Let’s face it: we could all use a getaway from the stresses of daily life every now and then – but you don’t necessarily have to travel far or spend a lot of money to capture that vacation feeling. In fact, with the right setup, a trip out your back door can be the start of a mini staycation. From fun-filled backyard inspiration to easy ways to create a comfier outdoor atmosphere, here are a few budget-friendly ideas to make staying home feel like a vacation.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
![Have a Seat Book on a black and white pouf in the middle of a bright terrace with a rattan corner sofa, hanging chair and round rug](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-have-a-seat.jpg)
Have a Seat
It doesn’t matter how great your backyard looks – if there’s nowhere (or nowhere comfortable) to sit, you’re not going to spend a lot of time out there. When it comes to outdoor seating, make sure it’s set up for maximum ease and relaxation: adding pillows or cushions (made in durable outdoor-ready fabric) to metal or hard-surfaced seating can make a huge difference.
![Lighten Up terrace with candles, wine and lights](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-lights.jpg)
Lighten Up
Want to enjoy your backyard after the sun goes down? Upgrading your outdoor lighting is a quick route to transforming your space for evening entertaining and there are plenty of options for every budget. From string lights to solar lanterns, deck out your backyard with some lighting so you can spend more time under the stars.
![Bring the Heat grey brick fire pit with wood chairs and red accents in backyard](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-fire-fit.jpg)
Bring the Heat
A wood-burning fire pit – like the circular brick design that Sarah and I created for this Backyard Builds space – is a low-cost addition that makes a big impact when it comes to upgrading the retreat-worthy feel of your backyard. The bonus? A fire pit is also a great way to extend the outdoor entertainment season, bringing light and warmth to cooler days and nights.
Related: 10 Outdoor Reno Projects to Start Now for a Stress-Free Summer
![Turn up the Tunes DJ station on outdoor bar cart on wood deck with plants and fence](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-music.jpg)
Turn up the Tunes
You’ve got to have a good soundtrack to your vacation, right? Set up an outdoor music system to pump up the ambiance of your backyard time. Portable outdoor speakers are a small investment or you can go for more of a DIY DJ station like this fun space Sarah and I put together.
![Go With the Flow small backyard pond and a patio with a sitting area](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-water-feature.jpg)
Go With the Flow
What is it about water that brings on that zen feeling? A water feature – which could be as simple as a bird bath or small pond or more complex (and cool) like the pool-side waterfall we added to this Backyard Builds design – instantly amplifies that oasis-inspired feel.
Related: These 20 Canadian Backyards Were Meant for Summer Entertaining
![Upcycle Away red flowers planted on upcycled antique cart on green grass](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-upcycle.jpg)
Upcycle Away
Don’t forget: what’s old can definitely be what’s new again – and it can save you some cash along the way. Whether you’re on a tight budget or you just love a more rustic look, salvaging antique furniture or materials and upcycling them into outdoor furniture, garden containers or other backyard treasures is an awesome way to add personality to your space. Never tried it before? Follow my tips for successfully sourcing from salvage.
![Be a Bit Shady wooden pergola over outdoor dining table in backyard with pool](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-shady-pergola.jpg)
Be a Bit Shady
We all love a sunny day, but too much summer heat can derail a staycation Saturday pretty quick. Incorporate a touch of shade and style into your backyard retreat with a covered area to relax under, like a pergola or under-deck patio.
![Privacy, Please fence in backyard with hammock and chairs](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-fence.jpg)
Privacy, Please
As much as you love your neighbours, having their prying eyes peering into your backyard can totally derail the relaxed staycation feeling you’re going for. A fence around your yard can give you a good return on investment in general, while giving you privacy. You can also use a fence to create separation between different zones in your yard, like this unique curved fence we used to divide one family’s entertainment area and shed.
![Step up the Comfort Level outdoor armchair, pouf as a table, wicker couch and rugs on terrace](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-outdoor-rugs.jpg)
Step up the Comfort Level
Adding a rug (or a few!) to a deck or entertaining area is an inexpensive, no-reno way to transform the look and feel of your outdoor space. Just as you would with outdoor furniture, be sure to choose durable rugs that are designed to be outdoors.
Related: 58 Beautiful Backyard Ideas
![Set the Table wood outdoor dining table set with plaid dishes and candelabra](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-set-the-table.jpg)
Set the Table
When you go on vacation, one of the best parts is eating out at cool restaurants with great food, atmosphere and views, right? While I can’t help you become a better home chef, I can make some suggestions for turning your backyard into a next-level dining experience. For example, leave the random mismatched plates and cutlery inside. Instead, choose a set of dishes to be used for outdoor entertaining and pick them to match the look of your outdoor space (like Sarah and I did with this rustic table setting here) to create a restaurant-worthy feel.
![Lower Your Profile black outdoor seating with colourful pillows in front of wooded fence](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-low-profile-furniture.jpg)
Lower Your Profile
Sometimes, it’s the little things can make the biggest difference – especially in a small space. If you’re dealing with a compact outdoor area, choosing lower-profile furniture, like the pieces we used in this family’s outdoor living space for Backyard Builds, allows you to play with proportion to make a tight yard feel like a spacious retreat.
Related: Summer Staycation: The Coziest Patio Furniture Perfect for Small Spaces
![Play up Your Passion green shed in colourful backyard garden](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-play-up-passion.jpg)
Play up Your Passion
If you have a shed that’s packed with old junk that you’re never going to use, but that you haven’t gotten around to taking to the dump, give it another look. Is there a way to use that real estate to create a special space for your favourite activities? Whether it’s assembling a simple rainy-day reading retreat, a hip-hop dance hangout or even a one-of-a-kind backyard cake studio, cleaning out the junk can open up plenty of cool possibilities to customize your yard into a daily getaway.
![Make it a Movie Night friends watching movie outdoors in yard](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-movie-night.jpg)
Make it a Movie Night
What’s a vacation without a little entertainment? Make summer movie nights a new tradition with your own backyard theatre. This could be as simple as setting up a DIY screen and projector in the backyard or you can go big (and make the setup more permanent) with an outdoor amphitheatre – complete with cushioned seating and a snack shed – like Sarah and I did for this Backyard Builds family.
![Store It wooden storage benches with colourful pillows on wooded deck with white outdoor dining table](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-storage.jpg)
Store It
A cluttered yard isn’t one that you’re going to be dying to spend time in. Adding simple storage for items like kids’ toys and outdoor accessories keeps things looking tidy. If you’re short on space, you can also double up: smart pieces – like the outdoor benches we used for this family’s Backyard Builds project – give you plenty of places to stash things not in use and double as seating while you’re entertaining.
![Hammock Time woman laying on woven hammock in front of white exterior wall](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-hammock.jpg)
Hammock Time
Nothing says “vacation” better than “nap,” and nothing says “nap” better than a “hammock” – which is why a hammock is the perfect downtime essential for your backyard or outdoor space. Choose a freestanding model if you want the flexibility to switch locations or hang one for a zen, breezy feel.
Related: 10 Trendy Outdoor and Indoor Hammocks for Maximum Relaxation
![Swing, Swing rope swing in front of ladder in forested outdoor space](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/backyard-staycation-rope-swing.jpg)
Swing, Swing
Think back to being a kid – if you’re like me, a lot of your favourite childhood memories probably involve running around outside with your siblings and friends. Make your backyard a fun zone for kids to explore. Something as simple as a rope swing – like the rustic, repurposed tree swing Sarah and I added to this family’s backyard – can lead to lifelong memories.
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