Southampton - In recent weeks, we have watched many protests occurring globally, some even occupying our East End streets. In a world where the 99 percent are speaking against the one percent, we know without a doubt how uncertain times are. Yet, we still move forward and creatively find a happy medium. Times like these make us value even more the little things in life, and keep us closer to home and our families. The old saying, "your home is your castle," couldn't be truer. More and more people are investing and transforming their homes into personal retreats, allowing them to stay close to family with more resort-like luxuries.

So why not occupy your home, your gardens 99 percent and take pleasure in your castle! By incorporating the following various elements into your garden will enable you to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle, and find leisure and luxury within footsteps.


Spend Spa-lightful Time
Having a spa is a great way to spend time in your garden throughout the year. In warmer months, it can be a relaxing way to unwind peacefully in your lush landscape after work or at the end of a summer day. Come the cooler seasons, dipping into a steamy spa creates an unbelievably soothing experience. When determining the location of your spa, it is helpful to understand what your primary use will be. Do you want the spa to be in its own garden room nestled within the landscape? Or do you want it incorporated within the patio space nearest to the house for quick dips? No matter its placement, the addition of a spa will ensure you can always attain that resort-like setting within your home.

Light the way - just because the sun has set, doesn't mean you can't relish in your garden. (Courtesy Photo: Barry Block)

Home Is Where The Hearth Is
The ambiance a fireplace creates is like no other. Not only is it a beautiful focal point, but it is a great way to extend living space outdoors and spend quality time with family and friends. It can be as elaborate as you want with a mantle and chimney, complete with outdoor furniture and lavishly adorned with seasonal planters and climbing vines on arbors. Or, it can be as simple as a custom masonry fire pit to gather around on summer evenings or to curl up to in the fall or early spring. The warm amber glow can even make a captivating sight to enjoy while relaxing in soothing spa waters. Whichever one you decide fits your lifestyle best, you will be adding a new element that transforms your garden for outdoor entertaining or creates an intimate outdoor living room for two.

Let There Be Light
Just because the sun has set, doesn't mean you can't relish in your garden. Why not celebrate all the elements of your landscape through the use of night lighting. Do you have a beautiful tree with intricate branching patterns or textured bark? Why not continue enjoying its beauty well into the evening with special uplighting. Or, maybe you want to add a dramatic touch to the entrance with a type of bullet lighting that really highlights the beauty of your house. Lastly, ensure your outdoor parties can last all night by dotting in decorative pathway lights that can either be upright or freestanding to lead guests through your garden. However you decide to "light the way," it guarantees that you can make further use of your outdoor space.

It really is a luxury in itself to have a beautiful home to spend time with family and friends. While we all love to escape to the tropics every so often, how nice is it to know that we can make our own little paradise within footsteps of our home. Take comfort in that and begin visualizing how you can occupy your home at all hours and in all seasons. Find that resort-like element and bring it home to your castle.