Backyard Retreat Plan for a Lazy, Hazy Summer
We Aussies love getting outdoors. If you're looking for inspiration on how best to use your garden, you just found it
There is something about summer, isn’t there? Even if you have to go to work, the hazy weather and the longer daylight hours somehow combine to make every day seem like a holiday. And what better way to add to that feeling than by setting up a backyard retreat that allows you to really relax on those long, hot summer days and nights?
If this is all starting to feel very familiar, keep reading. Ahead you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need to create the ultimate backyard retreat for the season ahead.
If this is all starting to feel very familiar, keep reading. Ahead you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need to create the ultimate backyard retreat for the season ahead.
If you are using a balcony or patio, grab a large beach umbrella to use for protection. If you’re heading out onto the lawn, try to set up a spot underneath a large tree. Of course, in many cases you’ll still need to apply sunscreen, but finding a half sunny, half shady spot is a great way to ensure that extra level of protection.
Decide on the use
Before you set up your furniture, you need to decide how you plan to use your backyard retreat. While some of you may fly solo, others of you might like to use your retreat for lazy picnics or after-work cocktails with friends.
If you are flying solo, you don’t need much. A comfortable seating arrangement – a hammock is perfect – will allow you to maximise the relaxation element.
Before you set up your furniture, you need to decide how you plan to use your backyard retreat. While some of you may fly solo, others of you might like to use your retreat for lazy picnics or after-work cocktails with friends.
If you are flying solo, you don’t need much. A comfortable seating arrangement – a hammock is perfect – will allow you to maximise the relaxation element.
If you plan to entertain, you need to find a balance between what you want and what is actually possible. For example, if you want to have a whole host of friends around, but your space is quite small, think about the best way to make the most of what you have. A series of outdoor lounges with small tables might be better than a large dining setting, which takes up space.
Remove the bugs
If there is one thing we have plenty of here in Australia, it’s bugs – from flies to mosquitos, and just about every annoying bug in between!
Sadly, we can’t conquer them all, but you can go out of your way to bug-proof your backyard retreat without taking away from the overall aesthetic.
How? Using candles.
First, buy a set of tealight candles and set them up in pretty candleholders. These don’t have to break the bank; on the contrary, you can find budget-friendly options at a discount store. Then, head to the supermarket and buy bug-repelling candles. Plant these surreptitiously among your regular candles, and you have yourself a relaxing and almost-romantic retreat that is, hopefully, bug-free.
If there is one thing we have plenty of here in Australia, it’s bugs – from flies to mosquitos, and just about every annoying bug in between!
Sadly, we can’t conquer them all, but you can go out of your way to bug-proof your backyard retreat without taking away from the overall aesthetic.
How? Using candles.
First, buy a set of tealight candles and set them up in pretty candleholders. These don’t have to break the bank; on the contrary, you can find budget-friendly options at a discount store. Then, head to the supermarket and buy bug-repelling candles. Plant these surreptitiously among your regular candles, and you have yourself a relaxing and almost-romantic retreat that is, hopefully, bug-free.
Add creature comforts
To be able to enjoy your outdoor retreat, it pays to bring some of your creature comforts out with you. This could include cushions, books, music, incense, blankets, your smartphone loaded up with podcasts, and so on.
To be able to enjoy your outdoor retreat, it pays to bring some of your creature comforts out with you. This could include cushions, books, music, incense, blankets, your smartphone loaded up with podcasts, and so on.
Just remember, though, when it comes to cushions and other outdoor fabrics, the elements can cause annoying damage. Make sure you invest in a protector spray that keeps them safe from dirt and stains – and stops you from having to bring them in every time a thunder cloud rolls in!
TELL US
What are your best tips for setting up a backyard retreat? Share your ideas in the comments section.
MORE
10 Steps to Hosting the Ultimate Barbecue All Year Round
13 Ideas to Get Your Barbecue Area Summer-Ready
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Get the Fabulous Outdoor Room You’ve Always Wanted
TELL US
What are your best tips for setting up a backyard retreat? Share your ideas in the comments section.
MORE
10 Steps to Hosting the Ultimate Barbecue All Year Round
13 Ideas to Get Your Barbecue Area Summer-Ready
9 Ways to Keep Your Barbecue Area in Tiptop Shape
Get the Fabulous Outdoor Room You’ve Always Wanted
Thanks to the ‘slip, slop, slap’ campaign of yonder, every good Australian knows how harsh the summer sun can be. Accordingly, when setting up your backyard retreat, you will need to find that sweet spot that allows you stay warm, but also protected from the sun.