Cover The versatile Gandia Blasco Pergola can be installed in any
open area. Image courtesy of: Living Innovations
The versatile Gandia Blasco Pergola can be installed in any open area. Image courtesy of: Living Innovations
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Invite life and nature into the home by embracing the outdoors
The importance of nature has never been more highlighted than during the last few years when the world experienced a global health crisis. With movement and travel restrictions in place, people longed for the sound of running water from a river or the falls, or stylish glamping tents for weekend escapes. Sunshine, beaches, greenery, fresh air and the great outdoors became some of life’s most desirable luxuries.
However, living with nature is not only aspirational but has been proven to be a necessity due to its many benefits. A study led by social psychologist Mathew White of the European Centre for Environment & Human Health at the University of Exeter in 2020 found that people who spent two hours a week in green spaces or natural environments were substantially more likely to report good health and psychological well-being than those who didn’t. According to White, more studies have shown that spending time with nature is an antidote for stress as it can lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, reduce anxiety, balance hormone levels and improve mood. In another study titled Gardening on a Psychiatric Inpatient Unit: Cultivating Recovery, researchers revealed that exposure to nature provided calmness, and activities such as gardening often resulted in improved mood and fostered a sense of belonging and reduced isolation.
Read also: 6 Ways To Add Cosiness And A Touch of Hygge Into Your Home
Above Designed to be elegant and comfortable, the
Sealine by Jean-Marie Massaud for Dedon is equally at home on the terrace of an African lodge or the deck of a yacht in the Scandinavian fjords. Image courtesy of Living Innovations
Designed to be elegant and comfortable, the Sealine by Jean-Marie Massaud for Dedon is equally at home on the terrace of an African lodge or the deck of a yacht in the Scandinavian fjords. Image courtesy of Living Innovations
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With these benefits, friluftsliv (pronounced “free-loofts-liv”), the Scandinavian concept of open-air living, comes into the picture. The idea of friluftsliv is about reconnecting with nature, breathing fresh air and having outdoor adventures like forest bathing, camping, sitting by the bonfire, or having barbecue lunch with your loved ones. What sets this apart from the equally on-trend biophilic design is that the latter only brings the outdoors into the living spaces, while friluftsliv is bringing nature in and encouraging to stay outdoors as well.
“The friluftsliv ethos is even more relevant now. Outdoor living is about hope, optimism and anticipation that tomorrow will be a better day. For many, outdoor living equates to having some greenery accents in their homes or even an area where sunlight can shine through. Being able to see the outside through our windows can also bring about the feeling of outdoor living,” says Joliza Tan, principal interior designer at Twenty Four Builders Company.
“It gives a sense of calm and serenity when nature is the centre of the design philosophy. Aside from the aesthetics which are visually stimulating, bringing nature indoors has many benefits especially for one’s health and well-being,” says Bianca Wee, category manager at Living Innovations, a distributor of luxury furniture in the Philippines, including outdoor brand, Dedon.
Read also: Home Tour: Carol Karthe's Sta. Rosa Abode Echoes a Perfect Symbiosis of Nature and Structure
Above Normann Copenhagen’s cushions add a pop of colour to the living space
Normann Copenhagen’s cushions add a pop of colour to the living space
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1. Optimise natural light and ventilation
One of the easiest ways to incorporate friluftsliv into the home is to maximise the use of natural light and ventilation. For those who are still building their houses or are planning a major update, Kingston Tan, architect and senior design specialist at Pottery Barn Philippines (a brand exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc) recommends installing “large floor-to-ceiling windows to let in more sunlight and air circulation”.
Above The Giro Collection by Vincent Van Duysen for Kettal at Casa Bella merges with
nature harmoniously to create a pleasant
atmosphere. Image courtesy of Casa Bella Home and Living
The Giro Collection by Vincent Van Duysen for Kettal at Casa Bella merges with nature harmoniously to create a pleasant atmosphere. Image courtesy of Casa Bella Home and Living
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Meanwhile, those who are not due for renovation yet can brighten the space by maximising the natural light peeking through the existing windows. “Keep them open, use side curtains and let in as much sunlight as possible. Having an unobstructed window makes for good air circulation and a better view of the outside,” says Bianca. Joliza agrees, explaining that “only a few have such wide outdoor gardens and greenery within their homes, so we try to bring as much of the outdoors into the home as possible”.
Read also: Boho Chic: Find Out How Hotelier Tina Cuevas Throws A Soiree At Home
2. Remove obstructions to give way to an open layout
Above Ethan Allen’s Redding Ridge modern outdoor sectional seat takes the outdoor spaces to the next level. Images courtesy of Focus Global Inc
Ethan Allen’s Redding Ridge modern outdoor sectional seat takes the outdoor spaces to the next level. Images courtesy of Focus Global Inc
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Another way to invite nature into the living space is to break the barriers, making the layout as open as possible. “Certain rooms can be designed to open seamlessly into the outdoors. For example, the formal dining room can be connected to the lanai and garden creating one welcoming, expansive area by simply opening the sliding doors,” Joliza explains. This way, you not only bring in nature but also encourage lounging by the al fresco area where you can have a good read, practise yoga or simply slow things down.
