outdoor activities? Whatever it might be, having it certain in your mind will help guide the entire planning process.

Of course, there are also some key things to consider when planning. The first is to ensure that you understand your budget and have clearly allocated the funds you need. You should also be aware of the space constraints of your garden as well as any local climate or environmental conditions that may impact your design.

  1. Establish zones

Zones should form a vital part of your staycation backyard planning. By creating distinct areas for lounging, seating, and entertaining, you will be able to better organize your space and ensure that it is meeting your needs.

No matter what your end goal might be, every staycation backyard should have an area to sit down and relax in. Make sure you incorporate space for lounges, hammocks, or outdoor sofas and be sure to consider shade structures to provide relief from the hot summer sun.

A plunge pool is another ideal addition to any backyard, allowing you to cool off on hot days or enjoy a relaxing soak after a long day. You could elevate this further by incorporating an outdoor kitchen zone, BBQ area, or a personal bar, allowing you to serve food and drink to your guests.

Establishing zones will help you to design a versatile and inviting space that is ideal no matter whether you’re relaxing on your own, spending time with family or entertaining friends.

  1. Landscaping and décor

Landscaping and décor are integral to bringing your staycation backyard together. Thoughtfully chosen plants, landscaping features, and decorative elements will enhance the overall ambiance and aesthetics of your outdoor area, supporting you in creating a relaxing and enjoyable space.

You should consider landscaping as the foundation of your staycation garden, helping to soften the architectural elements and providing shade, privacy, and habitat for wildlife. Strategically placing your plants can also screen unsightly views as well as help buffer noise from external sources, fostering a sense of calm and serenity.  

When deciding on what plants and landscaping features to incorporate into your backyard, it is important to consider the climate, soil conditions, and the sunlight they’ll be exposed to. This will allow you to select species that are well-suited to your local environment, reducing the need for maintenance and ensuring that they will always look fantastic.

When designing your ultimate staycation backyard, it’s not just about the pants, though. You should also carefully consider your décor. The right lighting can help to create a stunning ambiance while also allowing you to extend usability late into the evening. Water features and artwork are also great decorative elements that help to serve as focal points and let you add your own touch of personality.

  1. Adding functional features

While you want your backyard to look fantastic, it also needs to be functional. From outdoor kitchens and grill stations to storage solutions and shade structures, when designing your staycation garden, make sure it meets your lifestyle needs.

If you like to entertain, then outdoor kitchens are an excellent addition to your home. If you have the space, going all-out with sinks, refrigerators, grills, pizza ovens, and smokers will ensure your parties are the talk of the neighborhood. A bar area can also be a luxurious way to liven up your next gathering.

Staycation spaces are at their best in the summertime, which means you will need a way to cool off from the heat. Pergolas and umbrellas can help to provide some much-needed shade on those hot days, while a plunge pool is the perfect way to quickly cool off and relax.

  1. Sustainability

Finally, when designing your dream staycation backyard, it is important to remember the importance of sustainability. By prioritizing eco-friendly materials and practices from the start, you will be able to minimize your impact on the environment and conserve resources.

From utilizing reclaimed wood to implementing energy-efficient lighting fixtures, carefully planning each step of the process will help you significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Sustainable materials are often more durable and resilient as well, ensuring a longer lifespan and greater resistance to weathering, pests, and decay.

Maintaining your staycation backyard

With the planning and construction complete, the next step is to start enjoying your new outdoor space! Of course, to ensure it always remains luxurious and provides you with that escape from the stresses of life, make sure that you keep it well-maintained.

Regular lawn care, cleaning, and plunge pool maintenance will keep your backyard looking pristine and inviting. By staying on top of these tasks, you will be able to enjoy your garden to its fullest and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Are you looking to create your dream staycation backyard? A plunge pool is a wonderful addition to any space, and our team here at Vessel Pools is on hand to help you. Our beautiful precast concrete plunge pools are perfect for any garden, no matter the architectural design.

Want to find out more? Book a consultation with our team today, and let’s turn your vision into a reality!