In this new COVID-era, furnishing spaces is more important than ever before for our physical and mental well-being. At the start of the pandemic, many young professionals sought to update or adapt their home’s interior design and functionality to meet their new needs. Others sought to update their at-home space to an environment that was more conducive to a healthy lifestyle. At the end of 2023, who knew that standing desks and interior lighting would be so valuable? Or that fitness gear and rugs would be so popular?
At the same time, exterior décor is just as important to update to meet new needs. It allows for more opportunities to socialize with friends and family in a comfortable and relatively safe environment. For those who are in quarantine or continuing in isolation, updating a patio space can provide a much-needed reprieve from the seemingly full-time indoor office our homes have become. Whether you are seeking to begin socializing with your close circle again, or you are just looking to take advantage of the opportunity to work in an outdoor space, it is vital to create a space that brings you pleasure. Does your backyard have adequate lighting in the evening? Does it have comfortable seating? Is there enough shade for you and your family members (including little furry ones)?
Depending on the size of your backyard, you may want to consider how many chairs or tables you will want to have. You may also want to consider what kind of activities you can reasonably do in your backyard. For example, if you are happy to throw a ball endlessly for Fido, you likely won’t benefit from having your outdoor space cluttered with all kinds of equipment for activities. By contrast, if you relax by cooking dinner over a fire pit in the evenings, you will want to consider how to incorporate this into your space. Our immediate environment can often reflect the state of our metal health; therefore, it is critical to make sure that your space (both indoors and out!) meets your needs, is organized, and provides you with comfort.
It is also important to remember to take a step back and look at the big picture. Many times, an outdoor space can benefit greatly from one or two main attractions. For example, you may want to consider backyard patio cover ideas. There are many different ways to incorporate comfort while maximizing utility in your backyard space – so why not do it with style? Backyard patio covers can also help minimize exposure to the sun, whether you are looking to escape the heat of today or the proof of sun damage further down the road.
One trend that comes at no surprise in 2023? Self-care. And thankfully, nurturing your space is a powerful form of self-care. Spending time outside has been proven to improve your mood and reduce stress, but there is no reason to forego comfort in the meantime.
Article by Born Realist