Whether it’s swinging in a hammock next to a peaceful ocean or singing around a campfire in the mountains, most everyone has an ideal vacation setting. With some thoughtful design, there are many ways to carry your favorite vacation sentiments into your home. By incorporating four basic components — earth, water, air and fire — you can recreate the pleasures of vacation in your daily life. It’s elementary!
Earth
If you’re searching for a tropical vibe or a botanical garden feel, color and aroma are vital. Arrange foliage in unique planting containers that complement your decorating style. These planters can be used to add a pop of color, divide a room or create a privacy wall. Who doesn’t love the smell of sweet flowers, such as jasmine or gardenias, as it permeates the air when the wind blows? If you don’t have a green thumb, there are beautiful silk arrangements as an alternative.
Water
Transform your bathroom into your favorite spa if you desire a pampered retreat. A new coat of paint is an inexpensive way to update any space — try Sherwin Williams Silvermist SW7621 to evoke a feeling of tranquility. This particular shade is also a chameleon of color; its silvery-gray hues become prominent in the sunlight, yet in a darker room the blues and greens shine through. Water elements, like an outdoor shower, pool, koi pond, fountain or a birdbath, offer the serenity of a well-deserved island vacation.
Air
A cool breeze on a star-lit night can be the perfect atmosphere for a romantic dinner al fresco. A table setting for two under a tree or poolside can offer a little sense of adventure and make you feel like you’re on vacation. Ceiling fans offer air circulation indoors and out, and whimsical garden art is always a fun way to bring movement and color to your outdoor space. Windmill spinners are one of our favorites, as you can become mesmerized watching them turn while swinging on a cozy porch swing.
Fire
A few flickering flames can effortlessly enhance the mood of a room, adding a little romance in the air. Scented candles with wonderful aromas like honeysuckle or lavender add delightful ambiance and can be found in almost any color to complement your decor. Placing a candle inside a glass hurricane filled with shells or sea glass you’ve collected can be the perfect touch for your spa-like bathroom. Tiki torches placed around an outdoor patio or poolside will make you feel like you’re in the islands, and adding citronella candles will help keep the pesky critters away.
Make every day a getaway by indulging in your vacation yearnings on a daily basis. It’s not necessary to follow the same theme in every room, as a single room make-over can have a huge impact. Incorporating elements of surprise can truly transform your indoor and outdoor spaces into a stay-cation destination. Figure out what vacation elements are missing in your home and make it a point to bring your happy place into your home space.
CALL-OUT BOX
Transform your home into a stay-cation resort with these tips.
1. Plant colorful, tropical foliage.
2. Construct a fire pit.
3. Build an outdoor shower.
4. Create a Zen bathroom.
5. Put up a sign with your favorite quote or sentiment.
6. Dine al fresco.
7. Hang a hammock or porch swing, or an indoor swing.
8. Create a cozy outdoor living space.
9. Stock a beverage cart with your go-to drink ingredients.
10. Purchase and display a piece of art from a special destination.
