Over time, even the cosiest of homes can start to feel a little… well, tired. Maybe the sofa has lost its bounce, or your once-loved colour scheme no longer sparks joy. The good news? You don’t need a full-scale renovation to breathe new life into your home. With a bit of creativity and a fresh perspective, it’s entirely possible to transform your space into something that feels new, exciting and uniquely ‘you’. Here’s how.
Rethink Your Layout
Let’s start with something free, fast and surprisingly effective: rearranging your furniture. Changing up your layout can shift the energy of a room completely. Try pulling your sofa away from the wall to create a more intimate seating area, or reposition your bed to face a window.
If you work from home, reorienting your desk to a brighter spot can improve your mood and productivity. You’d be amazed at how a simple shuffle of key pieces can breathe new life into a space you thought you knew inside out.
Repaint with a Fresh Palette
A new coat of paint is one of the quickest and most dramatic ways to refresh your home. But don’t just default to white or grey – get creative. A moody navy or a deep forest green can add instant drama to a living room or bedroom, while a cheerful peach or muted clay can warm up a tired hallway. You could even try colour-blocking, a painted arch, or a feature wall behind open shelving for extra style points.
For kitchens and bathrooms, don’t overlook painting cabinets or tiles. Specialist paint products are available that make this refresh much easier than you might think, and the results can be stunning.
Upgrade Your Doors and Exterior Style
Upgrading your doors is a smart and stylish way to elevate your home’s curb appeal and interior atmosphere. From timeless wooden designs to sleek, contemporary glass options, local specialists offer a wide range of custom solutions to suit any aesthetic. Beyond the visual upgrade, new doors can boost your home’s energy efficiency, improve security, and enhance everyday functionality.
If you’re not sure where to begin and are based in LA, a reputable Los Angeles door company can help you explore the best options for your space. Whether it’s a bold new entryway or updated interior doors, this simple change can make your home feel more inviting, and more refined, for years to come.
Add Statement Lighting
Lighting isn’t just functional; it’s foundational to how a room feels. Swapping out basic light fixtures for something more eye-catching, like a sculptural pendant, a bold mid-century chandelier or layered sconces, can give your room a high-end feel. And don’t forget about dimmers and smart bulbs; they allow you to instantly change the mood from bright and energising to soft and relaxing with a tap or a voice command.
Try adding plug-in wall lights if you’re renting or not quite ready for electrical work. They look like hardwired fittings but don’t require drilling into the wiring; a clever hack for an instant style upgrade.
Refresh with Textiles
If your budget doesn’t stretch to new furniture, don’t worry – textiles are your secret weapon. A new rug can ground a space and change its whole personality. Swap out heavy curtains for breezy sheers in summer or bring in cosy velvet or boucle for the cooler months.
Updating your throw cushions is an easy, affordable win. Mix up the textures—linen, wool, velvet—and play with patterns and shapes to add visual interest. Even a new bedspread or duvet cover can dramatically shift the look of your bedroom in seconds.
Create a Feature Wall (Without Wallpaper)
Want to create impact without the commitment of wallpaper? Try removable wall decals, stencilled paint patterns, or even a large-scale art print that spans an entire wall. You could hang a curated gallery wall using vintage finds, family photos, or quirky artwork from local makers. Or install vertical wooden panelling (real or peel-and-stick) for a Scandi-modern touch.
If you’re crafty, try a DIY mural. Even abstract brushstrokes or ombre shading can create a bold and beautiful effect. It’s a brilliant way to make your space look bespoke and refreshingly different.
Swap Out Hardware
Sometimes it’s the tiniest details that make the biggest difference. Swapping dated handles on kitchen cabinets, wardrobes or drawers is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel more current. Choose brushed brass for a luxe look, matte black for something modern, or ceramic and wood for a touch of rustic charm.
This quick fix takes less than an afternoon and can instantly elevate even the most basic flat-pack furniture.
Style Your Surfaces Like a Pro
Flat surfaces can either feel cluttered or curated – and it all comes down to styling. Pick three to five items for each surface: perhaps a stack of books, a sculptural vase, a small plant, and a candle. Mix heights, shapes, and textures, and aim for visual balance. Trays are great for corralling objects and making them look intentional.
Reworking your surfaces with purpose can make your whole home feel more polished and intentional, even if you didn’t change a single piece of furniture.
