How To Transform Your Yard For The Perfect Summer Stay-Cation

Many of us are spending more time at home, keeping our families closer and social circles smaller. As the temperatures rise, we’re being drawn from our homes lured by the warmth of the sun, wafting scents from our gardens, and mouth-watering smells from the grill.

This is the year of the summer stay-cation. Let’s make it amazing. Here are some ideas for transforming your yard into the perfect at-home retreat.

How will your yard be used?

Start by considering how your outdoor space will be used by your family and close friends.

Young dependents and teens might enjoy a basketball hoop, making s’mores around a fire pit, and movie or game nights under a covered back deck. How about a hot tub for quiet, relaxing evenings or a separate patio area with comfy lounge chairs where you can curl up with a good book?

Make the most of your property

Arrange an outdoor seating area so you can enjoy your morning coffee while you catch the sunrise, or host a few friends for appetizers as the sun sets. If your yard offers a view, elevate your dining area so you can appreciate the vista during dinner. Use hedges or landscape screens to create an attractive backdrop and provide privacy. Position a hot tub or a fire table under a pergola or mature trees with light strings for atmosphere. If your back yard benefits from plenty of sunshine, build raised planting boxes to grow your own produce.

Bring the indoors out

Extend the use of your outdoor space by moving indoor rooms outside. Develop an al fresco kitchen equipped with appliances, preparation counter, pizza oven and grill island. Set up a covered living room complete with fireplace, cozy seating, area rug and big screen TV.

Ramp up the comfort level

Make your outdoor gathering spaces as inviting and relaxing as possible. Select furniture that is comfortable and practical for outdoor use, weather-resistant and washable. If your yard gets a lot of afternoon or early-evening sun, be prepared with big umbrellas, sunshades or a pergola with rolling shades. Add plush pillows to your outdoor seating and have cozy blankets available to keep everyone warm after the sun goes down.

Create an ambience

Illuminate trees and other landscaping elements with soft lighting to not only create a mood, but also guide foot traffic around safely after the sun goes down. A scattering of lanterns and candles add to the effect. For a relaxing addition to your space, consider adding a soothing water feature.

Use hardscaping to define areas

Create your own outdoor world with separate spaces. Use low seat walls to define a fire pit area or to provide seating where you can appreciate your garden beds. Incorporate steps to bring guests up to an elevated outdoor eating area. Add pillars with lanterns to set off an intimate reading spot. Create a curved paver pathway to lead people to the different settings in your yard.

Your home is your family’s haven. With a little inspiration, you can build outdoor living areas that bring everyone together and provide the setting for an unforgettable summer stay-cation. Spark your imagination with project ideas in our Unilock dream section.