While summer vacations can be lots of fun, they are also a real wallet breaker. If you don’t have a large budget for activities to do this summer, don’t worry. Living in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs offers plenty of fun inspiration to make your home the best place for a staycation this summer.

Explore the local happenings in your community. Flea markets are a fun activity to discover with your free time. They are also a great way to find home décor steals that can add pizzazz and character to any room in your home. Think about a particular room in your home that you would like to make more personal then go on the hunt. Shop around until if you find an accent piece you adore and then decorate your room to compliment it. For example, if you find a vintage bedside table, make sure you have the perfect lamp that will make your piece pop.

Create the perfect outdoor space for entertaining and spending time with family and friends. Clean out the garage or shed to make usable party space with a picnic table and buffet. If you want something a little more personal, redo the space for an arts and crafts area or office. Your backyard is also a great space for entertaining. Set up fun lawn games and extend the living space outside with comfortable patio furniture. If you’re feeling really adventurous, camp out in your backyard! Set up tents and sleeping bags, roast marshmallows in a fire pit, tell ghost stories, and star gaze.

Summer at home can still be fun and entertaining. Make the most of your staycation with fun activities both at home and in your community. As always, Hortons is happy to help with your home lighting projects. Visit one of our three convenient locations for inspiration and great deals on home lighting.