Add Greenery (Even Faux!)
Houseplants can make a home feel more vibrant and lived-in, even if you’re not the greenest of thumbs. Snake plants, pothos and peace lilies are relatively easy to care for, but there are fantastic faux options these days that look incredibly realistic too.
Consider placing greenery in unexpected places, like a tall plant in the bathroom or a small trailing vine on a bookshelf. It brings a fresh, organic feel that instantly softens hard lines and adds a pop of colour.
Curate Your Clutter
Sometimes, making your home feel brand new is less about adding and more about subtracting. Decluttering can be wildly satisfying and transformative. Focus on one area at a time. That overstuffed bookshelf? Try removing half the items and styling what’s left. The hall cupboard you’ve been ignoring? It might just hold the secret to a smoother daily routine.
Creative storage solutions, like baskets, open shelving or under-bed drawers, can help you stay tidy without feeling sterile. A clear space often means a clearer mind.
Introduce a Signature Scent
Your sense of smell is deeply linked to memory and emotion, so introducing a signature scent to your home can change how it feels almost instantly. Whether it’s through candles, reed diffusers, essential oils or a linen spray, find a fragrance that feels fresh, calming or luxurious. Scents like citrus, eucalyptus, cedarwood or lavender work beautifully to create different moods throughout your space.
Having one scent in every room creates a sense of cohesion, while layering a few can give each space its own personality.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a big budget, a construction crew, or weeks of disruption to make your home feel brand new again. Often, it’s the small, intentional changes – the ones that show your personality and suit your lifestyle – that make the biggest difference. A new paint colour, a well-placed plant, or a cleverly styled corner can completely shift the vibe of your home.
So grab a paintbrush, rearrange your furniture, or swap out those tired throw cushions, and fall in love with your space all over again.
Have a brown thumb, live a busy lifestyle, or are new to gardening? This is for you. Outdoor plants don’t have to be complicated. You can create a beautiful garden and upgrade your landscaping game with a few easy options. So if you’ve ever worried while you watered your outdoor plants, it’s ok, we’ve got you.
Whether your outdoor space has full sun, partial shade, or somewhere in between, these resilient beauties are here to make your life easier and your garden gorgeous.
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Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)
This North American native boasts sunny yellow petals and a dark center. We love them (and we think you will too) because they’re drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and bloom from mid-summer through fall. Plus, butterflies love them!
Fun fact: They look similar to daisies because they are a type of daisy.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
These succulent-like cuties are thick with pinkish blooms and thrive in full sunlight and dry soil. If you’re truly looking for a “set it and forget it” perennial, these are perfect.
Yarrow
From yellow, pink, and white, yarrow is handy and unfussy. These fern-like flat-topped plants are great for the outdoors because they’re pollinator magnets and add texture to perennial borders.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers are gorgeous, purple daisy-like flowers that bloom all summer. These beauties attract butterflies and bees, but they aren’t just attractive — they’re also resilient, able to handle drought and poor soil.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia features warm orange and red tones, adding warmth and dimension to your garden beds. They’re great because they love the sun and hate fuss.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a cactus-like succulent that loves well-drained soil. The queen of minimal care, it grows particularly well in dry and hot climates. Bonus? Aloe vera gel is great for your skin.
Zinnias
Zinnias are vibrant, long-lasting flowers that are beloved for their low maintenance and fast growth. They thrive in sunlight and are great for filling garden beds.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Adored for their unique “clustered” shape and variety of colors, this perennial flower blooms in the summer and thrives in dry soils. Not only are they easy to grow, but monarch butterflies and caterpillars love them.
Lavender
Inhale worry and exhale calm. That’s how it feels to smell the relaxing scent of lavender. This fragrant favorite is drought-tolerant and thrives in sandy, well-drained soil.
Hostas
Large with lush leaves, hostas are a foliage favorite because they need very little care. With blue-green or variegated leaves, they thrive in shade or partial shade.
Russian Sage
Featuring soft silver stems and purple-blue flowers, Russian sage is a staple for garden elegance. It’s deer-resistant, loves sun, and is resilient (even in poor soil).
Cosmos
If you’re looking to add a whimsical, airy touch to garden beds, try cosmos. Once planted, these pretty, soft pink to sunny orange flowers only need occasional watering.
