We all crave a get-away to a peaceful place where we can forget the hassles and hardships of life. A vacation to the beach or the mountains—whatever your favorite place may be—is ideal, but time off is rare when you work for a living. And traveling is so expensive anyway; road trips in the family car were once the norm, but the exorbitant cost of fuel has taken care of that prospect for anyone who has to stick to a budget.
But who says you need transportation to get to your place of escape? Instead you can create a home retreat using comfortable garden furniture in an inviting arrangement, and then just walk out your door to find relaxation and renewal. Once you have this welcoming place to sit and entertain, friends and family will be drawn to your home, letting you all enrich relationships that may have been neglected in this hectic day and age. As opposed to the road trips with the kids watching DVDs on the backseat entertainment system or plugged into the solitude of their music and video games, you’ll be interacting, sharing, and staying acquainted just like families did before life got so busy and electronically oriented.
Imagine a semi-circle of Adirondack chairs, with ottomans and a small table for tea or lemonade and snacks. This classic American piece comes in various woods and synthetic Polywood in a full spectrum of colors, and it’s extremely comfortable for a couple hours of sitting and catching up. The chair’s design lets you sit deeply and rest your arms on the chair’s ample arms, which are flat and wide for holding your cold drink.
Then again, maybe yesteryear’s old favorite, the porch swing, is more your style—not that you have to settle for one or the other. Don’t fret if your house is porchless, as you can purchase a stand and canopy and voila: you’ll have yourself a lawn swing for sharing shady moments with someone dear to you. Porch swings too are made in an array of materials, from the purists’ choice (wood) to the eco-friendly (Polywood).
You could situate your retreat in sun or shade, or let the course of the day determine that. t could be on a covered porch, in the midst of a perennial garden, or beside a pool or natural water if you’re fortunate enough to have either. You’ll have the perfect perch for watching the kids swim or play tag. Better still, set up a badminton or volleyball net, stakes for horseshoes, or a bocce ball court so that all ages can play, with respites taken in the comfy chairs on the sidelines.
One way to give your outdoor home retreat its own distinct atmosphere is to decorate it uniquely. Rather than making it an extension of your interior décor, try something whimsical or simply different. That need not mean pink flamingos and tiki torches (although it very well could if you like!); it could be as simple as basing the theme around a color you wouldn’t use inside—maybe lime green, coral, or black. Select something that goes well with your home’s exterior, or choose the palette based on the dominant colors in your garden plants. You’re certain to find functional accessories for your garden furniture, such as pillows and cushions, in the shades that you seek. Most of all, make a fun activity out of planning and setting up your special outdoor space!
