Today marks the first day of Spring and all I can do is think about escaping to a luxury destination. A vacation to Maui, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, or even Miami would suit me just fine. However, my attention should be completely focused on the Home Depot Style Challenge Patio Edition where me and 17 other wildly creative designers and design enthusiasts are whipping our outdoor spaces in gear.

It would make everyone green with envy to say that we’re knocking down an exterior wall in our house to create this beautiful outdoor retreat. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. Exhale. Not this time anyway…

This Mill Valley home designed by Urrutia Design has me California Dreaming. The rear of the house gives me a thousand reasons to stay home. Just look at this kitchen.

Most entertainers know how hard it is not to get trapped in the kitchen when you have a home full of guests. But if your kitchen opens to the outdoors, you would never feel isolated from the fun. Can you feel the breeze?

The custom firepit makes this outdoors space useful for all seasons providing warmth and ambiance even during the cooler months. This is also where your indulgent guests reside, near the kitchen closer to the food and beverages. You know who you are…

Hunker down poolside with your favorite novel or catch up on some much needed sleep. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these are the pleasurable experience I enjoy most.

When it comes to a stay-cation, this 15′ x 30′ luxury pool is as close as you will get to a sparkling sea. Instead of building sandcastles, you have ample room for pool games or simply relaxing on a float. Not a bad compromise…where do I sign up?

If you had to forgo Spring Break, could your backyard be considered a luxury destination?