Day 29: Extend Your Living Space to the Outdoors
There is a very special grounding feeling that we can find outdoors that we just can't get inside. As much as we can make our indoor spaces emulate the textures and colors of the outdoors, we can never actually truly transform them into the outdoors. Because of that, our resolution for day 29 is to extend your living space to the outdoors. 31 Days of Loving Our Homes is all about finding a greater love for our spaces and a great way to do this is to extend our living to the outdoors.
Not everyone will have access to a large yard but that doesn't have to limit you. Even if all you have is a balcony, you can still take advantage of the outdoors.
Extending Your Living Space Outdoors
1. Incorporate some element in the outdoor space that you would often see indoors
A great example of this would be a seating area or even something as simple as a rug. An outdoor rug is a great way to define a space outdoors as an area that is meant to be enjoyed.
2. Tie in your interior decor style to your outdoor space
Tying in the decor style that you use indoors is a great way to make the outdoor space feel like an extension of your home as opposed to a separate entity. If for example, you prefer more muted neutral tones indoors, try utilizing those same tones in the materials that you purchase for your outdoor space (pots, furniture, etc).
3. Make a point of utilizing your outdoor space
This may seem like a silly tip but even as a Floridian I often forget to take advantage of my outdoor space. Whenever we get back into using our patio, I can't quite remember why we stopped!
When having large amounts of people over I love to have the outdoor space picked up and set up for people to hangout. That way, my guests can pick and choose where they'd like to spend their time.
4. Utilize even the smallest of spaces
Even if you have a very small balcony, it is nice to take advantage of your outdoor space. String up some cute lights on the railing and include a potted plant, a small drink table and small door mat... this is enough to make the space inviting. Whenever you or a guest wants to get some fresh air, you'll have a super cute and functional standing room only outdoor space!