Spring is in the Air…
Before you know it, Spring will be in full bloom! I love Spring. You can feel the renewal and the energy in the air, which makes it the perfect time to live outdoors.
So, whether you have a grand patio with a pool, or a modest balcony, your outdoor space should be comfortable, inviting, stylish and reflect your personality. Here are 10 simple ways to boost the energy of your outdoor space.
Put Out a Bird Bath
Bird baths are sculptural art for the yard. They come in all shapes and styles. Find one you love and place it where you can see it. Our feather friends are sure to appreciate it as the weather gets hotter, and there’s nothing more precious than seeing little birds splash in the water.
Wind Chimes
If you don’t have a wind chime, I highly recommend them. Not only are they pieces of art, but their soothing tones promote relaxation and reduce stress, anger and tension. Their tone will depend on how they’re made and what they’re made of. So, listen before you buy. I personally prefer the deep baritone sounds, but the important thing is, how the sound make YOU feel.
Add a Fountain
If you love the “water” idea, but not the wildlife, try adding a fountain. Whether a standing or a wall fountain, there’s nothing like the sound of water. Many fountains are inexpensive, easy to install and create enormous atmosphere. You might consider looking into solar fountains too.
A Portable Fire Pit
Now that you have a water feature, bring in the FIRE! Like water, fire evokes warmth, life and energy. And today, there are many ways to enjoy fire outdoors without actually having an outdoor fireplace.
Outdoor Curtains
What better way to bring the intimate indoor atmosphere outside? Outdoor curtains are not only beautiful but also functional. Depending on where you hang them, they can provide privacy plus heat, sun and mosquito protection. But DO make sure they’re made for the outdoors. Interior panels won’t hold up to the elements.
Suspended Relaxation
Have you considered a hammock? No matter if you hang it between 2 trees or the stand it comes with….once you’ve experience this suspended relaxation, you’ll wonder how you ever did without one.
Or how about this hanging lounge?! This outdoor hanging lounge looks like a bird nest. It’s the perfect place for relaxation, meditation and conversation outdoors. It’s called Nestrest and was designed by Dedon, a German company that creates really amazing furniture for outdoors .
Wall Decor
If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space with a wall, you should take full advantage of it. There are no rules that say you can’t hang art outside. And there are no rules that say “art” has to be a painting. Clocks, canvases, sconces, murals, wreaths, iron…as long as it can withstand the elements, it can be used outside.
Container Gardens
It’s SO much easier to water and maintain a container garden than one planted on the ground, especially if space and time are limited. Yet, the impact is no less colorful. Container gardens are perfect for annuals, and allow you to create and enjoy a garden anywhere you want to place it.
Hanging Ferns
I LOVE hanging ferns. Oh, I suppose there are many plants that you can hang on your porch, but there’s something exquisitely Southern about a fern that just screams “hospitality”. Think of them as an annual accessory…you can get them for less than $10 each, water them frequently and they’ll last through the summer getting bigger and lusher.
Area Rugs
Here’s another design element that I’m passionate about…area rugs! Today’s outdoor rugs are not the same as even 5 years ago. With modern weaving techniques and modern yarns, today’s outdoor rugs are durable and more colorful than ever.
Yes, Spring is almost here.
Hope these have inspired you to breath in the air,soak in the sun and enjoy your outdoors!
Till Next Time,
Alba
