Spending time outside is proven to induce calm and relaxation and lower stress levels. As we look forward to long, sunny days and warm, hazy evenings, many of us hope to spend as much time in our gardens as possible. If you dream of retreating to a tranquil oasis after a busy day at work, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you design a serene outdoor space.
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Choose soothing colours
We tend to focus on aesthetics when choosing paint colours and coloured accessories, but adding colour to a space can also impact the feel and ambience. If your goal is to design a garden that has a calming effect, opt for soothing shades. Good examples include neutral colours and tones of green, purple and blue. You can choose to use colour in lots of different ways in your garden. Paint fences, external walls and gates, use decorative accessories like planters, or let your flowers, plants and trees do the talking. Avoid bright colours and clashing tones.
Add water
Have you ever noticed that you feel more relaxed when you’re close to water? Whether you’re watching the waves roll in or you’re enjoying a picnic by a lake or a river, there’s something magically restful about being near water. You might not have space for a lake or a pool in your yard, but there are several ways you can induce calmness by using water features. Make a feature of an existing pond with a pond glass window to watch the fish swim by, build a glass brick wall with cascading falls, or opt for a traditional-style water fountain or statue. You can choose from a vast array of styles and there are options to suit every budget. Browse online stores and get ideas from social media, magazines and places you’ve visited.
Plant scented flowers and herbs
Sensory gardens are designed to stimulate and delight the senses, including sight, smell, touch, hearing and scent. When you’re choosing plants and flowers for your garden, think about the look you want to create and the mood of the space. You can use scented flowers and shrubs and herbs to add soothing aromas to your garden. Lavender, rose and jasmine are wonderful examples.
Create an ambience with lighting
Outdoor lighting can have an instant impact on the feel of your garden. For peaceful spaces, use soft lighting, which creates a romantic, intimate atmosphere. Avoid bright lights like spotlights and luminescent torches. Instead, add string lights or scatter dim lamps around flower beds, terraces and decks. Choose lamps and lights that fit the style of the space. You can also add light with firepits and furniture sets with built-in fire tables.
Many of us look forward to spending as much time outside as possible during the warm summer months when the days are long and light. If you crave peace and tranquillity, there are several ways to create a quiet, relaxing garden oasis. Add water, opt for calming colours, plant scented flowers and plants and create a romantic ambience with soft lighting.