Zebra Grass (Miscanthus)
Add some movement and dimension to garden beds with zebra grass. Its variegated leaves sway beautifully in the wind, offer a unique touch (without overpowering), and require little upkeep.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is a velvety, soft silver foliage plant that’s low-growing, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant, making it the perfect groundcover for a low-key lush vibe.
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Cheery and golden-yellow, coreopsis plants love to soak up the sun. We love them because they bloom beautifully without asking much in return.
Daylilies
These beauties come in almost every color and are beloved as low-maintenance perennials. Since they bloom again and again, they are great landscaping focal points.
Catmint (Nepeta)
This pollinator favorite is a fragrant purple-flowered plant that grows happily with little care.
Salvia
Commonly known as “sage,” this easy-to-grow plant is often burned for ceremonies or to clear out bad energy. In its purest form, it’s a pretty blue or at times fiery red plant that’s drought-tolerant, and a hummingbird favorite.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Pollinators love a good bee balm plant. Not only is it aromatic, it’s bold in color – you’ll love it too because it’s perfect for attracting bees, butterflies, and even the occasional hummingbird. Yep, it’s a garden fairy dream.
Succulents (Various)
Succulents are popular – you can pretty much find them in any nursery, especially in dry climates. Just make sure you store them in well-drained containers and don’t overwater.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are colorful, vibrant, and low-fuss — everything your garden needs. They bloom in early spring or fall and love the sun.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Got a shady spot? Coral bells are the answer. This bell-shaped perennial flower has vibrant foliage in purple, lime, or bronze tones that remain beautiful year-round.
Hydrangeas (Panicle or Oakleaf)
Some hydrangeas require more care, but panicle and oakleaf hydrangeas are surprisingly low-maintenance and beginner-friendly.
Dusty Miller
Soft and silvery, these plants add contrast and variety to any garden bed. Dusty miller is perfect for edging and thrives with very little help.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
A butterfly favorite, this fast-growing and fragrant shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune it in early spring, then let it flourish.
Ice Plant
Another succulent stunner, ice plants have vivid daisy-like blooms and thick foliage, perfect for sunny, dry spots.
Knock Out Roses
These aren’t your typical roses. Unlike the traditional variety, knock out roses are low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and bloom like crazy. (Not to be biased, but if you’re going to plant roses…)
Newbie Gardener Tips
Even the most resilient plants need a little love. Here are a few pro-tips (whether you’re new, novice, or consider yourself a pro) to keep your low-maintenance garden looking lush:
Start with the soil: Well-drained soil is key – add compost or sand to loosen things up.
Use a slow-release fertilizer once per season to keep your plants fed.
Install a soaker hose or drip system for low-effort, water-efficient irrigation.
Mulch it up: Mulching helps retain moisture and block weeds.
Group by needs: Place drought-tolerant plants together, and shade lovers in the same bed.
Cut and enjoy: Many of the options on the list make amazing cut flowers for a fresh indoor bouquet!
Pick Your Garden Aesthetic
Whether you’re drawn to a dreamy cottagecore aesthetic or a desert oasis vibe, here are a few simple ways to design your garden:
Pick a palette: Orange and yellow (gaillardia + black-eyed susans), purple and white (salvia + yarrow), or monochrome.
Play with contrast: Mix dusty miller, lamb’s ear, and dark purple coral bells.
Add dimension: Vary taller plants with shorter plants to add depth and visual interest.
No matter where you are on your gardening journey, there’s a low-maintenance plant just waiting to be yours. These fuss-free favorites simply need a little sunshine, water, and a whole lotta love. So grab your garden gloves and cue up your favorite playlist – your dream garden is only a few blossoms away.
Ideally, your backyard is where you can recharge, rest, and entertain. Maybe you aren’t sure what to do to spruce things up – you know your backyard could use an upgrade, but where do you start? From adding more seating to enchanting fairy lights, we’ve rounded up a list of ideas to make a big impact.
Whether you’re looking to completely transform your backyard or refresh it, you’ll soon find inspiration to help you reconnect with your outdoor space.
1. Create a Cozy Seating Area
Comfort is key for a backyard you never want to leave. So keep it simple by starting with basics like adding plush pillows, a cozy hammock, a coffee table, or a picnic table.
These additions will make the space feel more inviting for casual summer lounging or enjoying morning coffee. Consider placing seating under a tree or on a patio, and throw an outdoor rug into the mix for added coziness.
