Since summer is just around the corner, and you will be spending more time in the backyard with family and friends, the last three weeks of spring is ideal to get your backyard ready. Whether you’re planning a staycation, want to fire up the barbecue every chance you get, or just want to sit and watch your pretty garden grow, you can make your backyard feel like a resort all summer long.
How much space do you have to work with?
The first step to making your backyard feel like a resort is to determine how much space you have to work with. Divide it into zones or areas for specific activities like a kids play space, outdoor kitchen, or an outdoor bar (portable or freestanding).
Once you have a general idea, you can move on to the second step – deciding how you want to use the available space and the elements you’d like to include in your backyard design. The focus here should be on who will be using the space – adults only, just children, children and adults?
Third step in the preplanning stage is to choose a theme. Resorts typically use themes to provide a unique and memorable experience for their guests, and to make their resort stand out from other hotel resorts. Build a zipline (adventure resort). Place really comfy wicker chairs by the pool (beach resort). Add a hot tub or a meditation garden for relaxing (luxury spa resort).
Resorts are known for their lush vegetation. Create a landscaping plan. Include trees for shade and container gardens for seasonal flowers. Plant flowering shrubs to add texture to your garden. Use paths of paving stones or bricks to connect different areas and for visual impact.
Select furniture that is functional and stylish.
Resort hotels create that special vacation vibe by ensuring all of the different elements – furniture, dining options, landscaping, and recreational amenities – work together. It’s the feeling you get as soon as you walk into the lobby or stroll by the pool. Create that luxury resort atmosphere in your backyard by selecting outdoor furniture that is functional yet stylish.
Match furniture to theme: Select outdoor furniture that matches the theme of your backyard resort makeover.
Rounded corners: When outdoor living spaces will be shared by adults and children, choose outdoor furniture with rounded corners.
Laid-back resort feel: Select comfortable furniture constructed of wood, rattan, wicker, or wrought iron. Choose or buy (if not included) thick cushions for maximum comfort. Add lots of throw pillows. Incorporate design features like sling chairs and low-profile furniture (chairs, tables, sofas) for a laid-back, relaxing feel.
Luxury resort vibe: To create the ambience of a high-end luxury resort , choose outdoor furniture with simple lines such as Scandinavian, Modern, Abstract, or French styles. Keep colours neutral – cream, soft white, navy, and light grey. Patterns should be simple or geometric.
Add focal points and features you’d find at a resort.
Put the spotlight on relaxation. To make your backyard feel like a resort, add some (or all) of these focal points and features:
- Hang a hammock – the gentle swinging motion relieves stress
- Put in a water feature (waterfall, tabletop fountain, statue fountain) – not only is the sound of water soothing, it can minimize the noise of a busy neighbourhood
- Dine in style – select a “proper” dining table and set it like you’d find in a resort restaurant (cloth napkins, flatware, candles, a vase of flowers)
- Add an outdoor bar – another resort-style amenity where you can gather with friends
- Add a fire pit – it’s the perfect place to relax after the sun goes down
- Use different types of decorative lighting (string lights, battery operated lanterns, hanging lamps)
- Install a hot tub – a popular resort addition because it promotes a sense of well-being and relaxation
