How to create a safe, calm oasis at home
Many people are looking for ways to update their homes to provide a sense of comfort and a connection to the outdoors. The goal is to create a safe, calm oasis at home, drawing inspiration from biophilic designs, which means enhancements that focus on a human’s innate attraction to nature.
Outdoor projects are flourishing as people extend their living spaces to feel closer to their natural surroundings. Check out these top backyard renovation ideas:
WATER ELEMENTS
There is something serene about listening to ocean waves or a bubbling brook, and people are bringing this feeling home by incorporating water elements into their outdoor spaces. The stress-reducing effect of listening to water is welcome, plus water elements add to the outdoor aesthetic and beautify the space. Something as simple as a solar-powered fountain can work this magic, but many people are investing more money into permanent structures, such as garden streams, ponds and pondless waterfalls.
FULL OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Eating al fresco is wonderful for sharing meals, but cooking al fresco takes outdoor living to a whole new level. Outdoor kitchens are trending, with many people customizing patio spaces with a grill, hearth or pizza oven, a refrigerator and even a sink, thanks to above-floor plumbing solutions such as the Sanivite drain pump from Saniflo. Typically for proper drainage, a home would need conventional, below-floor plumbing, but abovethe-floor options like drain pumps make it possible to add a sink and more where no drainage currently exists. After a full outdoor kitchen is established, people are rounding out these spaces with a dining table and even lounge chairs for conversing and making memories at home.
FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPING
People are striving for thoughtful landscape designs that keep in mind their needs and the needs of the environment. For example, shade elements provide comfort, privacy and sound control, allowing spaces to be used for gathering or for work and study. Sustainable gardens are another good example, with people wanting the ability to produce herbs, vegetables and fruits at home. Beyond the garden plot, this includes container gardens, raised-bed gardens and integrating edibles into landscaping. People are enjoying the ability to get creative and exercise their green thumbs.
OUTDOOR BATHROOMS
For people who have a pool, spa or detached workout space, having an outdoor bathroom can be a huge plus. However, it can also be costly and timeconsuming to create one separate from the main home using conventional plumbing methods. There are alternatives that require no breaking up concrete or excavation to install expensive below-floor drainage. Self-contained macerating toilets are ideal for small spaces such as a cabana or a changing room where a toilet would be convenient. Plus, the dual-flush system saves water, which can help manage utility bills and support the environment.
PRIVATE, PERSONALIZED OUTDOOR ROOMS
With a bit of creativity and a strategic approach, people are creating outdoor “rooms” that are mini-escapes alongside Mother Nature. This might include creating a meditative garden in the corner of the yard, a yoga space for daily practice next to the patio, or a pathway that leads to a backyard bench for a reading retreat. Hardscaping with elements such as rocks and stone is often used to define these spaces, while trees, shrubs and vines are used to add privacy. Homeowners are even incorporating their personal tastes into these spaces with sculpture, glass art or other garden decor.
The pandemic has had an undeniable influence on architectural, building and remodeling trends, with outdoor projects popular nationwide. These top projects reflect the human desire for connection to the natural world and to find comfort in outdoor-living opportunities.