The world has been grappling with a pandemic for months, the likes of which we have not seen in over a century. With safety and health as top priorities, many non-essential activities were put on hold. Now that summer is here, we naturally want a break from chores and routines to enjoy warmer days. Travel may still be limited, so a staycation—transforming your home into a relaxing retreat—can deliver a restorative holiday without leaving town.
A successful staycation is about creating a clear break from everyday life at home. With a few thoughtful changes—some small, others a little bolder—you can make your house feel like a hotel, a beach cottage, or a peaceful countryside retreat. The goal is to simplify schedules, reduce chores, and offer each family member activities or spaces they’ll enjoy. With planning, your staycation can renew body and mind just as effectively as a trip away.
Move Away Your Everyday Stuff
Breaking routine starts with removing the items that pull you back into work and chores. Pack away laptops, work files and other devices that invite checking emails and notifications. Out of sight helps keep your head in holiday mode. In the living room, refresh the look by swapping accent pillows, changing throws and, if it suits the design, removing rugs to create a different visual and tactile atmosphere. A simple rearrangement of furniture can make a space feel entirely new.
Say No to Work
To protect the staycation vibe, set clear boundaries with work: update your out-of-office message, delay nonessential tasks until after your break, and resist the urge to answer messages impulsively. Even a short reply can pull you back into the routine. Make the commitment to relax so your rest is genuine and uninterrupted.
Take Breakfast and Dinner Outdoors
Dining al fresco instantly changes the mood of a day. Even a small balcony can be dressed up for morning coffee or a relaxed evening meal. Rooftop breakfasts and patio dinners feel special, while those with a porch, patio or backyard can create a full outdoor dining experience. Pack meals in picnic baskets, set a seasonal table, and enjoy the sensory uplift of fresh air and natural light.
Add Style and Sparkle to Outdoor Spaces
Before hosting meals outdoors, give your exterior spaces a quick makeover. For intimate evenings for two, set a small table with string lights and candles for a romantic atmosphere. Family staycations benefit from a larger dining table, comfortable chairs and colorful floor cushions. Outdoor rugs, lanterns, and weatherproof throws will add texture and comfort while creating an inviting scene.
A More Relaxing Bedroom
Rest is central to any holiday. Treat the bedroom like a boutique hotel: swap heavy or busy bedding for crisp white linens or soft, neutral layers that suggest calm. Replace loud accents with understated, summery pieces and add fresh toiletries and plush towels. If possible, arrange for extra help with daily chores so your sense of relaxation lasts from morning to night.
A Fireplace for a Camping Feel
An outdoor fire pit instantly creates a vacation-like atmosphere: gather around for stories, s’mores and stargazing. If you don’t already have a built-in fireplace, a compact DIY fire pit provides warmth and ambiance without taking up much space. Arrange comfortable seating and soft lighting to make evenings linger.
Refresh Fabrics and Small Details
New textiles make a big difference. Replace worn towels, upgrade bathrobes, add fresh cushions and swap curtains for light, airy drapes. Small investments—crisp towels in the bathroom, a neutral tablecloth, or a seasonal throw in the living room—combine to elevate the whole home and enhance the staycation mood.
Unplug and Be Present
To get the most from a staycation, unplug: set email and phone boundaries, schedule essential tasks in advance, and avoid planning home repairs for your break. Treat your smartphone as a tool rather than a tether—use it when necessary, but resist the urge to scroll. Unplugging creates calm, fosters connection with household members, and lets you enjoy the small pleasures a home holiday can offer.