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2. Add an Outdoor Dining Area
If you love to entertain friends or family, it’s great to have a dedicated area to host. Start small by adding a small dining area with a sturdy table and chairs.
A shade umbrella or a pergola can keep the area cool, especially when serving food during the warm months.
And if you want to really deck the area out, you can create an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, mini-fridge, and prep space.
3. Upgrade Your Deck
A deck is the perfect foundation for a backyard makeover.
If you’re thinking about adding a deck, a wooden deck offers natural charm while a composite deck is more durable against scratches and rot. Either option can accommodate large loungers and dining tables.
Already have a deck?
Add curtains for privacy and shade, decor like potted plants, lanterns or string lights as simple upgrades.
4. Make Room for Your Inner Child
We often talk about creating space for kids, but what about your inner child?
The part of you that could use an area to spark creativity or calm, right in your backyard.
A swing set is where you can dive into your favorite book, enjoy the weather, or use the coloring book you’ve been meaning to try. Nearby benches make it easy for guests to hang out, too (no pun intended).
5. Revamp Landscaping for Big Impact
Don’t sleep on landscaping.
Yes – beautifully pruned lawn, shrubs, and plants offer great curb appeal, but did you know landscaping can also upgrade your backyard?
Think beyond grass, like concrete patios, paver patios, and gravel pathways (which can also reduce the stress of lawn maintenance). Landscape contractors can offer other low-maintenance ideas if you’re working with a small yard.
You can also take smaller steps like framing your yard with a stone border, planting blooming shrubs, or a few raised planters. If you don’t have a green thumb, ask a friend for help or search beginner-friendly DIY tutorials.
6. Warm Up With a Fire Pit
A cozy evening isn’t complete without warmth.
A fire pit offers year-round use and is an easy addition to your backyard without breaking the bank (unless you want to go all out!). DIY your fire pit with bricks or invest in a gas-powered model.
7. Cool Down With a Pool
You have a place to warm up, but what about cooling down?
Beat the heat with a backyard pool perfect for smaller spaces and limited budgets.
A stock tank pool is a modern and affordable option. Consider installing a small deck or simply adding plants, an umbrella, and chairs to make it all come together.
8. Incorporate Lighting for Ambiance
Lighting goes a long way by helping to transform your outdoor area with a little whimsy and enchantment, perfect for after dark.
All you need are a few set of string lights draped across your deck or pergola to start. You can also use lanterns on tables or solar-powerded torches to light pathways . Mix it up to create the perfect ambiance.
9. Redefine Space With Hardscaping
Visually organize your backyard into separate zones for lounging, play, or entertaining with pathways and gravel.
A winding stone pathway can guide you or guests through the yard, highlighting different focal points along the way.
Use this method to emphasize key parts of your outdoor space like your thriving vegetable garden or newly installed water fountain.
10. Tackle Eyesores by Adding Privacy
Your backyard doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
If you live close to neighbors, you may want to invest in a trellis to separate your space, offer privacy, and block eyesores.
Every yard has an eyesore, whether it be items in the neighbor’s yard or your own (an AC unit, trash bin, weathered fence). Decorative curtains or a row of planters can also carve out more privacy.
11. Go Lawn-Free
A patchy lawn can really bring down the vibe of your backyard, plus lawn maintenance requires a lot of upkeep.
If you live in a warmer climate, it can also feel like a stressful expense to maintain. Patch up the yard with sod or try bluestone or brick walkways as a low-maintance alternative (without completely giving up your lawn).
If grass is more of a hassle than a benefit, replace it altogether and surround it with greenery like potted plants.
12. Paint and Personalize
Sometimes the best upgrades are the ones that are the easiest.
Breathe new life into your yard with a fresh coat of exterior paint on a dull fence, turning what was once an eyesore into a beautiful backdrop. Incorporate decorative elements like outdoor art or hanging planters.
Try DIY ideas like repurposing old furniture or creating your own lanterns.
13. Pergola for Structure
Similar to a trellis that creates a buffer for privacy and hides unsightly items, a pergola gives shade and structure.
Often attached to your home vs. as a standalone structure, the pergola acts as a frame for your outdoor room. Pair it with sheer curtains, string lights, or vining plants for even more charm.
