One of the best parts of summer is the occasional opportunity to slow down and appreciate the quiet moments in life. While a vacation might be a nice change of scenery, one of the best getaways available is a lot closer to home. Whether you’re looking for a place to host a party with friends, hang out with your family on the weekend, or just want somewhere to kick back and relax with a little peace and quiet… your backyard is ready and waiting for all your summertime needs.

Convert even a compact or basic backyard into an outdoor oasis with a few nifty ideas. While it’s no replacement for a day at the beach or theme park, you might be surprised just how wonderful your summer can be from the comfort of your very own backyard. Here are a few focuses which aim to upgrade your space:

• COMFORT – Everyone’s definition of comfort might vary a little bit, but the basics remain the same. Start with someplace comfortable to sit. With outdoor furniture that isn’t solely focused on lasting an eternity in the great outdoors. Whether you’re picking out a new couch, or adding some new cushions, don’t be afraid to really give your porch or patio a luxurious touch. For those who want a cozy barefoot feeling, consider adding an outdoor rug. Most of all, remember that temperature is one key area that contributes to comfort in the summer, so provide lots of shade, air circulation, or maybe even a water mister to make your space welcoming even on the warmest days and nights.
• STYLE – Once your space feels great, you’ll want it to look good, too. Adding visual interest is a great way to really make your backyard somewhere you’ll want to invite friends and family. Consider adding distinctive landscaping, plants, or even a water feature to really jazz things up. If you don’t have the space to work with, consider adding some fun colors and patterns with covers and cushions on your furniture, or finding an umbrella that really stands out.
• TECHNOLOGY – The 21^st century has been one of interconnected technology. Where do we go without our phones anymore? While we might want to avoid some of that technology when we escape into our backyard, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of modern conveniences. If you love music, outdoor Bluetooth speakers can help provide the perfect soundtrack for summer fun. Lighting comes in an endless array of styles and sizes, many of which are energy efficient and can be combined with timers or WI-FI enabled smart devices, which make finding the perfect atmosphere a breeze. Outdoor TV’s can offer a fun way to keep up with your favorite sports team. A projector could make for a crazy cool movie night!
• CLASSIC TOUCHES – While there’s nothing wrong with taking a little inspiration from today’s hottest trends, there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy some of the great traditions of backyard life- from BBQ grills and gazebos, to playgrounds and gardens.

When was the last time you spent the evening enjoying your backyard? Maybe it’s time to invest in that space and turn it into a real destination. Discover what moves you, and find a way to bring what you love with you into the great outdoors. These are just a few ways you can really transform an otherwise underutilized space into somewhere you can’t live without!