{inspiration: Sunset Magazine}

I don’t know about you, but we don’t get to go on many tropical vacations! But just because we aren’t jetting off to Bali at a moment’s notice doesn’t mean we can’t slip out the back door to our own private island! You can create your own Bali vacation to enjoy every day this summer.

Isn’t that what life is about anyways? Enjoying every day and not just waiting for those few big moments of expensive bliss? I think savoring the little everyday moments are what life is all about. For MUCH less than a real tropical vacation you can spice up your patio with sights, sounds and smells of your own island getaway.

I love Remodeling Guy’s backyard.

How could you NOT feel like you were on vacation at his Tiki bar (photos of his yard are above and below)?

How can you create your own tropical backyard paradise?

Recycle old wicker and rattan furniture you find at garage sales or in your own garage for that matter (I actually have two rattan chairs in storage right now that would be perfect for this style!). Look for chairs, coffee tables and end tables you can freshen up with some spray paint!

Shop at fun stores like Pier One and Cost Plus. A few tropical accessories will go a long way!

Add some island-inspired pillows to set the color scheme.

Use plants like bamboo, ferns, and other tropical looking foliage or blooms to green up your space.

Bring in some candles, lanterns and tiki torches to light up the ambience.

Grab a couple of cans of bright spray paint to update some accessories you already have.

Add lots of textured items made from bamboo, rattan, wicker, seagrass rugs and things like woven placemats and baskets.

Set up a creative bar area to set up your drinks for entertaining.

Use market umbrellas to provide shade {from that hot tropical sun, of course}.

Set out a couple of brightly colored beach towels.

Slather yourself in pina colada scented sun screen.

Set your ipod or stereo to play some great island tunes, pour yourself a fruity drink (yes, don’t forget the little umbrella) and you’ve got yourself a vacation!

Enjoy!

top photo: Sunset magazine

For more from Remodeling Guy’s backyard and Tiki bar, check out his post here!