14. Create a “Perfect Spot” for You
Your backyard should have a perfect spot dedicated to you – shady, comfortable, and restorative.
Some ideas include a small nook with a hammock, a reading chair under a tree, or a quiet patio corner with a coffee table and potted plants.
The goal is to turn this space into your personal retreat.
15. Start Small
Don’t feel like you have to tackle the entire backyard at once. As we’ve mentioned throughout this article, you can start small and still make a big impact.
Start with a single project, like installing an outdoor rug under your dining set or replacing old outdoor dining cushion covers. Look online for inspiration to find budget-friendly hacks.
Transform your backyard from average to awesome without a massive budget or a complete overhaul. Breathing new life into your yard is often found in the thoughtful touches — string lights, upgrading a deck, or creating a new pathway.
From entertaining to finding a quiet spot to escape, these ideas can help you make the most of your backyard.
With a bit of creativity and planning, you’ll make those sunny summer days and cozy fire-lit nights unforgettable.
Taking a vacation should be all about relaxation, not worrying about your plants. But if you are a plant lover, leaving behind your glorious greenery can indeed be a bit stressful. Let’s talk about how to keep your plants alive so vacation is enjoyable and your plants survive your absence.
The key challenge here is making sure your plants stay hydrated and healthy while you’re away. From lush gardens to cherished houseplants, they all need consistent care.
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Some plants thrive on a regular watering schedule, while others, like succulents, prefer less frequent watering. Understanding your plants’ needs is the first step in keeping them happy in your absence.
Fortunately, there are plenty of solutions, both high-tech and DIY, to make sure your greenery stays in top shape while you enjoy time away.
Keeping Outdoor Plants Alive With Automatic Watering Systems
Automatic sprinklers are also a great option for outdoor gardens, allowing for covering large areas.
These systems are a great way to keep your plants hydrated without much hassle.
Drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses, for example, deliver water directly to the plant’s soil, ensuring even distribution and minimizing waste.
By pairing a self-watering system with timers, you can customize when and how much water your plants receive. This is particularly useful for maintaining the perfect moisture level.
These systems can be adjusted to suit your garden’s specific needs, ensuring that your plants stay well-watered, whether you’re away for a weekend or a couple of weeks.
DIY Solutions for Plant Hydration and Keeping Indoor Plants Alive
When it comes to keeping your plants hydrated on a budget, DIY methods can be both effective and simple.
Water globes, for instance, gradually release water into the plant’s soil, ensuring consistent moisture levels.
Another handy trick is using a water bottle. Just fill the plastic bottle, make a small hole in the cap, and place the bottle upside down into the plant’s pot. This creates a slow-release watering system that can keep your plants happy for days. If you prefer to use a glass bottle, a wine bottle also works great.
For a more crafty approach, try a wick system using a towel, cotton rope, or twine. Place one end in a bucket of water and the other in the plant’s soil. The towel will wick water from the water container into the plant. This method allows for gradual water absorption, keeping your plants hydrated with minimal fuss.
These easy DIY solutions will keep your plant roots watered while protecting them from the root rot that can result from overwatering.
Mulching and Soil Moisture Retention Can Help Keep Plants Alive
Mulching is an effective way to help your garden retain moisture while you’re away.
By adding a layer of mulch over the plant’s soil, you can significantly reduce evaporation, which means your plants stay hydrated longer.
There are various mulch options to suit different types of plants. For larger outdoor gardens, wood chips or straw work wonderfully to keep the soil moist.
If you’re caring for succulents or other plants that prefer well-drained soil, fine gravel or small stones are excellent choices.
Mulch not only helps retain moisture in the soil. It also stabilizes the soil temperature for your plants and can even suppress the growth of unwanted weeds. Before you pack your bags, take some time to mulch your garden—your plants will appreciate it!
Using Technology for Monitoring
In today’s digital world, technology makes plant care easier than ever. Smart plant monitors can keep an eye on soil moisture, light levels, and even temperature. This gives real-time updates on your plant’s health.
These handy gadgets sync with apps on your phone, so you can monitor your garden from anywhere. Some advanced systems can even alert you when the soil of the plant is too dry, allowing you to make timely adjustments.
Imagine being able to adjust your watering schedule while sipping a drink by the pool—pretty cool, right?
