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With so many ideas and options available for creating your own personal outdoor tropical retreat, planning and budgeting can become an issue. Planning can be overwhelming because there can be so many things you would like to include in your tropical space. And then there is the cost: the last thing you want is to not be able to create or add an important component because of lack of funds.
As long as you are honest with yourself about what is truly possible and not possible with your available space and your budget (no, creating an actual sandy beach complete with blue waters and palm trees is not an option for most people!), then perhaps building and creating some things on your own could be a wonderful option. Not only will this help to save a lot of money, it could also help to connect you even further with your new space since you were truly involved with its creation.
If you are looking to create an new tropical outdoor space and are questioning your ability to take on projects large or small, perhaps this story will inspire you. We love the pergola and the firepit!
Your Tropical Escape: What Is The Right Size?
The first thing to consider is who will be using this space. It is just for you? Maybe you and your significant other? If so, perhaps a small, partitioned area of your yard might be all you need to create your escape. Or will kids be using it? Perhaps other family members and friends as well? You can see how a wish to have a tropical escape can easily evolve from needing only a private nook or corner to needing a space the size of an entire backyard!
A small and cozy spot just for you!
Photo Credit: Pinterest
A larger with space for entertaining!
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Once you have determined who will be using your new space, what its purpose will be, and how much room you will need, put your thoughts and mental images on paper. Make a list of what you require and if necessary, make a sketch of the layout. Imagine colors, textures, preferred materials, and then how all of these will come together into a single and cohesive look. Then ask yourself this question: Do you want to tackle any of this your own? If so, what can you truly do on your own or perhaps with the help of a family member or friend? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
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Carve Out Your Space
Creating a seating area in your private space can consist of a single lounge chair or bench, a bistro set for two, or perhaps a larger table with a set of chairs. These can be used on a grassy surface and while it looks wonderful, we do not recommend it because of the ongoing lawn care that will be required to maintain its beautiful look.
Keeping a healthy lawn is sometimes challenging on its own and now with furnishings blocking much-needed light, you risk having dying grass with weeds sprouting under your furniture. It will also be hard to mow and edge around each piece unless you plan to move them all every time mowing is needed.
Photo credit: reformabarata.com.br
Of course, if the look of grass is one of your requirements, then we recommend using artificial turf.
It is much easier to carve out a space in either a planting or flower bed area that is large enough or in lawn space itself. You can simply remove the grass or any other unwanted plants and then level the ground flat. You can create any shape you desire.
A quick tip though: It really helps to check the drainage of this area before carving out your space because you will want it to drain quickly and easily when it rains! You definitely do not want this!
Photo credit: defaziocompany
Once the ground is smooth and level, you can get some heavy duty plastic flowerbed edging to create a good border for your new space. Or you can use bricks or another form of precut stone blocks for edging. Then cut a few layers of weed cloth to fit your space and lay it flat. Now you are ready to add some hardscape such pavers, small gravel or even sand as the surface of your new space. Here is a great example of what using pea gravel can do. This little corner is the perfect blank slate for you to imagine how little or how much is needed to create your own personal tropical getaway!
The Versatility of Cinderblocks!
We love cinderblocks because there are so many things you can build with them. Plus, when you want to change things up a bit or you need to relocate your space to a whole new location, everything comes apart and is portable! Here are a two examples of cinderblock benches:
Photo credit: belairdirect
Photo credit:lushome.com
Cinderblocks are also great for creating planter space, especially when space may be limited. The possibilities are endless!
Photo Credit: Ideas2Live4
Layering Is Key
Layering is the key to bringing in the look and feel of the tropics. Landscaping which is layered with taller in-ground and potted plants at the back with progressively shorter and more compact plants brought toward the front creates an authentic, high-end, resort style look.
The same is true for decorative pieces and accents. Layering creates depth and lots of visual interest.
Photo credit: HGTV
Photo credit: Berkiepalms
As mentioned in our earlier post, check the USDA plant hardiness map to find your hardiness zone. This will help to ensure you keep your plants happy, healthy, and growing to maximum size, regardless of where you live. If you do choose plants from true tropical climates and you live in a colder area, just keep them in pots and bring them in during cold weather. Plants can be expensive so you don’t want to have to keep replacing them. As you can see here, pots are actually really cool because they can really bring in pops of color!
Use Pots For Colder Climates
Photo credit: Life and Coconuts
There are so many easy and inexpensive DIY tropical projects out there and we have only touched on a few. But we hope this post has inspired you to make a list of great ideas which really speak to you and to research new ones online. Small projects such as these can come together to create a single, amazingly beautiful result when building your own personal tropical escape.
Then simply add a few finishing touches like really cool lighting with vintage patio string lights, some tiki torches or outdoor hanging lanterns which come in many different styles and sizes. There are a ton of lighting ideas out there!
Photo credit: Gardeningetc
Photo credit: Talk Decor
Now you really do you have a truly magical place which is your own little tropical paradise!
Share The Inspiration!
Do you know someone else who has been thinking about creating their own little outdoor tropical retreat? Share this post with them! This kind of information is meant to be shared so others can be inspired. We are all about encouraging creativity!
