Life moves fast,
doesn't it?
As mothers, as
women aiming to live purposefully, we always want places – a sanctuary, a place
where we can truly relax, sit with our families, and simply be.
'Staycation' has
transitioned from mere fad to philosophical vision: investing in our homes as
the ultimate haven.
And no, this isn't
just about a nice-looking yard. What you're looking at here is a setting that
feeds your soul. You know when you get somewhere, it just feels right, you can
close your eyes and just smile, in peace; you're truly worry-free and happy. You
want a retreat, somewhere where you feel happy and safe – you want a
sanctuary.is
In this article,
we'll go over five ways you could turn your home into a sanctuary that your
entire family can enjoy.
The Sound of Water (The Calming
Element)
If you let the
sound of water enter your life, an undeniable peace will surround you. As your
outdoor space opens to the wind or rain, in the stillness of the air, your
water features seem to enhance the restorative power of your pool.
Imagine watching
your children splash in a clear water stream on a hot afternoon or sitting by a
bubbling brook in the morning to sip a coffee. Not only does water take the
focus away from your worries, but it's also soothing as an afterthought; it
washes away the stresses of the day, creating peace and serenity instead.
It's an investment
in the ambience, a gift that just keeps giving.
Soft Light
When the light
gradually fades away from overhead during the transition from day to dusk, a
lot of the harsh overhead lights of daily life can be jarring. A true sanctuary
knows that soft, layered lighting can inspire ease and intimacy.
Be less concerned
with fundamental security lights, but light up a well-designed path with lights
placed strategically and subtly along the way.
Lighting up trees
gently with soft, portrait lights or a pergola with string lights or flameless
candles and lanterns for an enchanting effect.
This smart
illumination makes any outdoor area of your space much more usable, providing
opportunities to have conversations, gaze into the sunset, and light a quiet
time after the sun goes down, embracing you in the evening's hug.
Natural textures
When we feel our
connection in the same way, we feel our connection with our nature.
How about when you
are creating your sanctuary, the concept of using a variety of natural textures
and ways for people to engage with places?
Think about these:
➔ Smooth river stones at your feet, the coarse bark
of a well-placed tree, a cool feel when standing on that natural flagstone, the
soft give of a wonderful outdoor rug.
➔ Look at reclaimed wood for a deck, or textures at
lush plantings to have varied surfaces.
Nature is there in
abundance to nurture you, taking you away from your troubles, which are still
out present, but reminding us that the earth is never stingy with its gifts.
Comfort and Functionality
Beauty without
comfort is just a display. First and foremost, a restorative
sanctuary is livable.
You definitely want
to buy furniture that's long-lasting. This means, avoid materials such as
suede, because these will start to deteriorate after 2-3 years, and there's no
way to repair that damage, so it'll look unpleasant to the eye. Also, whichever
material you go for, make sure its resistance to wear is high (especially if
you've got pets).
With all that being
said, don't compromise in the comfort department too much. If you're all about
resilience, then you might as well just get a giant block of steel and sit on
that. If you're going for fully outdoor furniture, then make sure they're waterproof
(not resistant, but proof). And that they won't get damaged by the sun (UV
radiation) too much.
Get a lot of shade
(pergolas or umbrellas), and if the evenings get cold, then also get some
electric heaters.
By carefully
placing the things that are super important to your home, like an outdoor
kitchen, convenient storage, or even a shower outside, you will encourage the
desire to go to the outdoor living spaces.
Regional Grounding
Looking at home
trends across the Mid-Atlantic, we'll see a stunning shift in trend toward
'all-season' hospitality. What's currently happening is that people are moving
away from tourism, and they seem to be investing in their own land.
A great example of
this can be seen with custom swimming pools in Downingtown PA, where homeowners are collaborating with local experts
to make environments that withstand the distinctive Pennsylvania weather and
provide a year-round respite.
In a place like
Scottsdale (AZ), the collaboration is still real, but the pool design will be
more focused on heat management and how much water evaporates (and how to
prevent that and keep the pool cool during super hot summers).
Focusing on local
knowledge so that your sanctuary is not simply beautiful for one season, but
rather a resilient base for your family's best memories.
Local builders know
the subtleties of the ground, the weather, and the look of the spaces, which
ensure that what you have is a swimming pool area that suits your home, is
well-crafted, and long-lasting.
Conclusion
Is all of this an
investment? Yes, it is.
But it’s a worthy
one.
Think about it – if
someone were to stop you right now, and they told you, “Hey, do you want to
have the most beautiful home both inside and outside, somewhere where you AND your family feel safe, feel happy, and at
peace all year long?”, you’d ask, “What’s the catch?”
No one would say
‘no’ here. We all want this. And if it costs a bit to get there, so be it.
It’ll DEFINITELY be worth it!
*contributed post*
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