5 Tips to Create a Summer Vacation Destination at Home (Our tiny deck refresh!)

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Sources: Tile // Fridge // Floral Bowl // Floral Pitcher

This post is in partnership with Wayfair

Skip the stress of travel, and design a staycation destination you’ll love all summer long! Choose just one outdoor space, even a tiny one—a deck, side yard, or porch—and turn it into a refreshing summer escape! A summer vacation destination at home.

We did just that with our small bedroom deck incorporating what we got last year and a couple of new pieces — all at Wayfair!

Today come take a peek at our Tiny Vacation Summer Destination at home and I’ll share 5 tips to create your own.

*** Click here for the above sources ***

Why I Love Small Transformations

I’m a big believer in creating a life you love—right where you live.

One of my favorite ways to do that in the summer?

Capturing the mood of a vacation—without ever leaving home. Skip the stress of travel, and design a staycation destination you’ll love all summer long.

That’s exactly what we did with our little bedroom deck with finds from Wayfair. The result? A delightful, charming space that feels like a mini vacation—no passport required.

The idea of creating a place you don’t want to leave can be the inspiration for big interior renovations and full-room makeovers (like we did for the Tiny Kitchen and our main kitchen) but it also works beautifully for mini-makeovers outdoors that you can finish in a day!

Today, I’m inviting you to take a peek at our Tiny Vacation Destination and I’ll share 5 simple tips so you can create one of your own.

1. Start with an Outdoor Rug

An outdoor rug instantly grounds the space and helps define your “vacation destination zone.” It adds softness underfoot and makes even a small deck feel styled and finished.

I’m in love with this neutral patterned outdoor rug from Wayfair, and clearly Finnegan is, too.

2. Set Up a Bistro Table and Chairs

Channel the charm of a quaint bed-and-breakfast wherever you live with a small table and two chairs. Inviting for morning coffee, lunch for one, or evening tea. Bonus: it feels like an experience every time you sit there! If you have a small space, embrace it.

We have the TINIEST deck but it is a destination that can feel special in its own way because it is small! My son sat out here the other day with his laptop, it’s just enough space to enjoy a quiet moment alone.

I have two matching chairs for this table, but for a fun change and new texture I brought up these folding bamboo director’s chairs that we use as extra seating.

Because they fold up, it makes them ideal for a smaller home! We keep them in our entry closet so they’re always close by when we need to grab one.

**Sources:** Bowl // Pitcher // Backsplash Tile

3. Gather Pretty Serveware

Keep a few favorite dishes, napkins, and serving pieces ready for simple summer meals. Choose a few pieces you really love so you’ll be inspired to use them for impromptu gatherings.

Even a rattan tray for morning coffee can make each piece, space and occasion feel special.

**Sources:** Bowl // Similar Coastal Serving Spoons // Blue and White Ceramic Tile

**Sources:** Striped Melamine Plates // Striped Scalloped Napkins // Rattan Tray // Blue Hobnail Everyday Glasses // Pitcher

4. Surround the Space with Planters

Use plant stands or potted plants to “nestle” your space and give it a cozy, tucked-away feel. Plus these give you the opportunity to add plants if you don’t have a lot of landscaping around your deck.

These wicker planters double as serving tables you can take the planter piece out and set the lower “tray” piece on top! So flexible and handy in a small space, too.

You can also add a charming touch like a portable serving cart nearby for drinks, flowers, or even your summer reading library.