Bringing Nature In

       Are you familiar with that invigorating feeling of taking a brisk walk on a cool fall morning? Or maybe you feel better when you are hiking and doing anything outside. There is a reason why so many of us just feel GOOD when we are outside. It is because being outside in nature is good for us! Studies done for the Journal of Environment Psychology show that people who are outside in nature tend to have more vitality and feel more alive. After tracking college students for a period of time, the studies found that individuals who were in natural settings or outside felt more energy in general. Also, just 20 minutes of time outside every day significantly boosted vitality levels. Richard Ryan, the lead author of an article we read and a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester stated that, “Nature is fuel for the soul.” Green Park Store couldn’t agree more!

         If you can’t always be outside on the trails or away from the desk, another alternative is to bring nature to you. This is not a new idea but it is on that is always evolving and is very popular in our part of the country in SW Colorado. We are fortunate enough to live in an area with mountains, blue sky and even red rock desert so it is easy to bring the outdoors right to our backyards. Something as simple as adding some simple landscaping, while using accents like wood and stone can address our need for the natural environment. Creating a fire pit out of sandstone is just one easy idea to design a living space that meets your desire and need for nature around you. 

    So, why not create a space where you can thrive and enjoy the aspects of the outdoors when you just can’t make it to the trail everyday? Here are a few ideas and photos that you might want to put on your wish list for your new home or remodeling project:

A modern exterior with a tree trunk support

A great blend of indoor/outdoor living with a focus on the outdoors

A modern pool room that is open and airy

A great backyard patio area

These photos are all featured on our Houzz.com profile. There is a link to the "ideabook" under each photo. Feel free to contact GreenParkStore and Fusion Interiors with any ideas you might have for your own nature space. Check out our next blog, that will also be focusing on bringing nature into our homes through design.