Forget the Great Resignation. The Great Escape from Indoor Life is Finally Here. Rock Out Your Outdoor Living Space This Season!
You can open your windows again. It’s Spring, and we feel happier. The happiness factor is not just psychological. Exposure to sunlight makes us feel good. Spring is when fresh starts abound, and nature awakens from its winter slumber, allowing us to escape the confines of indoor living and spend more time outdoors.
We’ve got some great ideas if you’re looking to add a little outdoor living space to your home. Life In Style has you covered, from trendy new patio designs to simple ways to make your yard more inviting – so get outside and get your Spring on!
Gallup reports that as many as 45 percent of employees are now working from home part-time or full-time. In the last episode, we wrote about creating permanent home office spaces inside the home. Now let’s talk about creating outdoor spaces that support a healthy lifestyle.
As we embraced working from home over the last couple of years, many homeowners got creative with color. After all, staring at a blank slate or the same old outdoor space isn’t very inspiring. Greenery, flowers, and a comfortable place to sit are all on the hit list.
Outdoor Space: The New Office?
Should you be one of the lucky ones who can work from home, congratulations! You no longer have to commute in traffic, find parking, or buy expensive lunches every day. You can roll out of bed, make a pot of coffee, and sit down at your desk in your pajamas or bathrobe.
But working from home can also be isolating and lonely. You miss the water cooler conversations and impromptu happy hours with co-workers. And let’s not forget the office gossip. Take your laptop outside and set up shop on your patio or porch. Working in nature increases productivity, creativity, and focus while reducing stress levels. So go ahead, crank up the tunes, open up your laptop, and get to work!
Creating a multi-purpose space for both work and play is one of the hottest trends in outdoor living right now. If you have the room, consider adding a patio or covered porch adjacent to your office to have an indoor and outdoor workspace.
“If you’re not looking to do a major remodel, there are still many ways to spruce up your outdoor living space. Consider adding potted plants or hanging flowers to brighten things up, string some lights for ambiance, invest in a fire pit or chiminea to extend your outdoor living well into the cooler months,” said internationally respected interior designer Karen Mills.
While that doesn’t sound like a lot, it is an ROI of eighty percent, which means you spend a little to gain a lot in value. Refinishing or repairing an existing patio can cost an average of $1400 but will pay back a 500 percent return on investment.
The investment will pay off, but you will also have additional space to enjoy, especially if you’re working from home. A 2020 study showed that outdoor activity increased mental well-being by 20 percent.
“One of the highest impacts remodels you can do on a small budget is investing in a new entry door. It instantly changes your home’s whole look from the curb,” said Meshelle Bishop, co-owner of Cornerstone Home Improvements.
Open the windows and get the stagnant winter air out of your home. Go outside too! It’s time to feel the sunshine on your face and the grass between your toes.
Paint the fence a bright color. Build the raised garden and plant the vegetables and flowers you’ve always wanted. Turn the forgotten side of your house into a private oasis with a hammock and some comfy outdoor furniture. Get creative and make the most of your space!
String up the lights you bought from the big box store months ago. Dust off the bistro table and invite a few friends to your house to welcome the warmer weather.
Spring s is a great time to reconnect with loved ones, and it is an opportunity to connect with nature through an experience called grounding when you kick off your shoes (or sandals!) and place your feet directly on the ground.
Take a moment to breathe deeply and exhale slowly. This simple practice benefits your health, including boosting your immune system, regulating sleep, and reducing stress. It’s a great way to step away from electronic devices and recenter yourself.
Why spend the time and money to create an outdoor living space? According to Sharp Health News, it is suitable for your health. Nature makes us happier and improves our moods. Taking walks lowers blood pressure and reduces stress.
We’re all so busy nowadays that it’s hard to find time to focus on anything. We have welded ourselves to our screens, whether our phones, laptops, or TVs. These habits can be terrible for our mental health and productivity.
One way to improve focus is by stepping away from screentime and focusing on the beauty that surrounds us. Our brains keep working even when we’re enjoying nature, making us better problem solvers and increasing creativity.
Outdoor speakers are a great way to enjoy your backyard oasis by bringing the music outside so you can meditate, dance, or do whatever makes you the happiest. Seasonal elements like a screened-in patio, an outdoor kitchen, or a gas fireplace mean more time with loved ones.
Add colors that you love to evoke the desired emotions. Bright colors are great for improving mood, while shades of blue are perfect for relaxing. Don’t forget to personalize your space with items that bring you joy. A hammock, colorful throw pillows, and twinkling lights are great touches.
As you reimagine your outdoor living space, think about how you and your family will use the space. Do you want a kid-only area? Do you want to work outside on warm days? Do you want a place to relax after a long day? Whatever the reason, create an outdoor living space that works for your family.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider starting with a plan: what activities do you want to do outside? Brainstorming with the whole family can help create a space that everyone will love.
Trending in Outdoor Living Space
Minimalism is the trend this year, with homeowners opting for simple designs and neutral colors. That doesn’t mean creating a dull space that isn’t welcoming. Minimalism is about creating places that you love without the clutter.
While practical and straightforward, you also have the opportunity to add your personality with a bit of color. Paint a wall or fence, add twinkle lights, add a few brightly colored throw pillows on the seating area. Make the space your own. And if you’re looking for furniture, look for items that can serve multiple purposes. You can use a table as a desk, a bench that doubles as seating and storage will expand your space.
To get the most bang for your buck, we recommend purchasing high-quality, weather-resistant products. From paint or wood stain to furniture quality, make it a place you want to spend time.
Consider adding an outdoor television that can serve as a computer monitor. And don’t forget the lighting! Proper lighting can make or break your space. Too harsh, and it feels like a construction zone, too soft, and you won’t be able to see what you’re doing. We suggest a combination of string lights, recessed lighting, and cool lanterns.
At Life In Style, we understand that finding balance while working and living at your home can be challenging. This reality is especially true if you were thrust unexpectedly into your home office. As the snow clears and the sun warms the day, head outside for a change and create a space you enjoy!
We hope these ideas inspire you to create an exciting, creative outdoor living space that meets all of your needs this Spring! Whether you’re looking to boost your curb appeal, work on your tan, or reconnect with nature, there’s an outdoor solution. So get outside and enjoy the sunshine!
Life In Style, the bi-monthly publication from Team Real Estate, is dedicated to helping homeowners make smarter decisions about their homes and lifestyle. It features original news, commentary, tips, and analysis from leading industry experts. To be considered for inclusion in future episodes, email lifeinstyle@teamre.com.