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If you aren’t planning to travel this summer, there are still plenty of ways to create the perfect staycation atmosphere at home.
- Create a summer atmosphere: Declutter busy areas, swap in lighter decor and brighten spaces with plants, flowers and fresh accents.
- Design a backyard oasis: Develop a comfortable outdoor living area using seating, shade, lighting and dining accents. Your patio doors can help promote better indoor-outdoor living.
- Maximize light and outdoor views indoors: Clean windows and rearrange spaces to bring in more sunshine, fresh air and scenery.
- Consider upgrades where necessary: New windows, doors and siding can help you amplify curb appeal, improve your home’s energy efficiency and keep you more comfortable indoors.
Even without a big trip on your summer calendar, there’s no reason you can’t have the perfect staycation at home. Thoughtful home improvements can brighten things up, invite serenity and foster a flowing indoor-outdoor living space. It’s a perfect opportunity to create a place to relax, while boosting your home’s curb appeal.
If you’re ready to start your summer staycation spruce-up, keep these tips in mind.
1. Start With a Summer Mindset
Easy summer living evokes images of bright, airy spaces, refreshing breezes and longer days outdoors with loved ones. There are multiple practical ways to transform living areas into summer retreats. For example:
- Declutter high-traffic spaces for easier movement and less aesthetic overwhelm.
- Put away winter coats, boots and other items cluttering entryways.
- Swap heavy winter decor for lighter summer items.
- Add tropical plants, fresh flowers and bright accent pieces indoors and out.
- Switch out winter rugs and blankets for lighter items and stor heavy-duty warming accessories like space heaters.
These small changes can often be done quickly and greatly improve your home’s overall atmosphere. It’s the first step in creating a welcoming space that isn’t cluttered, cramped, dark or stuffy.
2. Create a Backyard Oasis
Summer is about being outdoors, and your home should offer opportunities to enjoy it. Whether you have a patio, deck or screened porch, there are plenty of ways to improve the area and create a backyard getaway.
- Add comfortable seating and tie it together with an outdoor rug.
- Consider adding an outdoor fireplace or chiminea to enjoy after sunset.
- Use string lights, lanterns or solar lights to capture an evening ambiance.
- Bring in an outdoor table for al fresco dining and socializing.
- Create shaded spaces with umbrellas, pergolas or outdoor curtains.
- Install a small water feature and create a focal point. Surround it with decorative rocks and plants.
- Set up a game area for family favorites like cornhole, badminton, croquet, frisbee and bocce ball.
When planning these tasks, think about how your patio doors can anchor the space and facilitate indoor-outdoor living. Ensure ample lighting around the doors for easy access. Conveniently arrange furniture for easy movement inside and out.
3. Bring the Outdoors Inside Through Windows & Doors
Continue to enjoy the sun and outdoor views even after coming inside. Make your windows and doors the focal points to let in fresh air, natural light and great views.
- Rearrange furniture so that it faces outdoor scenes.
- Clear window sills to maximize light entry.
- Replace seasonal window hangings with lighter, sheer options for summer.
- Clean your windows to remove buildup that might limit light.
- Install screens on windows and doors to keep pests out but let a fresh summer breeze in.
If you notice window damage, discoloration or condensation between panes while cleaning, it may be time to consider replacing your windows. Newer models can balance light and UV protection, keeping your interior safe and comfortable while you enjoy the view.
4. Stay Cool Without Losing That Summer Feeling
This summer, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the fresh air, but you’ll want to stay comfortable, too. As temperatures rise, remember these ways to stay cool indoors and out.
- Plan outdoor activities for the morning and evening. Enjoy fresh morning light with an outdoor summer breakfast, or let your fire pit or string lights add the perfect illumination to your evening cookouts.
- Consider investing in a patio mister that will spritz cooling mist on hot days.
- Use the tried-and-true method of putting a beach chair in a wading pool. It’s a perfect way to soak up some sun and get some relaxing water therapy.
Additionally, use indoor and outdoor fans to keep air moving and lower ambient temps. In homes with older insulation and seals, you can also open the windows slightly to balance air flow and allow in cooling breezes.
5. Refresh Your Curb Appeal for Resort-Style Arrival
In summer, when you’re spending more time outside, your home’s exterior should take center stage. A few practical refreshes can enhance your curb appeal and give you a look you’ll love year-round.
- Decorate your porches with planters and tasteful displays like hummingbird feeders and wind chimes.
- Re-line your pathways with fresh gravel or .
- Lay fresh mulch or pine needles to protect plants.
- Update your welcome mat or add a new outdoor light fixture.
- Trim hedgerows and plants to give your yard a crisp, manicured appearance.
- Plant tropical and full-sun flowers that love the southeast’s warm, bright summers. Popular options include lantana, zinnia, coreopsis, sunflowers and bougainvillea.
- Power-wash siding, shutters, porches and patios to clean and brighten the surfaces. Re-stain woodwork as needed.
If you’re looking for an even bigger style switch, consider investing in longer-term upgrades like vinyl siding in cool, coastal colors like blue or green. These improvements can overhaul the look of your home, infusing it with new vitality while providing valuable energy-efficiency benefits.
6. Turn Everyday Moments Into Mini-Getaways
As you put together your perfect spaces, don’t forget to think about all the things you can do in them this summer. For instance:
- Host backyard cookouts, socials or movie nights.
- Plan a family game tournament with indoor and outdoor options.
- Make themed dinners inspired by your favorite vacation spots.
- Spend lazy afternoons outdoors with a good book or a picnic.
- Go screen-free on evenings and weekends.
- Plan a backyard camping trip.
- String a hammock for daily relaxation.
- Host a backyard stargazing evening.
Make Home Your Favorite Summer Destination
Summer vacation doesn’t require a road trip or plane tickets. You can enjoy a staycation with a few practical improvements to enhance your home’s appearance and functionality. Take time this spring to clean up, break out seasonal decor and invest in a few perks that can make relaxation easier. With a little attention to detail, you’ll be able to wile away the lazy days at your leisure.
If new windows, doors or siding are on your summer to-do list, Window World is ready to deliver. Schedule your free estimate to explore new, energy-efficient products that will keep your spaces comfortable and enhance curb appeal.