It’s Time to Connect with the World Again with Thoughtful Design
Over the past year, we’ve spent more time in our homes than ever before. While it remains important for our home to be a retreat, we think it’s time to connect with the world again. For us, this is all about connecting our indoor and outdoor spaces, introducing natural ventilation and lots of light, bringing home life closer to nature.
It’s time to embrace fresh air, open spaces, and natural lighting once again with living spaces that prioritise natural ventilation. Not only is this better for our mental wellbeing, but good home décor and design can also foster togetherness and build relationships. This isn’t just a feel-good theory – the study of neuroarchitecture is making leaps and bounds, recognising the connection between buildings and mental health.
According to research director Eve Edelstein, “Our brain’s senses, perceptions, thoughts, emotions and actions all respond to the air we breathe, the quality of light, the intensity of sound, and the colour, texture and dimension of all places.”
As we get ready to enter back into the swing of things, our homes can help us improve our wellbeing and connect with the outside world. Follow these suggestions and tips to bring the outside in as we ease back into everyday life.
Integrate Indoors and Outdoors with Fly Screens for Doors
The smell of fresh air and the feel of a gentle breeze on your skin – these sensations can truly perk up your mood. We love throwing open our windows and doors whenever the weather is lovely (and sometimes even when it’s not). However, we don’t love the nasty buzzing insects that come along with open doors.
That’s why fly screens for doors are such a good choice, especially as we embrace the great outdoors. Their ‘barely there’ mesh prevents flies, bees, and mosquitoes from getting inside without blocking your view or any of the fresh air. As a result, you can ventilate your home without unwanted pests, boost your mood, and make your home a healthier and happier place to be.
Create ‘Digital Free’ Zones
It may seem like an oxymoron to talk about disconnecting from the internet while ‘reaching out to the outside world.’ But haven’t we all had enough of the internet over the past year, when we could only socialise on Zoom calls and Messenger chats? Creating a ‘digital free zone’ in your home can reduce overstimulation and improve overall wellbeing.
Instead of staring at a screen or tapping away on your phone, designating a calm pocket of your home or garden can bring your family together for conversation and laughter. Similarly, when you’re configuring your lounge room, don’t just design around the TV—instead, design around people, conversation, and guests.
Make the Most of Natural Light
In addition to adding fly screens for doors (which allow light to flood inside), there are plenty of other ways that you can make the most of natural light in your home. Pay close attention to where the light lands at different times of day, and place your furniture in different clusters accordingly, allowing for morning light and darkness at night.
Light exposure is essential for our bodies’ natural rhythms, improving our mood and helping us stay perky during the day and sleep well. If you work from home, take full advantage of your largest windows and glass doors so you can admire the view and get some vitamin D while at your desk.
Bring Elements of Nature Indoors
The trickle of a waterfall. The sparkle of a lake. The crunch of fall leaves underfoot. If these sights and sounds are soothing to your soul, you’re not alone – Edward O Wilson hypothesised about ‘biophilia’ back in the 1980s. It explains why we have “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life.”
Studies have shown that hospital patients recover more quickly when they can see a natural scene. It’s clear that natural elements are good for the body, mind, and soul – how can you bring even more of them indoors?
• Add a water feature, such as a fountain or even a bowl of water and flowers
• Fill your rooms with houseplants and fresh flowers
• Leave your doors and windows open whenever possible by installing fly screens for windows
• Use mirrors to reflect views of the garden and make the most of light
Get Rid of the Clutter
Is your house feeling cramped and full of junk? It’s time to kick the clutter to the kerb to make more room for the things you love.
It isn’t just that clutter keeps you physically stuck in your own little world; it causes mental blocks as well, preventing you from living your life to the fullest. According to researchers at DePaul University in Chicago, people with cluttered homes reported less satisfaction in their lives, and experienced far more stress and disorganisation.
When you have too much visual stimuli in your home, it distracts you from the more important things in life, such as family, relaxation, and hobbies. Even worse, it can prevent you from enjoying the best that the outside world has to offer. So, while you don’t have to go as extreme as Marie Kondo, now is the time to assess your belongings and start decluttering your home.
Are you ready to open up your home and mind to the outside world and connect with others once again? Get in touch with our sales team for more information on our range of screens.
