With our fast-paced lives, having an area at home where we can relax and unwind isn’t a luxury but a necessity.
Whether you have a tiny or large backyard, here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Comfort and Privacy
To truly kick back and relax in your backyard, you have to feel at ease.
Install screens or outdoor curtains, or plant hedges to create a bubble away from prying eyes. Add a patio rug, a plush couch, or an ottoman for a cozier environment.
A small side table on which to place a mug of tea or a book will complete the set-up.
A Spa for Year-Round Relaxation
If you have the room and the budget, an outdoor spa is a classic component.
Hot water soothes muscles, reduces stress, and will even help you enjoy time outdoors in the winter.
Before you buy
- Make sure your deck or balcony can support the spa’s weight;
- Pick the right spot: out of view of the neighbours and ideally protected from the wind.
Tip: To extend the life of your spa, cover it when not in use, test the water regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding motor and filter maintenance.
The Hammock: Small Investment, Big Impact!
A hammock doesn’t require an immense backyard!
Whether on a balcony, between two trees, or on a stand, a hammock instantly transforms your outdoor space into a getaway. Include a few colourful cushions, a small blanket and voilà! You’re now ready to dive into a good book or enjoy a nap.
If you plan to leave your hammock outside, choose a weather-resistant model and bring it inside over winter to prolong its lifespan.
A Zen Garden Even on a Tiny Balcony
Zen Gardens are inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics and prioritize simplicity: sand, gravel, green plants, and eventually a fountain or a discreet statue. Again, you don’t need a large yard to achieve this, a corner on the patio or a container on the balcony is more than enough.
- Focus on relatively maintenance-free plants: grasses, decorative moss, or potted bamboo.
- Light your space with solar lanterns or string lights to extend summer afternoons in the backyard into the evening.
Small Extras that Make a Big Difference
Do smells affect your mood? Some scented candles or incense will help to subtly set the scene. Another secret to a successful relaxation zone is greenery: plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs will not only bring life to the space, but they’ll also calm the occupants.
Ambient noise also plays an important role.
- Why not include a small Bluetooth speaker to play a relaxing playlist?
- Or a gurgling water fountain to soothe you instantly.
A Four-Season Space
There are four distinct seasons in Québec.
Include a few elements that will allow you to adapt your space to weather conditions: a space heater to extend patio season into the fall; cushions and throws for extra warmth; and a practical storage bin to protect your relaxation zone’s components over winter.
We often think that we have to escape to far-off destinations to unwind completely, but relaxation can begin at home. A well-designed relaxation area can act as a sanctuary after a busy day, as a quiet reading area, or as a place to meditate.