Read also: Home Tour: Inside Camille Co-Koro And Husband Joni's Chic Scandinavian Abode
3. Choose stylish outdoor furniture
The Crinoline armchair by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia is a statement piece on its own. Image courtesy of Focus Global Inc
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Those who have the luxury of outdoor space can create a nice spot in the garden, patio or lanai by mixing and matching stylish outdoor furniture and fun home accessories made of natural materials. “A favourite piece would be the Crinoline armchair by Patricia Urquiola with its high backrest and romantic floral interlace design. [It is] a statement piece that echoes the queen of the house,” Joliza says, speaking of the captivating B&B Italia piece. There is also Dedon’s award-winning Kida hanging lounge chair by Stephen Burks, which has a comfortable cushion that covers the entire seating area and, in Burk’s own words, feel “as free as the breeze”.
Read also: Home Tour: Inside Donnie and Crickette Tantoco’s Weekend Haven In Alabang
4. Entertain al fresco
Above Ethan Allen’s Nod Hill rectangular dining table is perfect on the patio. Image courtesy of Focus Global Inc
Ethan Allen’s Nod Hill rectangular dining table is perfect on the patio. Image courtesy of Focus Global Inc
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Allot a space where you can dine al fresco like a place for barbecue or brick-oven pizza. If you live in a cooler place, save a spot for a mini bonfire where you and your friends can roast marshmallows and imbibe some frosty black lager, mimicking the experience you would have when you go camping. Construct a koi pond if the space allows.
Read also: Home Tour: Kelly Hoppen’s Countryside House Has a Modern Rustic Look We Love
5. Unleash the green thumb in you
Pottery Barn’s faux potted fiddle leaf trees look so real and need little to no maintenance
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Plants play a key role in this concept of embracing the outdoors. “Having greens inside the house not only helps in improving the aesthetics as well as air quality but is proven to relieve stress and has therapeutic abilities,” says Bianca. “Being in the presence of trees, greenery and everything natural increases production of feel-good hormones such as serotonin, endorphins, dopamine, etc, thus having a positive effect on our health, mood and outlook,” adds Kingston.
“Layer plants with [a variety of] height, depth and colours to give contrast. I love rearranging the potted plants depending on my mood. It is such a joy to find them thriving and blooming. Depending on the kind you choose, plants can set the mood of the home—from tropical to Nordic to Asian, to minimalist, etc. They can be the focal point of an area like the foyer, accent pieces on a side cabinet or shelf, or can fill up empty corners,” says Marleen Uyecio, vice president for design at Kuysen.
However, not all have an open space to spare, such is the case of condo-dwellers. As a solution, Kingston recommends “developing your balcony into a mini oasis with plants and some outdoor furniture”. Indoor plants are also a welcome way to infuse friluftsliv into your home’s interiors. While some homeowners naturally possess a green thumb, those who don’t can take advantage of the widely available artificial plants like Pottery Barn’s faux potted fiddle leaf fig trees.
Read also: New Normal Home Improvement Tips: Cyndi Fernandez Beltran On Biophilic Design And More
6. Go natural
Above Pottery Barn’s
bestselling Havana seagrass baskets bring a tropical touch
Pottery Barn’s bestselling Havana seagrass baskets bring a tropical touch
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Besides adding greenery inside the home, consider using furniture pieces and accents that echo nature such as those made from materials like wood, leather and cotton. These pieces induce a warm, close-to-nature vibe. “These bring texture and personality into your home. I usually stick to an earthy palette when designing because they evoke a feeling of warmth, making the house a home,” shares Joliza.
Rattan baskets, hemp lamps and seagrass accents add natural touches. What is good is that most of these materials are readily available especially in the Philippines and in other Southeast Asian countries. “Using cane or rattan/solihiya is all the rave now. Whether they be in small trays or an armchair or wall dividers, this classic material is now finding its way back into our homes. Aside from the use of wood, which is the most common natural material used in our homes, rattan now proves to be as satisfying when used as well as giving off that midcentury-modern vibe that everyone can appreciate,” Bianca enthuses. Hanging artwork with land- and seascape motifs can make your interior space feel outdoorsy. Likewise, water features emit a soothing sound like that of the ocean.
Read also: Where To Buy Rattan Furniture In Metro Manila: 12 Online Stores With Tropical Flair
“Spending time outside is reminiscent of recreation, relaxation and reflection. Being connected with nature contributes to one’s holistic well-being, which is why incorporating natural elements is always significant in design,” shares Kingston. With the confinement in the last two years and now the reopening anxiety brought about by the current health situation, few of us have the chance to travel to places where we can commune with nature. “By bringing the outdoor environment into our homes and blurring the demarcation between indoor and outdoor spaces, adding a plant here and there, and using more natural and organic materials, we can enjoy a little bit of nature every day in our homes,” wraps up Joliza. “These bring a sense of calm and serenity to our spaces and our lives.”
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Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
