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Despite the easing of restrictions (for some) across Victoria where else would you rather be right now than at home? Home is where the heart is (and your family) and we'd love to know what your plans are with schools beginning holidays today across the state.
With extra time at home these holidays, why not create your very own staycation in your backyard while you dream of your next interstate or overseas holiday!
Here’s some ideas to spruce up your backyard and holiday at home while we wait for this troublesome pandemic to pass. It might be the year of no travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun in your backyard and treat weekends or school holidays like a holiday at home!
Ideas are only limited by your imagination and with a little creativity, some support from Google and Youtube and a spot of online shopping or click and collect (if applicable), your backyard could soon be the staycation of your dreams.
Where to start? First inspiration, and then some serious intel, which we’ve sorted for you - you're welcome.
Lounging in Your Backyard
Lounging in the backyard gives you a totally different perspective of your home. How often do you step outside and look back at your home? It’s all about perspective. If you’re looking for something to lounge in you can source fantastic and functional bean bags that can be shifted into a sunny spot, under a shady tree or into the pool yard when the weather really heats up.
Bunnings Warehouse stores have a great range of outdoor beans bags starting as low as $100 and Bean Bags R US also has an awesome outdoor range, also starting from $100.
Image Source: Bunnings
Holiday in Your Hammock
Nothing says staycation more than lounging in a hammock in your backyard. If you have a couple of mature trees in your yard, scope out if you can hang a colourful hammock to relax on the weekend. If you don’t have any trees don’t despair because you can make your own hammock stand or buy a purpose-built hammock and stand. Bunnings has a huge range available starting from as little as $20, or check any local camping store. Check out this inspiration DIY video to create your own hammock haven.
It’s finally BBQ weather!
A BBQ breakfast, lunch or dinner puts you in holiday mode, as the simple act of moving an everyday home routine outside instantly changes your outlook.
Now the weather has changed for the season, why not use your BBQ more often and eat some meals outside. If your BBQ needs an overhaul there are endless inspirational ideas to revamp your backyard BBQ, and your space will be the staycation envy of your family and friends.
This video showcases 10 Backyard BBQ Ideas you could tackle this weekend.
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Anyone for a cocktail?
If you’re BBQing on the weekend, you can’t forget cocktail hour (or a mocktail if you prefer). Feeling thirsty? Take inspiration from these 68 Summer Cocktail ideas
You’ve got the cocktail but do you have the outdoor bar? You could start building your very own DIY cocktail bar in the back yard – who needs to go to the pub anyway! Or if you want something a little simpler, you could create your very own wine rack fridge, decanter station, built-in table ice bucket or wine barrel sink station. There are so many outdoor bar DIY ideas, it’s starting to sound like your staycation is going to be a busy one!
Image Source: Modular Walls
What about a garden makeover?
Before you tackle your garden makeover, think about what you and your family would like in a garden. Do you like to eat your own, homegrown food? Then consider planning herbs, veggies or even fruit trees so you can eat your way around the garden. Or, maybe you’re keen on a cottage garden look or a native sanctuary for stunning bird life.
The size of your space, how much sun it gets, the type or soil and your level of commitment to getting your hands dirty, are all factors to consider before you commit your staycation to gardening. Need some advice on how to plan your perfect family friendly backyard? We have collated all the steps to get you on your way.
Need some inspiration? See these before and after garden makeovers. It might take a bit of time to create something large, but the spring growing season could have you decorating your home with cut flowers or eating freshly picked salad from your veggie patch in no time at all.
Find out what to plant in your vegetable patch in your corner of Victoria this time of year visit Gardening Australia.
Got a pool?
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool and the weather is quickly warming up in your corner of the state, think about how you could enhance your pool space for the family. Bellstone stone and slate specialists have put together this super helpful list of ideas to create a resort style pool area this summer:
- Resurface your pool deck – it will look a million dollars
- Adding a water feature can create a tranquil, day spa-like retreat
- New Lighting will extend your staycation fun from day into night
- Updating your pool equipment can improve the effectiveness of any heating you might have also could also reduce noise.
- Build a semi-outdoor recreation room or cabana – think seating, mini bar, music, food and drink = staycation!
- Think pool accessories. If you’re under utilising your pool area, consider a diving board or slide for the kids, floating chairs and drink serving tables, or an awning area for shading.
- Deck furniture looking a little tired? Consider revamping or upgrading your pool lounges and throw in an outdoor bean bag or two.
- Installing an outdoor shower in your pool area will bring a holiday vibe to your space and is practical to wash off any dirt or sweat before you dive in
So, there'll be no excuses for binging on Netflix or overdoing on screen time with so many wonderful projects to tackle these school holidays. Good luck with the list and don’t forget to tag us with any of these special projects you’ve taken on during your Staycation - we'd love to see them.
Stay safe!
