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Step Out - Boundless Living

Step Out - Boundless Living

By Francesca McGlone on 18th August, 2010

Although building an extension onto a house seems like a clear solution to access the benefits of extra space; the reality of a separate area, distinct from the parameters of a house that sits within the beautiful surroundings of your garden and acts as a haven of peace, seems to be a winning alternative. A garden building, by its very position and purpose is a refreshing addition to a home, close enough to be an eye-catching feature but is far enough away to be a separate retreat, which possesses its own atmosphere derived from a decorative assortment of greenery.

The building also allows for increased time in the garden, which promotes well-being. The comfort of being in a private setting, without household distractions or pressures but with access to familiar amenities is an ultimate combination. The noises of the household can be escaped, which would be less effective with the division of a door, as opposed to the garden space that absorbs unwanted sounds to ensure a muffled environment, ideal for concentrating or relaxing.

Just as houses possess a variety of atmospheres, due to the choice of décor, scale, smells and sounds; gardens also create ambiances through a mix of foliage, colours, smells and natural light that is cast across the scene. It could be said that nature provides the most atmospheric of settings, as a combination of sight, smell and touch envelop the senses intensely. Often, the home is sprayed with natural scents, such as forest pine, desert flowers or morning rain. The recreation of nature's fragrances within the home is evidence of their ability to infuse the indoors with atmospheric vigour and mask stale odours that can occur indoors. The launch of National Geographic air fresheners that capture a wide variety of fragrances from all over the world is evidence of the desire to expand the confined horizons of indoor living.

A mood board can be created in order to create a theme for both the indoor space of the garden building, as well as the garden itself. Magazine cuttings and materials can be fixed to the board to create a specific theme. Natural environments can produce romantic atmospheres, enhanced by rose gardens, cascading water and blossom, while a rustic environment could be created with rusty benches, pebbles and trellises. The garden is also affected by the changing seasons, avoiding a tired setting that can occur within a house as wallpaper or furniture does unchanged.

A field of poppies will have a different impact to a vast beach, which will have a different impact to a dense forest. Nature contains a multitude of options, which are ready to be plucked and unfurled into a garden setting. The personal elements of interior and exterior design can be combined, when considering the garden building and its context. The arrangement of trees and flowers within a garden draws parallels with the carefully considered furniture positioning interior design. The variety of plants and flowers within a garden setting work to stamp a specific style upon a space, as well as key statements, such as a willow tree or round pond that add character. The lawn acts as a carpeted expanse, which offsets other leafy features. A garden can be sculpted in order to create a specific feeling through personal preference, perfect for setting the scene for a garden building that takes centre stage.

The transition from house to garden marks a transition in mindset. As soon as you step out into the garden, you are met with a different feel, just as a new room contains a fresh atmosphere; the garden acts as a pleasant gateway into the realms of leisure or work. A garden building will provide you with the extra space you crave but will also offer a sense of escapism, nestled conveniently into the grounds of your home.


Category:  Garden Buildings

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