Currently, more than ever before, homeowners are validating the significance of the homestead, where the backyard is clearly an enhancement of the living area in the house. The economy has motivated people to choose to stay home, Staycation, and spend their money on their investment, while they obtain immeasurable enjoyment in this change of behavior.

The addition of a therapeutic spa promotes healthy bodies, hearts, minds and lifestyles. According to Dr. Thomas M. Lachocki, Department of Health and Physical Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, “After a particularly stressful day, which most of us experience on a daily basis, lingering in warm water while muscles and joints are massaged with water-jets encourages ones physical, mental and emotional relaxation. You feel calm and energized from the increased circulation; your mood improves as your body releases chemicals to help you relax and breathe more efficiently—leaving you with a sense of well being.”

Soaking in a hot tub can add quality to your daily life as it links the time between workday and evening activities. This is a gathering place to reestablish a bond of communication and emotion with family and friends in your own backyard. Wouldn’t you like to feel as though you are luxuriating in an ancient Greek or Roman hot water bath? You can engage in the lost art of conversation and reconnect with the people who mean so much to you, your family and friends. Spending quality time together nurtures a healthy and happy family relationship. It is these small acts in life that give us enormous happiness.

The best way to transform your backyard into a haven of warmth, comfort and style is to combine elements and amenities. Melding old and new creates an understated charm and elegance. Blending luxury by adding a Spa amenity with innovative outdoor room finishing touches such as attractive flowing drapes for protection from the weather and decorative outdoor throw pillows to add style with a splash of color is just the beginning of the metamorphosis of your backyard great escape.

A pergola, pavilion, or gazebo is a wonderful addition to accommodate your spa. Outdoor drapes can be hung on the columns for function and/or design. Beautiful pottery containing colorful flowering plants can soften the lines of the spa while improving the esthetic value of the space. An important feature to this outdoor living room is the furniture. It should be welcoming, comfortable, and accessible, and it should provide enough seating for your family and friends. Depending on the style of your home, you can choose all-weather wicker for a tropical feel, scrolling wrought iron for an Old World Tuscan feel, cast aluminum for a traditional feel, or teak and stainless steel for a modern feel.

Outdoor fabrics have evolved over the years and are now mimicking indoor fabrics in their pattern, texture, and durability. Velvet, chenille, plaids, stripes, damask, ikat and paisley are just a few of the selections available for outdoor drapes, pillows, throws, cushions and umbrellas. Outdoor rugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, colors and patterns; they add dimension, functionality and sophistication. Machine-washable outdoor chenille throw blankets made with Sunbrella® thread will keep you warm long after you exit the spa as you sit back and relax with your partner.

Who wouldn’t want to escape from the stress of a long workday in the perfect gathering place?