As Lauren Hourigan, a designer from KOEDN®, explains, designers are now focused on activating outdoor spaces and making them appealing to all guests so that they can enjoy the benefits of nature right at their doorstep. By incorporating outdoor design elements, you can create an inviting atmosphere that draws you out of your home and into the natural world.

In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to bring the beauty of nature into your outdoor spaces. We’ll discuss the latest design trends and techniques for creating comfortable and functional outdoor areas that cater to your needs. Whether you’re a homeowner or an outdoor enthusiast looking for inspiration, this guide is for you. Join us as we discover how to create unforgettable outdoor experiences that connect you with nature and enhance your quality of life.

Today’s clients view outdoor areas as an extension of their indoor living spaces, and they expect these spaces to offer a range of amenities that complement the indoors.

With wellness taking on greater importance in our lives, more people are looking to incorporate outdoor environments that support their health and well-being. For clients, investing in outdoor spaces is also a way to attract and retain the best talent.

The way we use and perceive space is evolving, with a greater emphasis on comfort, accessibility, and hospitality. As a result, designers are responding by creating outdoor spaces that feel more casual, home-like, and welcoming.

We spend most of our time indoors, even though our instincts tell us to be outside. This is a problem. But, we see that being outside is essential across every aspect of our lives.

For example, in the hospitality industry, people are willing to wait longer and pay more for a room with a view. In education, students do better when they have outdoor stimulation. And in healthcare, patients feel better seeing nature from their room. This isn’t just important for corporate employees – every industry has workers who can benefit from being outside.

That’s why more and more businesses are creating outdoor spaces that are intentionally designed to attract people and retain employees. They’re using trends like blending indoor and outdoor spaces, using shade and glare control, offering different types of seating, and using durable, water-resistant materials to make these spaces even better. Designers do this every day, and it’s making a big difference.

We often spend most of our time indoors and don’t get enough natural light, which can harm our sleep patterns. To make up for it, we often use artificial light, which can further disrupt our natural sleep cycle.

According to a study by L.L.Bean, 86% of people want to spend more time outside during their workday, but only 8% do so in an integrated way. According to 65% of respondents, the biggest barrier is their job.

However, the study found that an outdoor workspace that considers needs such as power, connectivity, and shade can increase user productivity by 300% and improve work performance by 50%. In addition, 92% of people reported feeling happier while working outdoors.

It’s clear that spending time in nature can positively impact our well-being, and incorporating outdoor workspaces is a practical solution to help us reap those benefits. And if that’s not enough, here are a few facts about the impact nature has on the body.

Our bodies relax in pleasant, natural surroundings because they evolved there. Our senses are adapted to interpret information about plants and streams, not traffic and high-rises.” –National Geographic.

Outdoor spaces make people happier, and the Top 3 Reasons Aesthetics Are Important in Outdoor Spaces, and the aesthetics of outdoor spaces contribute to the success of the overall built environment in the following ways:

Now that we have discussed the considerations for designing exterior environments let’s dive into the attributes that make up the best outdoor experience.

When designing outdoor spaces, it’s important to consider a few key factors. One of the most important is the need for shade and shelter. This allows us to incorporate indoor comforts like manageable temperatures and comfortable work setups. Once that’s sorted, we can start thinking about other elements that make outdoor spaces enjoyable.

Some important criteria to consider when specifying products for outdoor environments include durability, water resistance, aesthetic design, UV resistance, comfort and cleanability.

By taking all of these into account, you can create the best possible outdoor experience for your needs.