creating your own backyard staycation spot

we all love to travel — there’s something magical about exploring this big, beautiful world and finding inspiration in new places. the mountains, the beaches, the forests… they remind us how good it feels to slow down and just breathe. but there’s also something really special about coming home and having a space right in your own backyard that gives you that same sense of peace, beauty, and connection.

when i design outdoor spaces in naperville, aurora, plainfield, batavia, geneva, wheaton, downers grove, and lisle, i always start by asking how people want to feel when they step outside. do you want a quiet, cozy corner to sip your morning coffee? a paver patio surrounded by lush landscaping where you can unwind after a long day? or maybe a fire pit that draws everyone together for late-night laughter and stargazing? whatever your version of “staycation” looks like, thoughtful landscape design and construction can make it happen.

there’s something grounding about creating a space that feels like an escape without ever leaving home. maybe that means natural stone walkways that lead to a tucked-away bench, or garden beds filled with native plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. maybe it’s outdoor lighting that glows softly after sunset, giving your yard that magical, relaxed evening vibe. little touches like these can turn an ordinary backyard into a personal retreat that feels worlds away.

the truth is, you don’t need a plane ticket to feel inspired or at peace — sometimes it’s as simple as reimagining the space right outside your door. i love helping homeowners throughout the western suburbs of chicago turn their yards into places that feel alive, intentional, and centered. because at the end of the day, home should be where you feel your best — grounded, cozy, and connected to the beauty that’s been here all along.