5 dream vacations in your own backyard

If your dream vacation is to...Malibu

Fake a seaside resort

Bring out the striped cushions and colorful umbrellas, and let the garden take care of itself, as this one does. The deck is made of sustainable ipe wood that has weathered to a soft gray. Drought-tolerant plants need only yearly trimming and occasional watering—which leaves plenty of time to kick back on a lounge chair and bask in the sun. Design: Heather Lenkin, Lenkin Design, Pasadena (lenkindesign.com or 626/441-6655)