Pairing these monitors with automatic watering systems can be a game-changer. You can set them up to water your plants at the right time, ensuring they stay hydrated without any guesswork.
Whether your plants are in your living room or spread across your backyard, this tech-savvy approach offers peace of mind.
So, if you love your gadgets as much as your greenery, integrating technology into your plant care routine is a smart move. This way, you can focus on enjoying your vacation, knowing that your plants are thriving back home.
Getting Help from Neighbors or Friends
If you’re fortunate enough to have helpful neighbors or friends, consider asking them to water your plants while you’re away.
Leave clear, simple instructions about each plant’s needs.
Be specific about how often to water and how much water to use for each plant. If any plants have unique requirements, like avoiding direct sunlight or checking for dry leaves, make sure to note that as well.
You can even set up a little schedule for your plant sitter to follow. Sometimes, a bit of human touch is just what your garden needs.
By doing this, you can enjoy your time off, knowing your plants are in good hands.
Leaving your plants behind while you enjoy a vacation can be a bit nerve-wracking, but with a little planning, it’s entirely manageable.
Don’t forget the importance of mulching to retain soil moisture, especially for your outdoor garden.
For tech enthusiasts, smart plant monitors and automated systems can offer peace of mind by keeping you informed about your plant’s health in real-time.
Additionally, enlisting the help of a neighbor or friend ensures that your plants get the personal touch they might need.
With all these options at your disposal, you can tailor a watering strategy that fits both your garden’s needs and your vacation plans.
Whether you have indoor plants in a sunny window or a lush garden outdoors, these strategies can help ensure they remain healthy and vibrant. Enjoy your time off, knowing your green friends are well taken care of!
Can’t get away but in need of a getaway? It’s time for a staycation. The best part is you don’t have to travel far. Just a few creative touches will get your home ready to become the cozy oasis of your dreams.
Maybe you’re in the mood for a spa vibe or you want a fun indoor adventure, these simple yet beautiful ideas are the perfect place to start.
1. Summer-Scented Candles
Candles are an affordable way to get the vacation feels started. Set the mood with candles that smell like coconut, citrus, or fresh linen so no matter what room you walk into, you are instantly transported into vacation mode.
Bonus: Scents like lavender naturally tell your brain to relax and unwind.
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2. Diffuse Essential Oils
Close your eyes and imagine walking into a spa. What’s the first thing you notice?
The scent!
Similar to lighting a candle, essential oils entice your senses, helping your mind and body ease into a sense of relaxation.
Try essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender.
3. Roll Fresh Towels
Rolled towels are a chef’s kiss for simple added luxury.
Make your bathroom feel like a spa by rolling and stacking towels. You can even have rolled towels ready on your bed after a shower.
Spritzing them with lavender or other essential oils can add to the “resort at home” feel.
4. DIY Spa Station
One of the key features of many vacations is the spa experience. Bring the spa to you by treating yourself to a full spa day at home on one of your staycation days.
Create a spa station to easily access items to make a face mask, body scrub, manicure, and pedicure.
Play some soothing music and sip homemade cucumber water throughout the day.
5. Have a Theme Night
If there’s a destination you love or have always wanted to try, choose it as a theme for a night of your staycation. Destinations like Italy or Hawaii offer relatively easy-to-find decor.
Dress up, try a themed recipe, and play music from the region.
6. Create a Pillow Lounge
A cozy nook to read, nap, craft, or create art is perfect for your staycation. If you don’t already have a space like this, set up blankets and throw pillows near a window for natural light and calming energy.
Fairy lights or candles offer an extra magical glow in the evening.
7. Try a Travel-Inspired Cookbook
Trying a new recipe, such as Thai curry, French crêpes, or Spanish paella, is a fun staycation activity. Consider decorating your dining area with the theme of the country.
8. Make a Mocktail or Cocktail Bar
Whether for indoor relaxation or outdoor vibes, a mocktail or cocktail bar makes your favorite drinks easily accessible.
Stock your bar with fresh herbs, fruit, umbrellas, and decorative straws. Infuse drinks with fruits like pineapple, mango, or passionfruit to add a twist.
9. Build a Backyard Cabana
Use a pop-up canopy or a sheet-draped structure to create a cozy and inviting backyard cabana. This staycation addition makes your backyard feel like a resort.
Add string lights, comfy seating, and a portable speaker to complete the experience.
