SOURCE: Houzz
Give your house some relaxing vacation vibes from morning through bedtime
Maybe you want a staycation week to feel like a vacation away, or you’ve done some New Year’s cleaning and want to freshen up your house. Whatever the reason, thinking about how a resort makes you feel is a great way to inspire a few changes at home. Here’s a look at how to bring some of the resort feeling home, from the time you wake up until you go to bed. Pick and choose any that feel right to you. If any of them feel like too much work, skip them.
1. Make Morning Coffee Easy
One of the best things about a hotel room is being able to get that first cup of coffee going before you have to get dressed and leave the room. For a similar experience, set up a small space off your bedroom for a mini coffee bar.
If that idea isn’t feasible or appealing, do some simple organizing in the kitchen. Place the coffee maker where you can keep it hotel-room-ready. Keep your mugs, sweeteners, machine, and coffee and tea in one convenient spot.
2. Enjoy Your Coffee Table Books
When we see beautiful books and magazines about art, gardens, home design and fashion in a boutique hotel, we’re drawn to them, but at home they often become props that collect dust. Make an effort to rotate your coffee table books. Pick them up, leaf through and enjoy them regularly.
3. Create Fresh Arrangements
Treat yourself to fresh flowers. For a resort feel, you may want to go bigger than usual or try something new. Start with a seldom-used large vessel and add large branches from the yard. If you’re not into foraging, a simple bunch of tulips from the grocery store can create a cheery effect, as they do here.
4. Create an Afternoon Teatime Ritual
A late-afternoon ritual doesn’t have to be alcohol-related. Perhaps you prefer tea. Vacation is a time when you can indulge and enjoy a sweet treat with your cup.
5. Set Up for Cocktail Hour
Gathering for cocktail hour is a festive way to kick off the evening at a resort. Whether you want a cocktail or a mocktail, take the time to clink your glasses and appreciate the end of the day.
If you don’t have a home bar or a bar cart, set up a console table or kitchen counter for cocktail hour. There’s something about stocking a few Pellegrino bottles, fun cocktail napkins and pretty glassware that can make this time feel festive.
6. Set the Table
Forgo the everyday tableware and pull out things you save for special occasions. This means a favorite tablecloth or runner, Grandmother’s plates or rarely used crystal glasses. Bring out the cloth napkins and candles.
This shouldn’t feel like a chore, but rather a time to appreciate the finer things you have at home. Treat it like a creative project and have family members take turns so they can play with color, mix and match china and experiment with centerpieces. If you have kids, have them make place cards. It will make meals feel like an event.
7. Create a Resort-Like Outdoor Space
It’s so nice to wander the grounds of a resort and find a private hammock spot or fire pit circle. When the weather allows, set up your porch or patio to serve as an outdoor lounge or dining room. If your yard is tiny, perhaps you can tuck a special space into a corner like the one pictured here.
8. Hang Outdoor Party Lights
Even if it’s too cold to go outside, lights like these create a lively evening atmosphere when viewed through the windows.
9. Bring the Hotel Spa to Your Bathroom
Make your bathroom feel like a relaxing retreat with a few small and inexpensive moves. Treat yourself to a pretty hand towel and matching soap and lotion dispensers that look like something you’d find in a spa. Better yet, purchase nice glass dispensers that you can refill.
Check out how lovely a eucalyptus branch or two in a simple glass vase looks here. These last a long time because even when they start to dry up, they still look nice. They also add a relaxing scent.
Sometimes it doesn’t feel like there’s enough time for a bath. But whether you’re taking a staycation or just need to soak your tired muscles, allow yourself the privilege. Keep epsom salts in a clear jar to give them resort-like style. Place a small table or stool next to the tub for a book or a drink and enjoy your me time.
10. Make Your Bedroom Inviting
Keeping your room uncluttered reduces distractions when you’re trying to get to sleep. Don’t keep an unfolded pile of laundry in here, and don’t let your nightstands become cluttered. This may require replacing your current nightstands with something that will provide concealed storage.
Create a seating area in your bedroom if possible. One wonderful thing about a hotel room is having somewhere to sit other than the bed. A seating area provides a nice spot to read or catch up with your partner at the end of the day.
Freshen up your bedding. Perhaps the number of throw pillows has become overwhelming, or maybe you’re simply ready for a change. Tucking in under a fluffy white duvet in your uncluttered room is a lovely way to end the day.
SOURCE: Houzz
