
The concept of a staycation may have reached its peak in the days of the pandemic, but it has maintained longevity thanks to its accessibility and DIY-able nature. Shea McGee has now made it even more appealing with her latest collection of outdoor furniture, and she just shared a clip for those of us with small backyards.
The McGee & Co. creator showed off how she turned her small yard into an at-home retreat, using just a handful of accessories; it's giving us some major backyard staycation ideas.
In the clip, we see Shea bring out an indoor/outdoor rug, some wood chairs, potted plants, and a gray coffee table, instantly creating an area that is perfect for relaxing outside with a glass of wine.
Recreating a vacation destination in your own backyard comes down to intentionality rather than buying accessories in large quantities.
'Recreating your favorite holiday spots at home may seem daunting, but small changes can make a big impact,' Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux. '[People] believe a simple project like painting a wall or fence can significantly enhance outdoor spaces – so let’s start there.'
She continues, 'Spending more time in outdoor spaces during a staycation helps reconnect us with nature, with studies showing that access to fresh air and green spaces lowers stress and has a positive impact on mental health. By refreshing the garden with holiday-inspired design styles, you can ensure your staycation is rejuvenating for the mind in every way possible.'
Shea's outdoor furniture's transitionality is ideal for this purpose, working wonders both outside during the summer months, and inside in the colder months.
Shop Shea McGee's small space-turned outdoor retreat edit
Until we turned our outdoor spaces into extensions of our homes, we may have ventured to sit outside only when entertaining guests or for a relaxing hour at the weekend. Now we want to use our outdoor living space year-round and every day, and this weather-resistant indoor/outdoor pillow helps make that achievable. Plus, the neutral, 'quite luxury' color scheme will ensure that furnishings blend with their surroundings.
Let's face it, choosing your outdoor furniture set is of utmost importance. It should be durable, beautiful and made from high-quality materials. This is why I always trust McGee & Co. to deliver on this promise. This season, the Triby Outdoor Chair is my go-to design. Crafted from high-quality teak wood, this chair is perfect for summer nights out on the patio.
Include one of the best outdoor rugs in your garden for unrivaled comfort and style. This durable rug is perfect for creating zones in your outdoor living area so that you can distinguish between spaces for gardening, entertaining, and lounging.

A small space should not be overdecorated, so take cues from Shea and add only the essentials: a beautiful rug, comfortable seating (with throws), a small table to place drinks on, and some greenery are more than enough to turn a backyard into a desirable destination.