With a little inspiration direct from Mother Nature, you too can enjoy luxurious outdoor living

Published 9:30 am Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Transform your backyard into a private oasis by turning to nature for inspiration. The natural elements of earth, air, fire and water provide what is needed for luxurious outdoor living.

With a little design magic, you can create a serene sanctuary for unlimited outdoor pleasure at your home.

In a fast-paced, digital age where multitasking is a valued skill, we can lose the value of being fully present in the moment. Spending time in nature rejuvenates vitality and brings us back to center.

Architects and designers continually look for new ways to bring the outside elements inside. Biophilic design recognizes the importance of nature and emphasizes connecting people to nature through the built environment.

This thoughtful architectural design incorporates nature with the specific purpose of enhancing one’s sense of well-being.

According to The National Association of Realtors, the popularity of outdoor living is expected to continue because it increases the resale value of the property and brings the intangible value of emotional happiness and enjoyment.

If you want to design an outdoor living or recreation space but don’t know where or how to start, just think earth, air, fire and water. 

As always, with any project, the quintessential elements are a solid master plan, qualified professional guidance, compliance to codes and a beautiful design.

EARTH

Do you want to grow your own food, relax and breathe in the fragrant and floral air or putter around in a flower bed?

The value of plants are far beyond than just attracting birds and the bees. Plants oxygenate the air. Ground cover keeps the soil from eroding. Trees provide an acoustical buffer to noise pollution. Rooftop gardens cool the atmosphere.

Consider building a pergola, an open structure that does double duty by offering a climbing place for colorful, scented vines to grow and create shade over a bench.

A xeriscape with native plants and simple stones requires minimal maintenance. A vertical garden or sculptural garden can be any size or scale.

AIR

There’s nothing like a breath of fresh air. Open a window, listen to the songs of birds and smell fragrant blooms.

To allow air to naturally breath life into a space, consider a partially enclosed porch sliding glass doors that open to the outside.

A covered pool or screened-in lanai protects against falling leaves and insects. A cabana with curtains is a wonderful place to read. A chaise lounge with an adjustable cover is perfect for a nap in the sun.

It is important to select outdoor furnishings that are specifically made for outdoor use. Today’s outdoor furniture options are innovative, high-tech, made to perform and very stylish. Environmentally conscious companies are offering cutting-edge furnishings made with recycled materials that are sustainable and produce zero emissions without sacrificing style.

Modern materials such as high-tech resins, innovative woven fibers and engineered wood offer not only high performance but luxury in look and feel.

FIRE

Would you love to have a gathering space to share with friends and family? Gathering around the table — or grill — makes the meal a lovely experience for everyone. Build an outdoor kitchen or expand one you have to include a smoker,  barbecue station and built-in appliances.

A table umbrella offers a lot more than shade. The creative technology behind the manufacture of modern fabric is resistant to ultra-violet light, fade, stains, weather, water and micro-organisms. 

If you plan on reconfiguring your outdoor kitchen area because you entertain often and your guest list varies from large to small, movable furnishings are a great option. A mobile grill on casters offers versatility for impromptu get-togethers.

In contrast, custom built-in kitchens are structural and permanent. Because they take into account integrated appliances, utilities, lighting, building materials and skilled labor, they increase the value of your property.

The same is true for enjoying a fire pit under the starry night sky. A portable pit can be moved easily to accommodate a gathering, while a built-in stone pit is permanent.

Make sure you have adequate lighting for stairs, railings, walkways and paths. Some municipalities have codes to prevent light pollution, so it’s best to work with a professional designer on your outdoor lighting plan.

WATER

Water offers its own unique lifestyle. Be it at a cabin on a lake, coastal living or a luxury spa retreat, the elemental power of water gives an inexplicable feeling of well-being.

If you construct a pool house, carry the look of your home into the design because it is an extension of your main structure. Since the pool house is considered a wet area, use slip-resistant, water-resistant flooring material. Natural, textured stone is a good choice.

Military-grade stainless steel and galvanized metals withstand sea salt air, moisture, strong summer sun, high heat temperatures and wet weather conditions.

Beautiful yet breathable fabrics are engineered to be resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria which makes them great for wet outdoor areas like the pool or boat.

Patricia Wilson is a commercial interior designer registered with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners. Connect with her at www.PatriciaCWilson.com.