Everyone dreams of a personal oasis, a place to take a breather of some sort. Sometimes, it gives us an excuse to break from our routine and travel to faraway destinations. But not everyone has the luxury of taking weeks off from work whenever they feel the burnout settling in. Where do you go for those necessary five-minute respite from the daily grind?
Countless research has been done to prove the connection between your well-being and the great outdoors. It doesn’t really have to involve a full-itinerary travel. For most of us, enjoying that coffee break in a well-designed patio for 20 minutes or more will do wonders. After all, as ordinary human beings, our spaces also significantly affect our physical and mental wellness.
Unfortunately, we have little control over designing wellness-friendly spaces in the workplace. However, redesigning your home is a different but ultimately satisfying pursuit you have complete control over. Imagine an area where you can prepare for the day in or look forward to unwinding down for the day in. It can be as small as a simple patio in your backyard.
To serve its purpose, designing a patio has to have the intent of serenity and relaxation. Otherwise, randomly arranged furniture with little regard for location could result in just an added stress. Avoid placing your patio near the street, or it will only invite noise from traffic or loud neighbors. Even the direction of the sunlight to your house must be taken into consideration. Your patio might be useless during the day as the glare from the sun makes it uncomfortable to stay in.
This article has compiled the best considerations when planning a simple escape outdoors. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or Pinterest-worthy. The goal is to create a serene, relaxing space for your inner peace, not to be featured in the Architectural Digest.
Mindful Selection of Furniture
The first ingredient for relaxation is comfort; the best way to achieve that is to choose ergonomically designed chairs. Find out what types of furniture you are most comfortable in, and work them through your layout. Plush cushions on your lounges let you settle in comfortably and encourage you to linger and truly unwind. You can even throw in dining tables for intimate parties or quiet outdoor dining.
To achieve that calm and organic feel, choose low-maintenance, natural materials in most, if not all of your furniture patio. Color psychology is important to attain just the right flavors of serenity and tranquility. Avoid vibrant colors as it hurts the eyes and makes you more restless. Choose soft and neutral colors, such as muted earth tones or shades of blue and green.
Purposeful Design for a Tranquil Ambiance
To ensure a serene atmosphere, consider adding natural elements in the form of potted plants or hanging gardens. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not surround your patio with vertical garden walls? It is not only good aesthetically, it also adds to the air quality. Just the improved oxygen level can blow away your worries and do significant wonders for your relaxation.
You can even go to the next level and incorporate aromatherapy in the surroundings. Fragrant plants, scented candles, or essential oils in diffusers produce calming scents to improve mental fatigue and reduce stress. Here’s some additional information to help you find the right essential oil for any specific needs. Additionally, soft-sounding wind chimes that are strategically placed are great background music for meditation and quiet reflections.
Thought-Out Layout and Arrangement
Layout is an essential piece that completes your serene patio goals. Arrange your furniture or corners to ensure a smooth flow and ease of movement. Planning well also helps maximize natural light and shade that enhances the atmosphere. The play of sunlight in your patio not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also allows you to enjoy your outdoor space throughout the day.
A zen zone is a clutter-free space and makes for an effortless relaxation. Minimize adding non-essential accessories to your space and focus on what your intended goals are for your space. For a holistic approach to your well-being, you can create areas for different purposes, such as meditation and reflection corners, as well as your fitness areas.
Of course, the well-being experience will only be complete once you make your space truly yours. Personalize your patio and make a unique addition that defines you. Establish rituals, such as enjoying a morning coffee in one of your cushioned loveseats or stargazing at night on your chaise lounges.
Forming a well-being routine around your patio transforms the space into an all-encompassing wellness retreat. It becomes more than just some additional area in your house that adds value; it is a sanctuary where you nurture both your body and soul. A great escape from the everyday struggles, one that you do not need to burn a hole in your pocket for.
