How to landscape your garden to feel like you're on vacation at home this summer
Not going away on vacation this summer? That’s no reason not to enjoy it. With a few simple adjustments, your garden, patio, or even your balcony can become a true relaxation bubble. Here is how to recreate that vacation vibe without leaving home.
Create a real relaxation corner
The first step is to stop seeing your outdoor space as just a walkway. Set up a space designed for lounging: a comfortable deck chair, a hammock, or a few plush outdoor cushions on a bench. The goal is simple: make you want to sit there with a book or a coffee, have breakfast, or enjoy a drink just as you would on vacation.
If space is tight, a single small armchair or a comfortable outdoor pouf is enough to create this “cozy corner” effect.
Opt for plants that smell like vacation
Nothing transports you faster than scents. A few Mediterranean plants are enough to set a vacation mood:
Lavender: soothing fragrance, minimal maintenance
Potted lemon or orange tree: perfect even on a small balcony
Rosemary and thyme: decorative, fragrant, and useful in the kitchen
Grasses: for a natural and light effect that moves with the wind
These plants require little water and maintenance, which is ideal for enjoying summer without spending all your time on it.
Pay attention to evening lighting
Solar lights or candles in lanterns are enough to turn an ordinary dinner into a vacation moment. The idea is to create a soft and warm light, never too bright, to extend the evening outdoors.
Project image Flemish Brabant, Belgium
It’s often the detail that changes everything. String lights, a few lanterns
Elegant stair lighting highlighting the beauty of a modern outdoor terrace.
String lights for a warm summer vibe at any time of the year.
Add a water feature, even a tiny one
No need for a pool to enjoy the freshness of water. A small fountain, a decorative water basin, or even a simple mister can be enough to bring that sense of freshness and the soothing sound we associate with sunny vacations.
Set up a real table for outdoor dining
Eating outside, even a simple meal, immediately changes the mood. A small table with a light tablecloth, a few natural fiber placemats, and unique tableware instantly give it a vacation restaurant feel. No need for a large space: a folding table and two chairs are enough on a balcony.
Think about light textiles
Fabrics play a big role in the summer atmosphere. Opt for natural materials like linen or cotton, in light or terracotta shades. A light throw, a few colorful cushions, and your outdoor space immediately takes on the feel of a beach club.
Create shade to enjoy the garden all day long
A shade sail, a parasol, or even a simple outdoor blind allow you to enjoy your garden even during the hot hours. This is often what makes the difference between an outdoor space used only in the evening and one you inhabit all day, just like on vacation.
Key takeaways
Feeling like you’re on vacation at home doesn’t require major renovations. A few fragrant plants, soft lighting, a pleasant dining area, and a shaded zone are enough to transform your garden into a true haven of peace for the entire summer.
Want to go further? In our next article, we explain how to choose the right materials for a cozy garden, even when space is limited…
