The summer days are here

Nurture the nature at home

Open a window, or better yet, open the door and go out…

Take a deep breath.

The time is here again: outside is as inviting, if not more, than inside. And we can be outside as much or as little as we want. Time to make the most of gardens, terraces, patios, balconies – big or small. Or, if outdoor space is unavailable, invite the outside in.

Why?

Countless studies show irrefutably our physical and mental health, creativity, productivity, moods, relationships, well, you get it – lives are better for the presence, if not abundance, of nature at home and at work. We are familiar with domesticating outside spaces, extending living areas out. To entertain, lounge, exercise, even work – with gazebos, impervious furniture and fabrics, decking, fire pits, barbecues, outdoor kitchens, all-seasons callisthenics equipment, garden pod offices, treatment rooms or gyms. Conversely and very timely, “biophilic design” as it is called, invites the outside in. Improved natural light, plants, branches and foliage, shades of green, blue, yellow, open skies and vistas, it takes many guises and, clearly, therein lie many secrets of inner peace and balance.

How?

Outside, the priority is to think how you want to use your space. On your own, or in company? To read, meditate, stretch, exercise, sleep, work, paint, enjoy a meal, a drink? Any time of day, mainly mornings, evenings, lunchtime, weekends? Looking at the space you have, think of its proportions. In a tight space, consider combining several options: adjustable deck chairs for upright / reclined positions, compact tables with stackable stools that fit underneath, for meals, work, leaving space for occasional sun salutations… Keep all pieces similar in finishes and colours, on an even, continuous flooring finish with fun accessories to add colour. This will allow your available space to be optimised, balanced and harmonious, never cramped. If your space is more generous, define areas for a couple of options from your wishlist – a seating/eating/working corner and an open space for lounging and/ or exercise, for example. Each of these can have a slightly different feel to them, complementary but distinct, in pieces and

“Conversely and very timely, “biophilic design” as it is called, invites the outside in.”

OCEANA, MARKO ZIRDUM

finishes, with a common thread of colour accents and variations.

If your outdoor space is expansive, it will be essential to make the most of it, so it feels generous and welcoming. Pieces can therefore be more specifically catering to each scenario – full dining and lounging sets, a dedicated space where you can roll out your yoga mat and put your free weights away. Each area can be treated as a separate ‘room’ almost, with specific moods and themes, unique finishes, light fittings, and surrounding accessories.

Inside, any space can benefit from an injection of nature. First, and you will not be surprised as you are becoming familiar with my outlook on all things design: light takes precedence over all else. Large windows, mirrors for reflection and, when natural light is limited, the right amount and quality of artificial light to compensate: a light temperature of no less than 2700K, no more than 3000K, as close to daylight as possible; as high a CRI (Colour Rendition Index) as possible (in the 90s); and layered sources, light emanating from various levels - high, medium and low - depending on the room’s uses.

Secondly, an easy one to guess: plants. From potted plants to green walls and everything in between, there are myriads of options to choose from, ensuring your eyes feast on lush greenery in all shapes, sizes, and levels of required maintenance. Live plants purify and regenerate the air, they breathe next to you, absorb the energy of the room and its users, a clever balancing act of osmosis and mutual support …and if live plants are just too much responsibility, please no fake plants, whether plastic or fabric! There are actually many versions of green walls and plants that are not artificial and yet virtually maintenance-free, some even preserved, allowing you to have the beauty and intricacy of the real plant without the hassle of watering, enriching soil, or worrying about too much sunlight.

Thirdly, why not invite expansive nature in imagery: broad, luxuriant leafy patterns, panoramic wallpapers, murals and landscapes… or in organic finishes and textures: grasscloth walls, coco or sisal matting, petrified wood, branch table legs, vine pendants, gingko leaf lamp bases and feather lampshades? Feel nature and perspective open for you…

The last couple of years have brought home our intrinsic need for balance and connection, between each other and with our surrounding world. Whatever space you have, embrace that connection in every way possible, both outside and in.

MARIE-NOELLE SWIDERSKI

www.galuchatdesign.com