We all know that surrounding ourselves with nature brings a host of health benefits. Both mentally and physically, the great outdoors can make us feel inspired, relaxed and refreshed. Research even suggests that spending time outside can alleviate some of the symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, asthma and dementia.
So what if we could recreate these benefits inside the comfort of our homes? Introducing elements of the outdoors into our interior design is a great way to connect us to the natural world. Houseplants and floral decor might be a quick fix, but if you’re looking for a more innovative solution, one that will add long-term value to your property, read on: this post will explain three ways you can help to bring the outside into your home.
1) Build a Deck
Building a deck is a great way to extend your home into your garden. Whether you live in the sunshine of Southern California or the snowy winters of New Hampshire, decking can serve as an amazing open-air ‘room’ of your house. As well as adding to the value of your property, it also provides you with the space to enjoy spending time outside, without the faff of deckchairs, outdoor shoes or picnic rugs.
Companies such as MG Construction & Decks and others will take care of the specifications and safety requirements, leaving you free to design a decking which works perfectly for you and your family. Add some outdoor heaters and weather-proof furnishings, and your deck will be ideal for everything from sun-bathing to star-gazing, all year round.
2) Buy Full Spectrum Lighting
If you live in a state which isn’t blessed with eternal sunshine, you might notice your mood start to slump in the colder months. Seasonal Affective Disorder – otherwise appropriately known as SAD – is a type of depression many people experience in winter, thought to be caused by a lack of sunlight (which provides us with vitamin D). The good news is there’s a way to cheat the seasons and bring some much-needed daylight back into your home.
Full spectrum light, as its name suggests, contains all the frequencies of light from infra-red to ultraviolet. Daylight is an example of this, but the fluorescent bulbs in your lamps at home only contain a part of the spectrum. By switching to full spectrum bulbs, which are color-matched to sunlight, you’ll be able to provide your body with all the benefits of natural daylight, even during the darkest of nights.
3) Install a Skylight
Depending on the layout of your property, installing a skylight can be a bit of a challenge – but the results are worth it. Skylights, also referred to as roof lights, are glazed windows set into a sloped or flat roof. As well as providing a beautiful view of the clouds and stars, a skylight will fill your home with natural sunlight, brightening up spaces such as hallways and corridors which don’t have any conventional windows.
Although they can be expensive, choosing to install a skylight can be a good investment. Not only do they increase the resale value of your home, they can also conserve energy and maintain room temperature. The extra solar energy they let in will help to heat your house in winter, while the cold glass will quickly cool any warm air rising toward them in summer.
Bring Some Natural Energy Into Your Home Today
With so many mental, physical and financial benefits at stake, why not follow some of these tips to brighten up your home this year?
