Keep That Summer Feeling Going at Home
You can get away from it all in your own place, even if it’s just for 20 minutes
Becky Harris
September 1, 2016
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
The official end of summer is almost upon us. Even though the rules say we have to put our white jeans away, we can keep the summer vacation feeling around the house all year round. Think about the places and rituals that made you happy on vacation and try to adapt them at home. I’ll share some of my favorites to help get us started.
Set up a fire pit. Nights are getting chilly and a bunch of chairs thrown around an outdoor fire pit is the next best thing to being away on a camping trip. Actually, I think it’s much better, because after the fire burns out you can sleep in your own bed and enjoy indoor plumbing.
How to Make a Stacked Stone Fire Pit
How to Make a Stacked Stone Fire Pit
Hang a hammock. A hammock is a swaying piece of furniture that can really take you away. Enjoy one for as long as the weather allows.
Consider a hanging chair. These add resort-like fun to a bedroom, family room or study — especially in the study. When you need a mental break, you can hit the swinging chair and play a little Candy Crush.
Pause for tea time (or happy hour or wine o’clock). Whether your preference is Earl Grey, a mocktail or a chilled glass of rosé, these vacation rituals are a great way to mark the end of your day and help you transition from busy mode to relaxed mode.
Set up a kitchen garden — in the kitchen. Plucking fresh mint, basil, rosemary or lavender from the garden is one of summer’s big benefits, and many of us mourn the loss as our beloved herbs wither in the fall. Small herb plants are usually readily available at the grocery store for a few dollars. Place them near a sunny window (herbs need sun to thrive) with your other plants and enjoy their aromas and flavors indoors.
Keep vacation reminders around. Yes, this large seascape mural takes this suggestion to the nth degree. But whether it’s a family photo from your mountain trip, a painting or basket you picked up on your travels, or a few shells you collected on the beach, display your mementos somewhere where you can enjoy them.
Make time for reading. Nothing says vacation to me more than being able to loll with a magazine or finish four books in a week without feeling the least bit guilty. While you won’t be doing it on the beach with a piña colada, it’s still a good way to recharge. My mom calls it “Joy’s 20 Minutes” and lets herself have the time every day. She’s on to something. (By the way, her name happens to be Joy, but perhaps we should all call it “Joyous 20 Minutes.")
Unplug. Pretend you’re on a remote island without Wi-Fi, with zero bars on your phone every now and then. Put the phones on airplane mode when you’re with friends and family and connect with one another. Resist every temptation to pull out your phone. Trust me, your friends don’t really care about seeing your vacation photos (and they probably already did on social media).
Your turn: Please help add to this list in the Comments by sharing how you keep the vacation spirit alive at home.
More: 10 Great Ways to Unplug and Tune In to Nature
Your turn: Please help add to this list in the Comments by sharing how you keep the vacation spirit alive at home.
More: 10 Great Ways to Unplug and Tune In to Nature
As a full-service, family-owned remodeling company in New Albany, OH, we strive to bring our clients incredible... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
Here at YellowLite, we are committed to excellence in the design and installation of our renewable energy systems... Read More
Related Stories
Housekeeping
Choose Your Own Spring Cleaning Plan
Instead of trying to do it all, pick one of these six cleaning approaches that’s right for you now
Full Story
Bedrooms
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Bedroom
Take these steps to set up a calm and beautiful space that restores body, mind and spirit
Full Story
Decluttering
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Living Room
Make this a space you enjoy by paring back and filling it with things you love
Full Story
Life
10 Ideas to Make Every Day at Home a Little Better
By Jo Simmons
Consider some simple changes and fun tips for brightening your world
Full Story
Dining Rooms
How to Get a Joyful, Clutter-Free Dining Room
Some tidying tips — and a focus on what makes you happy — will help you get a handle on the dining-room drop zone
Full Story
Decluttering
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Bathroom
Streamline your bath and your bathing routine to create a place of renewal
Full Story
Kitchen Design
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Kitchen
Give yourself room to cook and relax by assessing how you use your counters, cabinets and corners
Full Story
Most Popular
8 Tips for Harmony in the Kitchen
Frustrated by the arguments that arise over kitchen duties? Check out these coping strategies
Full Story
Organizing
15 Simple Organizing Tools and Where They Work Best
You’ve created clutter-free zones at home. Now choose organizing products to help keep them that way
Full Story
Life
Simple Pleasures: The Joy of Fresh Sheets
Make your bed a place of comfort and relaxation with good-quality linens, ample pillows and other pleasing accoutrements
Full Story
Living in southern California enables my husband and me to enjoy using our barbecue nearly all year 'round. We're still able to enjoy our grilled steaks and corn sitting at our outdoor table, well into the autumn months.
As we noted in another string in this issue of Houzz. . . we live on the Sun Coast of Florida on a canal so we have a sort of "year 'round vacation." So, now that that's cleared; here is our favorite hang out spot when we're happy, nostalgic or just plain lazy:
P.S. - We redesigned and re-built this ourselves in 2015.
Great article. We recently installed the "Hammock on a Hill" between two trees, putting in steps and surrounding it with plants. I'm hoping for a few more days of warm weather to enjoy it before the rains set in.