Decorating & Design
13 Ways To Make Your Backyard Feel Like A Resort
Updated on May 1, 2023
If you don’t have a beach vacation booked anytime soon, there’s still time to enjoy summer in your own backyard. From setting the mood with lighting to adding tropical plants or firepits, these easy ideas will bring staycation vibes to your outdoor space.
Keep scrolling to find out how you can can turn your outdoor space into a resort-like oasis!
Cute Cabana
A well-organized pool cabana elevates storage. This one in the home of designer Erin Feasby is full of coordinating towels, baskets and a handy drape for quick changes.
Comfortable Furniture
Outdoor furnishings have come a long way since fold-up sling chairs. High-end hotels invest in quality sofas and chairs so that guest are happy to linger poolside. In this Palm Beach home, this lounge area is decorated like a room with a substantial set of matching sectional sofas and woven chairs, a large wood coffee table and a luxe rug.
Outdoor Bar
It may not beat a pina colada on the beach, but having an outdoor bar is the next best thing. Add bar stools and lanterns to create a beach-bar vibe.
Fun & Games
Add resort-style fun with backyard games. Whether it’s ping-pong table, basketball court or bocce ball court, seen here in this Quebec home, choose something that will get everyone outside and active!
Woven Suspended Chairs
Woven fabrics always telegraph a beachy vibe, and these two woven chairs are suspended froma pergola to further emphasize groovy hotel-in-Tulum character.
Recreational Outbuilding
The stucco cabana in this West Coast backyard is used as a yoga studio and guest room, and visiting it feels a mini break. Working out in the studio surrounded by greenery or on the flagstone patio gives luxury hotel vibes.
Tropical Plants
Yes, this backyard is located in Palm Beach, a dream vacay destination but homeowners in the North can get the same effect with potted monstera, Bird of Paradise palms and Chinese fan palms.
Tent
If a pergola isn’t an option, try a casual tent, like the one seen in this 111-year-old country home near Lake Memphremagog in Quebec’s Eastern Townships.
Boho Hammock
Lull yourself into vacation mode with a hammock nestled between two trees. Or buy a standalone version, it’s the perfect spot to read a book or grab a summer nap while swaying in the breeze.
String Lights
Make your patio feel like a party with string lights. They are easy to hang and make a garden feel like a fun destination, as well as highlighting a playful zone, like the trio of Philippe Starck’s garden gnomes around a fire feature in this West Coast Garden.
Beach Umbrellas
Striped or tiki umbrellas are an easy way to inject staycation energy to your backyard, so you can sit back, relax and pretend you’re lying on a beach in Tulum.
Sun Loungers
We’ve all seen the rows of perfect lounge chairs lined up around the pool at luxury resorts. Mimic the look in your own backyard or cottage by adding sleek matching lounge chairs.
Fire Features
This simple addition is the easiest way to create a conversation area, inviting you to roast marshmallows, and spend time outdoors on those cooler late summer nights. Purchased before this West Coast cottage was built, the fire bowl was part of the inspiration for the overall palette. Click here for the full tour.