Going on vacation is nice, but sometimes it’s just as sweet to chill out and create your perfect getaway experience at home. Whether you’re trying to save those hard-earned nickels or you can’t quite afford the vacay you intended this year, you’re not alone. Roughly one-third of Canadians planned staycations last year due to inflation, more than double that of pre-pandemic levels.
If you’re among those ditching the planes, trains and automobiles in 2023 to vacation at home, the good news is you can still create a relaxing and vacation-vibe-filled experience for yourself. We’ve taken inspiration from Island of Bryan and put together some cheap and easy ways to turn your home into a dream staycation today.
Add Luxe Living Room Accents
Nothing inspires a vacation (at home) like plenty of plush pillows, soft blankets, and other textiles to cozy up with in the living room. They’re essential for snuggling in on movie nights, cuddling with a loved one and a glass of wine, or even sipping tea while reading a good book. Add a few extra cushions to your sofa or drape a throw blanket over an armchair for that extra luxe vacation vibe.
Invest in New Bedding
When you stay at a nice hotel, the one thing you tend to remember is how well you slept. If you want to recreate that experience at home and avoid common bedding mistakes, consider investing coin into a really nice set of sheets and a duvet, not to mention pillows that you can’t wait to rest your head on at the end of the day.
Create a Spa-Like Bathroom
Plush towels and facecloths are just the start of how to create a spa-like bathroom at home. If you want to up the spa factor, add candles or diffusers, hang a plush robe and put out comfy slippers, or consider adding a bathroom-friendly plant to the space. These are all small touches that add max chill factor to any staycation — especially in this Baeumler bathroom, which features an impressive soaker tub.
Invest in Luxe Bathroom Accessories
Once you’ve set up your at-home bathroom spa, don’t forget to purchase a few accessories to help you out on your relaxation journey. That could mean fancy face masks or stuff to execute the perfect scrub or pedicure. Or it could be as simple as grabbing a few bath bombs or making an aromatic shower spray out of water and a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil. Spray it at the base of your shower before stepping in and presto! An instant shower steamer.
Set Up a Creative Space
One of the reasons we love vacations is they allow our minds time to reset and wander, helping to bolster creativity. Set yourself up for maximum inspiration by crafting a space where you can be creative at home. That can be a large desk for arts and crafts like Sarah Baeumler has installed here, a nook for writing, or even a serene corner for meditation and reflection.
Watch: Sarah’s Stunning New Office
Spruce Up the Space with Flowers
Fresh flowers add another layer to the staycation experience. They’re pretty, they add a fresh look and smell to any space, and they remind us of those fancy hotels and tropical resorts where flowers can be found in every room. Even adding some to the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom is a total staycation game-changer.
Create a Reading Nook
Reading is also one of our favourite vacation pastimes, and staycations are no different. If you feel the same, you should definitely consider creating a cozy reading nook in your home where you can relax and unwind. Oversized armchairs with blankets and pillows, a small table for beverages and a bit of mood lighting are all you need.
Create an Outdoor Space
Fresh air is another essential part of staycation-ing, so don’t forget to give your outdoor space a bit of TLC when turning your home into a dreamy space. Add outdoor furniture to balconies, porches or backyards and add some inexpensive outdoor lighting for a serene space that’s just as easy to unwind in as your living room or bedroom.
Invest in Outdoor Entertainment
Speaking of getting outside, activity lovers will want to add some sporty movement to their staycation, right? Consider investing in a few outdoor essentials (bikes, racquets, or even a giant Jenga set) and set yourself up for good times with friends and family ahead. Then, figure out a snazzy way to organize your new accessories like the Baeumlers have here.
Stay on Top of Repairs
Last but not least, the best way to ensure you have a relaxing home vibe for your staycation is to stay on top of any repairs. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that staring down damage or an unfinished project causes all kinds of stress. So stay on top of your home and do any repairs you have now, so that once your staycation starts you can officially clock out.
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