10. Set Up an Outdoor Movie Night
There are several ways you can make an outdoor movie night a key feature of your staycation. You only need a projector and a blank surface, like a shed wall or a hanging sheet.
Just don’t forget the popcorn, candy, and cozy blankets!
11. Host a Living Room Picnic
Grab your charcuterie board! This staycation idea involves picnicking right from your home. Have blankets and pillows handy and a wicker basket filled with foodie favorites.
12. Meditate or Do Yoga in the Sun
Create the feeling of a luxury wellness retreat right from your backyard (patio or balcony) by rolling out your yoga mat each staycation day.
Just a few moments of mindfulness can balance your mood and really set a calming tone.
Incense, sage, or essential oils are great to use as aromatherapy during your practice.
13. Create an Indoor Hammock Space
Hang around and read, journal, or just relax in an indoor hammock. Installation may require some help and prep before your staycation, but once added, you’ll be able to use it to reconnect and give yourself a go-to area during your time.
14. Build a Fort
Remember building forts as a kid? Grabbing a ton of sheets and putting them over the dining room table or covering chairs. Tap into some nostalgia by creating a fort with sheets, blankets, throw pillows, and fairy lights.
15. Update Your Balcony
If you live in a smaller space and have a balcony, use it for your staycation!
Create a chill ambiance with a few comfy cushions, citronella candles, fairy lights, and summer decor of your choice (and don’t forget a Bluetooth speaker).
16. Ice Cream Station
Nothing says summer vacation like cold treats, and an ice cream station is an easy way to stay cool. Include toppings like candy, fruit, and yummy syrups (think chocolate or strawberry).
Be sure to feature special flavors to match the theme of your staycation – lavender honey, anyone?
17. Have a Sunset Happy Hour
Turn your backyard into the resort beach party of your dreams. Play music, mix your favorite mocktail or cocktail, and bask in the summer night sky.
18. Pooltime Fun
No matter the size of your pool (even a kiddie pool works), you can spruce it up for your staycation. Lay out a beach towel, wear your swimsuit, and fill the pool with noodles or other fun toys. Add a speaker to play your favorite island music to complete the vibes.
19. Backyard Campout
Pull out your camping tent and set it up in the yard for a beautiful space to sleep under the stars. Use sleeping bags, flashlights, or string lights, and keep snacks nearby for the full experience.
20. Boost up Bathtime
Treat yourself to spa-style baths during your staycation by adding essential oils, bath salts, fruit, bath bombs, and candles.
Playing music and turning off the lights during this time will add to the tranquility. Cozy up with a book and let the warm water wash away any stress.
21. Go Phone-free
Last on our list is an easy (and free) staycation staple – doing a digital detox. Find a place in your home where you can put your phone away for the day or during different periods throughout the day, like while cooking or enjoying the sunset.
Staycation Tip:
Treat your staycation like a real vacation, because that’s exactly what it is. Turn off your phone notifications, turn on out-of-office replies, and let yourself fully unwind.
Even if it’s just for the weekend, staycations are a great way to recharge without breaking the budget or needing to travel too far. You can turn your home into the perfect retreat with just a few creative touches. Bon voyage!
It’s all about first impressions, and foyer design is where it all begins. Your foyer is more than just the space behind your front door; it’s where your home starts to come alive.
Here is where you kick off your shoes or remove your jacket after a long day, it’s where your pets greet you, and it’s where loved ones get their first glimpse of your home.
You want to start the experience off right, and what better way to do that than with a beautiful foyer design?
We’ve rounded up a list of ideas to help your foyer shine. Whether you’re looking to create a warm and inviting feel, leaning into functionality, or you want your affinity for eclectic art to shine, use these fabulous foyer designs to spark inspiration.
1. Create a Focal Point
Choose reclaimed wood for a rustic feel or dark mahogany to go sleek and modern. Add a vase of fresh flowers, and baskets underneath to store items like shoes or umbrellas.
Hang a large mirror or art piece to tie it all together.
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2. Add Drama with Wallpaper
Wallpaper can do wonders for your foyer. Nothing says drama (in a good way, of course) like beautifully designed wallpaper.
We suggest going for lighter patterns in small foyers and considering moody or metallic prints for larger foyers.
The trick is to find the right pattern that complements the space to add a “wow” factor as soon as you walk in.
