Create your own backyard getaway

HomeAdvisor

It’s easy to feel like life’s on hold right now, and vacation plans too, but we can still get away for a sunny escape — even if it’s in our own backyards. Here, we’ve put together a few tips, tricks and upgrades to help you create your own getaway at home.

Give your deck and patio areas a good once-over, taking care to inspect loose deck boards, cracked cement and other issues. Sanding and staining your deck can give it a renewed look and feel. If you notice grime and dirt coating these spaces (or on your driveway and house), a good power washing may be in order. You can typically hire a professional to power wash your home’s exterior for as little as $180 to $380, depending on the size of your home and outdoor living

space, according to the Angie’s List pricing guide.

Give your outdoor space a bit of extra TLC and watch it transform into a backyard haven. Clear out old leaves and debris, trim back overgrown plants and weeds and tidy up the lawn to give it an instant refresh. If you notice dead or damaged tree limbs, you may want to call a professional to examine your trees right away. Falling branches can signal issues with the health of your trees and cause damage to your property. Once your yard is refreshed and ready to go, you’ll be brimming with ideas to bring it to life this season.

Lighting and shade can take your outdoor living space to the next level, adding visual interest while keeping you comfortable from morning to night. For shade, you might invest in a patio umbrella, lattice or awning. The more stylish the shade, the better your outdoor area will look — and the easier it’ll be to pretend it’s your own personal cabana. And the sky’s the limit when it comes to outdoor lighting. Whether you string fairy lights across the patio or have a professional install path and accent lighting, a little well-placed illumination will help you enjoy your outdoor living area well past sundown.

Outdoor furniture and decor is more stylish (and comfortable) than ever before. Spiff up your deck, porch or patio space with cozy chairs, cushions and pillows in a variety of colors and styles. Something as simple as a waterresistant rug can add color and life to your space. Whether you choose to spend your day relaxing in a hammock or sipping coffee at the patio table, these quick additions are sure to expand your living area and help you enjoy your time in the sun.