Everyone deserves a vacation every so often, and with a decked-out resort or themed getaway in the comfort of your backyard, you will find that you can take those much-needed breaks evermore frequently. A new patio installation involves adding the kind of details that will encourage you to spend more time outdoors—including your vacation days. Here are a few landscaping ideas to inspire your backyard retreat in Yorktown, NY.

Open Up Your Outdoor Area

A crowded outdoor area can be terribly off-putting. Not only do cramped and crowded spaces look messy, but they also don’t offer the elbow room you need to unwind. If your patio lacks open space or feels restricted, consider some of the following tips. Replace bulky outdoor furniture with multipurpose retaining walls or wooden benches that protrude from boundary walls. Multipurpose structures are excellent options for small spaces because they simplify outdoor living and help to maximize the amount of open space available.

A patio can also be made to appear larger with the addition of light colors. Swap out a dark brick patio floor for light, sandy slabs of natural stone to create the illusion of spaciousness. Natural stone patios often bear a relaxed, resort-like look and feel and are, therefore, perfectly suited to luxury outdoor living.

Stimulate All Your Senses

Have a Staycation in Your Yorktown, NY, Backyard with These Patio Installation Ideas

The sound of passing cars and nearby neighbors can put a swift end to your outdoor relaxation. Water features can be used to create pleasant white noise that drowns out any unwanted sounds emanating from beyond the perimeter of your backyard. Small waterfalls and fountains produce the tranquil sounds of trickling water, while larger waterfalls offer louder, more stimulating sounds. A natural soundtrack can enhance the atmosphere of your landscape and make it more relaxing, which will prove to be exactly what you need after a long week at the office.

Prepare a Private Spot

In addition to space and serenity, privacy is essential for complete and restorative relaxation. Create completely secluded corners for sunbathing or practicing yoga in absolute peace. Screens, walls, and fences are traditional options for creating privacy but may be replaced by natural barriers like a wall of large shrubs. Natural barriers are less likely to make you feel confined, and they offer the stunning colors and textures found in nature. Pergolas are also good candidates for private resort-like patios, as they can be fitted with luxurious billowing curtains that may be drawn as needed.

Keep Your Landscape Light

Landscape lighting offers so much more than safe navigation after dark. Lighting can be used to achieve various aesthetic effects and contribute toward the ambience of your landscape. Nestle dainty fairy lights into nearby trees and drape them around the beams of an overhead pergola to create a cheerful, inviting atmosphere after dark. Further sources of light can come from your fireplace or fire pit, which will fill your outdoor area with a warm glow, keeping you cozy as you enjoy a sundowner or curl up with a book. The style, intensity, and placement of your landscape lighting goes a long way in determining the atmosphere of your patio and should be tailored to creating a relaxing, care-free space.