With both costs and heat on the rise in the UK, many of us are forgoing a summer holiday this year. With sunshine on the cards, now is the time to start thinking about how we can make our homes and gardens perfect for a holiday at home. You never know, you might even prefer it; no shrill nagging from someone else’ kids, no chlorinated water splashes on your new book or booming speakers on the beach. Instead, picture calm morning coffees in the sun and afternoons creating the good kind of chaos with kid-friendly activities. So, lets dive in and discover some cost-savvy ways to bring holiday-like happiness to your house this summer.
Start Your Day the Lazy Way
A slow morning, complete with a lie in and a hot beverage of your choice, coupled with nowhere to be is how we want to kick off this holiday at home. For this, you’re going to want to invest in some comfy additions to your bedding that’ll extend your morning with some extra bits of bliss. Thankfully, we have a varied and affordable range of duvet covers and cuddle cushions that are perfect for exactly this. In summer, I like to go for a fresh, clean look with the help of some crisp white bedding. These sets make a bedroom look so elevated in the sun, and really help you wake up ready for the day.
Secondly, treat yourself to cloud-like comfort with our filled cushions, of which we have many. Shop a range of cuddle cushions, bolster cushions, v-shape cushions and, most recently, our “gaming” lap pillows – which are great for more than just gaming, I promise. These all come in loads of prints, colours and finishes too – so whether its for yourself or the kids, a comfier morning is around the corner.
Afternoon Cool Down
This summer, why go abroad when the heat is right on our doorstops? It is essential we find ways to keep cool if we want to enjoy our afternoons, and we have just the trick. Whether you’re trying to get the kids to sit still for a minute or you just want an hour of peace, setting up a designated cool-down zone is a game-changer.
Start with popular and practical Blackout Curtains. Across many prints and textures, we’re confident we have the perfect pair for your home. They’ll block the heat and light, making nap time or movie time feel like a real escape from the midday glare. You might forget you're not in a luxury villa somewhere.
Garden Getaway
Transforming your garden into a staycation sanctuary doesn’t have to mean dragging half the house outside. Whether you’ve got a balcony, a patch of grass or a full-on outdoor lawn (the dream), this is your moment to turn it into a proper retreat.
Start by laying the foundations with one of our weather-resistant outdoor rugs. These are brilliant for defining a space, especially if you’re working with patios or decking. Go bold with colour or stick to natural tones for that relaxed, holiday-at-a-villa feel. Right now I am loving the tile print rug in blue for an uplifting pop of print. Next up, seating. Our egg chairs and companion sets are perfect for lounging, chatting, or just curling up with a drink and pretending you’re anywhere but here. The bistro sets are ideal for morning coffees or evening tipples, especially if you’re short on space but still want that café-in-the-sunshine vibe. And if you’ve got room to play with, a swing bench is always a winner – equal parts nostalgic and luxurious, and surprisingly nap-friendly.
Finish it off with our garden seat cushions and covers – available in a mix of colours and prints to match your space – plus a few scatter cushions to tie everything together. It’s your garden, but better. And once it’s set up, trust me, you’ll be finding any excuse to spend as much time out there as possible.
Evening Ease
Once the sky softens and the air cools just enough to relax into it, you’ll want your holiday-ready-home to match the mood. This is when soft lighting, softer textiles, and a calm setting take centre stage.
Start by switching out any harsh lighting with something more ambient – even fairy lights or a low-glow lamp can do the trick. Then, lean into comfort with textured cushion covers in calming tones, paired with a chunky knit throw to wrap up in. These create that spa-like calm, minus the spa prices. This is when you’ll want to enjoy a light summer meal while watching a movie or diving into a good book – whatever it is you enjoy.
A holiday at home isn’t second-best – it’s just a different kind of luxury. One that’s calm, familiar, and curated exactly to your tastes. Whether it’s lazy lie-ins, garden get-togethers or slow, cosy evenings, these little comforts can turn a regular week into something far more memorable.
So, skip the airport queues and embrace the slower pace. With a few carefully chosen bits from OHS, your home might just become your favourite holiday destination yet.