3. Pop of Personality
Don’t be afraid to make a big first impression using color. Breathe life into your foyer with a red area rug, a blue painted front door, or bright yellow wallpaper.
You can also keep it simple by starting with one decor piece, like a bold bench pillow or a colorful wall painting.
4. Eye-Catching Foyer Lighting
Lighting can do wonders for your foyer. Need to add character, but you don’t want to overhaul furnishings? Lighting can do the trick.
A pendant light or modern chandelier can offer an inviting feel while elevating the design.
5. Add Texture and Dimension
Mixed materials like wood, rattan, and even plush fabrics can amplify the look of your foyer.
Try pieces like woven baskets, a large colorful textured rug, a wooden center table, and other accents of varying textures.
6. Highlight the Staircase
Often overlooked, the staircase is a great area to maximize the look of your foyer.
A simple painted banister goes a long way – try a bold color that complements other colors in the space. Add a stair runner and decor pieces like decorative pillows and curtains to nearby windows.
7. Bring in Fresh Florals
Plants bring a welcoming feel to your home. A tall plant placed in a corner or a few smaller plants on your console table add instant charm and softness to modern design elements.
8. Lean into Light Walls
Light-colored or white walls make a smaller foyer feel bigger, allowing natural lighting to reflect from the walls and making the space feel cleaner and more open.
To add character, try using statement furniture or other decor pieces.
9. Make Use of a Runner or Rug
A runner or area rug can enhance your foyer. Not only do they protect your floors (especially since this is a high-traffic area), but they also elongate or widen the space.
Opt for darker colors, as they are less likely to show dirt, and bold patterns for extra drama.
10. Small Entryway with Big Style
Even if you have a small vestibule or narrow entryway, you can still have large foyer energy. Add a slender bench to store shoes, a wall-mounted shelf, and a few hooks for functionality.
Don’t forget to hang large mirrors or art pieces to make the area feel bigger.
11. Make Your Foyer Functional
Beyond decor, your foyer can serve as a functional space for extra organization and storage.
Simple touches can make a big difference, like adding a bench for removing shoes, mounting hooks to hang jackets or dog leashes, and baskets for other outdoor essentials.
12. Hang Artwork
Use art to give your foyer a “homey” feel.
With a small gallery wall or a few strategically placed statement pieces, you can showcase personal artwork, family photos, or curated finds.
13. Add a Nook for Reading Area
Maximize your foyer with a cozy area for reading. This unique touch adds an unexpected design element while offering an uncommon area for cozying up to your favorite book.
All you need is a chair, lamp, and a small table to create this reading nook.
14. Mix Old and New
If you aren’t sure what type of decor or furniture to use in your foyer, try vintage pieces mixed with modern elements! This mix-and-match approach creates a unique, modern, and even eclectic vibe.
Pieces like a rustic console table, a sleek industrial mirror, and metallic chairs will add character to your entryway decor.
15. Don’t Forget the Ceiling
Ceilings are often ignored, but what if there were a way to use your foyer ceiling to your advantage?
Painting the ceiling or adding wallpaper can draw the eye upward, add more depth, and make a bold statement without overpowering the foyer space.
16. Welcome Guests with Warmth
Allow guests to feel immediately at home when they enter your foyer with thoughtful and inviting elements.
Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and other homey touches like plants and paintings can help a larger foyer feel cozy.
Get functional by adding trays for belongings or a mirror for a last-minute outfit check.
Tips and Tricks for a Fabulous Foyer
Make small foyers appear larger
Mirrors, vertical storage, and even the color of your walls can make the space feel bigger. Complement the space with furniture with slimmer profiles to create more depth and expansiveness.
Stick with key features
Make key aspects of your foyer functional with pieces that serve as added storage, like benches with secret compartments or baskets.
Use rugs to your advantage
Choose low-pile runners or washable rugs that can handle a lot of foot traffic (along with detailed patterns and dark colors to combat everyday wear and tear).
Let your foyer do the work
Use your foyer to compliment the rest of your home by incorporatings colors or design elements from other rooms.
Think of your foyer as a sneak peek into the rest of your home. With just a few simple touches, your foyer can make a big statement.
From thoughtful lighting to elegant accents, this space can serve as a beautiful transition from the outside world.
As you think about which idea you’ll try, we encourage you to choose the option that makes your home shine. Welcome home!
