Holiday at Home by Heather Nette King

by Heather Nette King

With travel still partially restricted for so many of us this summer, one of the best coping strategies for wanderlust sufferers is to create some ‘staycation’ vibes at home. And the best part is that it’ll cost you less than a plane ticket and a hotel room — all you need is a little imagination and to follow these easy tips for creating your best holiday at home.

Me time

Firstly, carve out some ‘me time’ into your day. It’s so easy to get caught up in household and work-from-home responsibilities, so you really need to assign yourself some time relaxation time each day.

Vacation vibes

Remember what it is that you love best about being on vacation. Is it reading in the sun, cooking and dining outdoors, sharing time and making memories with family and friends, or is it the delicious feeling of winding down the day with a cocktail in hand? Identify the feeling, then set about creating the outdoor space to re-create it.

Get comfy

A comfortable lounge chair is a must if you want to spend quality time reading novels or your favourite magazines in the sunshine. Choose something low and slouchy, then pile on the cushions and a throw for extra comfort.

Add side tables so that your books and refreshments are close at hand at all times.

Holiday at home with a cocktail by the pool

Holiday theme

Plan gatherings with themes around your favourite holiday destinations. Is it Hawaii? Bali? The States? The beach? Plan the menu, create the playlist, maybe even dress up in holiday gear for a bit of fun. A long table set with tropical flowers, colourful cushions, twinkling lanterns, delicious seafood and your best pals will help bring the holiday feels in no time.

Heather Nette King is a Melbourne‑based interiors stylist and writer for many leading interior titles and newspapers. She has been the Melbourne Homes Editor of Sunday Life magazine for over a decade, and her work has appeared in many Australian and international magazines, including Inside Out Magazine, Country Style, Australian House & Garden, Real Living Australia Magazine, Home Beautiful Magazine, Vogue Living, ELLE China, The Design Files and The Interiors Addict. Her own home has appeared in Belle Magazine, and her previous home was featured in the international style bible, ELLE Decoration UK. Heather has created the visual imagery for many well-known Australian brands, and also works behind the scenes copy-writing for their advertisements and websites. Heather is currently renovating her family home in an iconic, heritage‑listed apartment block. Her hobbies are gardening, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and walking her beloved Golden Retriever, Dougal.