Our homes are our retreats, at least we like to think they are. As we shelter at home, now more than ever it's paramount to create outdoor spaces that evoke feelings of bliss, joy and escape. For me, I relish in creating spaces outside that make me feel like I am on vacation in my own backyard, sheltering at home. But how, right? It is so much easier than you think, you just need the right pieces to create your own vacation retreat at home and have your own Sheltercation experience.
The old adage says your outdoor oasis should be an extension of your home with the same palette and design aesthetic but that is not the golden rule anymore. Who says you need to follow the rules? After all, this is your Sheltercation style.
Akin to designing your living room, always start with the biggest piece and work from there. A gazebo is the perfect shelter and backdrop to your living space.
I love
Sojag’s Mykonos Gazebo, (available online) - it’s a game-changer. This gazebo gives you ample space to style and design your oasis. Not only is it beyond sturdy with its metal-based foundation, it has great design elements like a vaulted ceiling and sheer curtains to ward out those pesky bugs. But, most importantly, you will be shaded from the sun. If you live in a colder climate, you can easily bring in a heater and enjoy your outdoor retreat year-round.
Now that you are all squared away with your structure, it’s time to figure out what type of space you want to create. Do you want an outdoor dining or living room space?
One big note for any outdoor space, incorporate as much greenery as you can. Plants make people happy and they have a plethora of health benefits. Place your plants at various heights. You can even hang them from your Sojag Gazebo.
Here are some great pointers to keep in mind while creating your outdoor Sheltercation retreat.
Get a great rug.
Rugs create a beautiful focal point and set the tone of your “room” and make the space feel cozier. Ideally, choose an outdoor rug as it will give the most longevity. I used Ruggable - a great option and they are washable too.
Texture, Texture, Texture.
To make your space feel inviting and warm, add some indoor textiles like pillows and throws. They will be protected from the elements in your gazebo.
Accessorize.
Bowls, knickknacks, vases, lanterns, candles, you name it. They all add that curated feel but remember just like with fashion less is more. It’s a fine balance.
Proportion.
Whether you’re making your space a dining room or an outdoor lounge, make sure your furniture pieces are the right scale for your Sojag Gazebo. You need to have some “walking around” space. The furniture pieces should all be functional as well. For example, an ottoman can double as a coffee table.
Lighting.
Chandeliers are an incredible way to illuminate your space and add the luxury feel. Keep in mind chandeliers don’t have to be shiny, they can have a woven texture too.
Have fun.
Think out of your box, this is your space to feel free. Go for something you wouldn’t normally think of doing in your home.
Enjoy your Sheltercation, your backyard is really the best vacay of all! Just imagine the possibilities!
Erika Wadler
Erika Wadler of
Home Slice Home has a passion for creativity, design and decor.
After buying her first home in L.A., she remodeled, redesigned and transformed it into a stunning space which has become the top production location.
Major companies rent out her home for tv shows, commercials, branding campaigns and photo shoots. With her unique, eclectic aesthetic in design and décor coupled with her vast knowledge of production and fashion.
She has hosted shoots for Hourglass Cosmetics, Parachute Home, Google, Glam Glow, Ruggable, Ring Doorbell, Honda, The Guitar Center, Yale Home, Honda, Sephora, Madewell, Old Navy, Boll & Branch to name a few.
