How to create a vacation vibe in your own backyard
Using your backyard effectively to create an enjoyable, home resort can have a huge impact on your lifestyle. Crystal Pools knows what transforming backyards is all about. “We have been doing it for more than 65 years,” says Andrew Rothery, sales and marketing manager at Crystal Pools. “With a little planning, it’s possible to achieve transformations that will make you feel you’re on holiday from the moment you step foot in your backyard or courtyard.”
Creating a home resort is possible for anyone with space for a pool, from Sydney’s narrow inner-city terrace houses to estate-style homes in the semi-rural suburbs. Inspiration starts with following a few tips, such as those in this article, and some important family discussions. Then, with a bit of planning, you can make that ordinary backyard into an oasis of calm … or excitement.
Indulge in greenery
Tropical resorts use plants to great effect, especially around pools. Lush and bright greenery can imbue your space with that vacation feel. Consider going big with a palm tree in the corner of the garden or perhaps choosing architectural plants and striking coloured plants like the bird of paradise. Ultimately, bordering greenery and garden beds will be the most cost-effective means of framing your space or pool for that relaxing escape vibe. Don’t put plant species prone to losing foliage too close to the pool. It’s easy to learn how to create a sense of fullness by combining plants of scale and colour, or get help from a landscaping website or landscape professional.
Add a water feature
At most resorts, the relaxing sound of running water is usually close by, and responding to it is in our DNA. A water feature can transform a space by helping mask a cacophony of suburban sounds and creating a space with a relaxing home resort vibe. Water features can be standalone or integrated into a pool or wet area. They’re fantastic to use in a busier residential area to mask the sounds of nearby traffic.
Create an alfresco dining area
Sitting outside with family and friends, enjoying a meal, is the perfect summer’s day. And what better way to create a holiday vibe at home than with an alfresco dining area? Sitting outside is perfect for those who love to entertain, especially if it’s alongside your stunning Crystal Pool.
If you’re big on entertaining but don’t have the luxury of space to add an entire alfresco area, opt for a rolling bar cart instead. Grab a big bucket of ice, fresh lemon, limes, a small or big cheese board and your favourite drinks. This adds a relaxed vibe to any area and can even be moved poolside.
Build an outdoor shower
If an outdoor shower doesn’t scream vacation vibes, we don’t know what does. They’re the perfect addition to your swimming pool. As outdoor showers are simple in their design, you can have some fun styling them. Add a palm frond or two in a large vase, mirror the tile choice used in the pool, or use an accent tile to make the area stand out.
Add a pool
Adding a pool to your backyard is a surefire way to make your backyard feel like an oasis, no matter where you live. We may be biased, but is any backyard complete without a pool? Choose from a variety of swimming pool designs, finding the style that works for you, your lifestyle and your personal aesthetic.
Opt for a beach entry
When deciding on a style for an inground concrete swimming pool, a beach entry is perfect for those who want a holiday year-round. With a section created explicitly for lounging and relaxing, a beach entrance is a great way to enter your pool and relax in shallow water.
Create a seating area
When you’re done swimming laps in the pool or hanging out in your beach entry, you need a space to sit back and relax. To do this comfortably, invest in weatherproof outdoor furniture. Either have one big seating area that fits the whole family, or clusters around your pool or yard.
Get some shade where you can
Of course, you can’t have a holiday-style backyard without a shady spot to sit and read a book. While lounging in the sun by the pool is a dream, you also need a shady spot to escape the heat. Try a portable umbrella that sits over a daybed, or consider an integrated cover to get that perfect mix of comfort and shade.
For more information,
