Designing for Outdoor Living in Today’s New Normal

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Designing for Outdoor Living in Today’s New Normal

    With today’s casual lifestyle, even in the most elegant of residences, the outdoor areas of homes have truly become an extension of entertaining and decorating. Since our everyday routines have changed so drastically within just months, the exterior living space has been proven essential to our health and well-being. Staying at home and social distancing, the new watchwords to live by, has led us to transform our outdoor space into a personal sanctuary. 
    While many people will not be vacationing this summer, “staycations” have become a popular and even necessary outlet in today’s new normal. Budgets large and small, are now being spent on creating an outdoor lifestyle that is welcoming and fun – an “extra added attraction” if you will, to the well-designed home. So, what can the outdoors encompass? Certainly, the old barbeque on wheels has long passed its prime, replaced by entire kitchens and fireplaces, it is used for cooking and warmth (allowing for an extension of the outdoor living season into cooler months).
    Lap pools are now joining swimming pools, which more often than not, have spas and waterfalls, and are surrounded by seating areas with TVs and firepits. Sports in the pool are being augmented with all sorts of poolside games: putting greens, shuffleboard courts, badminton and tennis, full-size chess pieces, etc. Seating areas have evolved to look more like comfortable indoor sofas and chairs rather than the old so called, garden furniture. In short, families who simply like enjoying their homes outdoor area, for as long as the Long Island weather permits, have chosen to bring the inside – out, creating a space that features peace and fun. 
    So, whether you are up for a major overhaul or simply in the mood to rearrange, replacing your umbrella, adding some colorful pillows, or planting flowers can provide a whole new look that will help lift your spirits. As always, your home is an extension of yourself and can empower or diminish you depending on how you create it. Likewise, your backyard is now, more so than ever, that extra space which provides a much-needed sense of well-being to you and your family.