Take a Vacation in Your Backyard

(ARA) - The housing market may be keeping you in your current home for awhile and fuel prices are rising, so why not enjoy your outdoor spaces and save money by taking a vacation right in your own backyard?

You're in and out of your home every day, but when wanderlust sets in this spring, take a look at your property in a new way. "Investing in small upgrades to your property can add a tremendous amount of value to your home," says Larry Bedosky, director of marketing for Durasol Awnings and an expert on outdoor design. "It can also give you new ways to enjoy your spaces and make it feel like you're on vacation in your backyard."

Bedosky recommends adding a retractable awning to allow homeowners to expand living space to the outdoors while providing cool, comfortable shelter from the sun and a roof during occasional rain sprinkles. "A Durasol retractable awning is custom made to enhance the beauty and decor of any home. There are no unsightly support poles and anyone can control the amount of shade provided."

If lounging in the shade with a book and a cool drink isn't enough, Bedosky offers the following options for backyard vacations to take under a Durasol awning.

Bubble Up
A freestanding hot tub is an affordable way to feel like you're at the spa everyday. Retract your awning to luxuriate in a warm moonlight dip with your sweetheart or roll out the awning to spend a shaded Sunday afternoon piling in with friends and family with no risk of sunburn.

Backyard Bistro
No patio is complete without a large outdoor table and comfy chairs. Pull the awning out and enjoy a lunch of hot dogs from the grill while sipping soda in the shade or retract the awning to share a candlelight dinner under the stars with friends.

Stop and Smell the Flowers
Surround yourself with native flora and fauna to enjoy the beautiful sights and smells of nature. Plant wildflowers that attract birds and butterflies and give yourself the gift of observing backyard wildlife. Add a small water feature, such as a waterfall or fountain, to incorporate relaxing sounds.

"When you decide to expand your outdoor enjoyment and living space with a Durasol retractable awning, hanging out in your backyard can feel like a vacation," says Bedosky. "It's an investment you'll enjoy for years to come."

To learn more about retractable awnings or to locate a dealer near you, visit Durasol.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent