How to Prep Your Yard for Staycation

“Ahh… staycation. The art of having a vacation without leaving home.”

                                            – someone, somewhere (at home)

Sometimes, vacation means plane tickets and hotel reservations. Other times, it means stepping into your backyard and sipping cocktails without leaving your property. That’s right, you read that correctly – your own backyard could give you resort vibes all summer long. 

Before you say that’s not the same as going on a vacation, think about it. No lines at the airport, no unpacking, no “I forgot my charger” moments. Just you, your favorite drink, peace, and relaxation. 

If you want to make this happen (and why wouldn’t you?), you’ll need to set aside some time to get the design right. A few lawn chairs won’t cut it because you want to create a space that feels like you’re in a resort. 

In this article, you’ll see how to do that, step by step. 

Creating Shade

Baking in the sun might be some people’s idea of fun, but scorching summer sun and UV rays really aren’t good for your skin, so you’ll need some shade. And when the summer heat kicks in, you’ll see shade is not luxury, it’s pretty much survival. 

Dragging a flimsy umbrella is one of the ways you can get shade, but that’s not really very resort-like, isn’t it? Retractable awnings are a much better choice and they give you more control because you can roll them out when the sun is high and pull them back to stargaze at night. 

Pergolas and gazebos are especially beautiful and give your yard structure. If you don’t have the budget for that, shade sails stretch across spaces and don’t feel heavy. Nature can help here, too. Trees that grow fast, like river birch or red maple, will give you filtered light and instant backyard cred. The secret is to plan the placement so you block the worst of the afternoon glare while keeping a few sunny spots open for morning coffee. 

Choose durable materials that won’t fade, sag, or buckle after one season because you don’t want to do all this every single season. If you do it right, shade will transform your yard from a sun trap into a pleasant, breezy space you will love spending time in. 

Privacy and Seclusion

If you feel like you’re on display, you won’t be able to relax. The good news is, you don’t have to have towering walls to make it possible. Living walls and vertical gardens can make harsh lines softer and add a lush, layered look. Privacy screens in wood, metal, or composite bring structure without closing everything off. 

If you want a full enclosure, a good fence can do the job, but you’ll want to consider height, style, and any local regulations before you start. For something more natural, you can layer landscaping with tall hedges or ornamental grasses that sway in the breeze.

Placement is everything, so position screens and plants to block direct sightlines from neighbors, but make sure you still get airflow and sunlight. 

And don’t forget about lighting! Soft uplighting on trees or string lights woven through a privacy screen can create the kind of cozy, secluded vibe that feels magical after dark. And we don’t mean ‘cozy’ as in ‘small’, but rather as that warm blankety feeling that makes you feel as if you were cocooned in bliss and safety.

Adding Luxury

Luxury isn’t size, it’s feeling, so even if your backyard is small, you can still make it luxurious. Play with textures that wake up your senses; mix hard surfaces like smooth stone paths or warm wood decking with softer elements like plush outdoor rugs and cushioned seating you can sink into. Materials like teak, rattan, and natural stone instantly add that upscale, resort vibe without feeling overdone. 

The magic happens when you layer these textures – think throws casually draped over chairs, soft fabrics in muted tones, and even mulch or pebbles to tie your landscape together. 

Water features will take this up a notch. The gentle sound of flowing water will mask street noise, cool the air, and create a sense of calm. Depending on your budget, you can add small tabletop fountains, a pondless waterfall, or even an actual pond or a pool. 

And speaking of budget, if you have enough disposable income, you might even want to consider a deck. You can make it flow into a water feature or include built-in planters. You’ll need a pro for the bigger stuff. So get yourself a local contractor. Just keep in mind that the build times, prices, material choices, and deck types can all differ depending on where you live. A deck builder Nashville residents use will typically charge you about 15-31 USD per square foot. This means a typical deck (12x24) will cost up to 8928 USD and it’ll take 1-3 weeks to finish.

In Louisville (KY), the cost will be quite a bit more. You’re looking at around 25-50 USD per sq foot and the build time would be pretty much the same. And for example, Austin (TX) will have a price per sq ft in the range of 28-55 USD, which is even steeper, with the average build time of around 2-4 weeks.

Conclusion

Nobody is saying a trip to Bora Bora is the same as lounging around in your backyard. Obviously. With that being said, it’s more than possible to make your outdoor space beautiful, luxurious, and peaceful. All it takes is some time and strategic design to have your very own little resort. No luggage, no traffic, no crowds. 

Add a little shade, block out those body neighbors, and throw in some textures. Even without a big budget, you’ll be able to create a neat/private escape that’ll be ready for the best staycation ever, whenever you are.