Are you looking for that perfect getaway this summer but find that time and budget constraints can make planning that perfect vacation tough? Why not plan a stay-cation and create your great escape in your very own backyard that you can enjoy anytime. So don’t worry about packing up the luggage or blocking out weeks of your schedule, we have five simple steps to help give your backyard that magic makeover in less than a day.

1) Dressing Up That Patio or Deck

Your patio or deck plays a major role in the look and theme of the rest of your landscape because it’s the first place you step into when walking into your backyard and it’s a common gathering area. This is the best place to begin your backyard makeover project. Think of your patio as the look point onto your landscape, and aim to make this area as cozy and comfortable as possible. Tiki Statues and a Tiki Bar can instantly transform the theme of patio into a tropical one. Another way to liven a dreary or neutral setting is to create a visually stimulating palette of colors. You can do this by adding wall art, hanging fixtures or even cascading various sizes, colors and textures of throw pillows. Another creative and budget friendly way of revamping your patio, is to restore old furniture instead of purchasing new ones. Sometimes with a little creativity, paint, varnish and details something like an old iron table can be transformed into a rustic mosaic one.

2)Giving Life

Garden Plants and flowers have an immaculate way of inspiring a landscape with spirit, texture and color. You don’t have to possess a green thumb in order to have a garden. Places such as your local plant nursery and Home Depot carry numerous plants that are ready to be transferred into your yard. If you don’t want to dig, you can purchase potted plants and space them around your patio and backyard. An important factor is to choose plant life that is best suited for your climate, so you don’t have to exhaust extra time and energy keeping your garden alive or replanting. Drought resistant plants are great for desert areas, and perennial plants re-grow for seasonal locations.

3) Simple Changes and Additions

The old saying “less is more” absolutely works in decorating! Often times it can be overwhelming planning a landscaping project and the list of to do’s can seem monumental. Remembering that simple changes can make grand transformations is the key. Rather than replacing or spending days re-painting an old fence, putting up a bamboo fence is a cost effective and eco friendly way of renovating a fence or structure. Mexican or African thatch instantly gives old tables and umbrellas a fresh island look.

4) Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important features of a landscape. It not only aids in hiding unfinished areas, but also helps highlight the best features of your backyard. Lighting also allows you to enjoy serene nights and creates atmosphere and ambiance that everyone can relax in and enjoy. Lighting installations can range from simple economical additions to grand electrical projects, but to create that pleasant mood and surrounding, you don’t have to dispense a big budget. Well placed paths/strings of twinkle lights, tiki torches, pathway lamps, and candles are all inexpensive ways of illuminating your landscape.

5) Cleaning the Clutter

This is one of the easiest and most important things to do before any make over project. Although restoring and reusing older items can help save money, you have to determine which items are worth saving and which are just clutter. Though you can add a beautiful fountain, or plant a lively garden, dust and clutter will make any stunning backyard appear dull and disarrayed. So before anything else, take the time to clear leaves, sweep the patio, trim the plants and clear the mess. It’s astonishing how many features can be hidden under debris.

The great thing about making minor additions to your backyard is that you are not committed to a permanent change, and you can work within your budget to make transformations as you wish. The next time you’re looking for that getaway to relax from work or just spend time with good company, remember that you can create your very own paradise right in your backyard.