Bringing the Inside Outdoors: Blurring Home Living Spaces and Outdoor Design

After years of staying in and working from home, homeowners are starting to blur the lines of their living spaces and the outdoors. Many people have discovered the wellness and healing power of being outside. Backyard yoga sessions, outdoor kitchen setups, and cozy reading nooks trended this summer. We all want to be outside.

In Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, that means taking advantage of the wooded area and gorgeous gardens. With such gorgeous natural features around the neighborhood, it would be a shame not to spend as much time outside as possible. Being so close to Manhattan, you deserve to make your space the outdoor retreat it deserves to be.

According to Pool Magazine, outdoor living spaces are evolving to focus on multifunctional spaces that maximize comfort, functionality, and style. Outdoor spaces are no longer simply aesthetic choices, but an improvement to your quality of life. We can help make sure that your space does just that.

Connecting to Nature

Many people have been reminded of the vital role outdoor spaces play in their mental and physical health. There’s been a regenerated interest in gardening and landscaping, but many see the focus going beyond this.

Biophilic design is the concept of increasing connection to nature through the direct use of nature. This design theory focuses on the inherent need to connect with nature in our modern-day buildings and environments. It focuses on intertwining nature and our daily routines for repeated and sustained engagement with nature.

From the calming sounds of a water feature to softening paver edges with plants to create a more pleasant barefoot walking experience, connecting to nature can be subtle and effective. To achieve the most benefit, engage all the senses.

Sustainability and Longevity

Sustainable no longer means only environmentally friendly. It has longevity, functionality, and appeal. For your outdoor space to be sustainable, it should be beneficial to you and your environment for the long term. Recycled materials, natural stone, native landscaping, and solar energy are only a few examples of what sustainability may look like in your backyard.

Another piece of longevity is the ability to use the space year-round. You don’t want to spend 6 months of the year staring out the window, wishing you could be comfortable in your space. Thoughtful landscaping can ensure visual interest throughout the seasons, while weather-resistant materials and adaptable spaces keep you outdoors for longer.

Keep your lifestyle and what you’d like to use the space for in mind as you develop your ideas. If your family loves the pool, take your time to think about what would be most useful around it. You want to host the neighborhood barbecue? An outdoor kitchen might be the big dream. Your landscape design should suit your uses.

Indoor Activities Outdoors

Another piece of biophilic design is blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors. Outdoor kitchens, dining areas, and lounges create spaces to interact with nature throughout our normal daily routines.

While this often seems like a concept for more temperate climates, seasonal adaptability can ensure you are able to use your space for longer.

• Have your patio wired for outdoor heaters.
• Install a built-in fire feature for those cooler nights.
• Include shelters, such as gazebos or pergolas, to keep you outside even when the weather isn’t perfect.

A lot of outdoor design has shifted its focus beyond simple aesthetics to wellness. Homeowners are creating spaces for home workouts, moments of meditation, and centers for conversation. People are looking for outdoor sanctuaries and escapes to relax and connect with nature. Creating a multi-sensory experience brings a previously spa-exclusive type of relaxation.

Multi-functional spaces allow for more focus on bringing indoor activities outside. Furniture that can be rearranged to suit the size of a gathering and smart lighting for controlled ambiance. Even outdoor structures, such as pergolas, can be built to ensure multiple uses with retractable screens or openings. This means that the kids can play out in the space, but it’s easily configured for dinner with the relatives. Shelters also allow for nearly year-round use with options for heaters, shades, and fans.

Mufson Pools: Landscape & Design is ready to help you cultivate your outdoor oasis. We bring your outdoor dreams to life by creating spaces for you to relax, entertain, and connect. Our team combines breathtaking designs with innovative functionality to deliver elegant and luxurious living spaces.

Visit our gallery of outdoor living spaces to inspire your dream outdoor space.

Ready to connect with nature while keeping functionality? Give us a call today!