4 Tips for Enjoying Fall Outdoor Living
We have four great tips for enjoying fall outdoor living! With the weather beginning to cool, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors before winter’s cold sets in. And at MOTIV, we love helping clients create outdoor spaces that really allow them to take advantage of their yards as additional living areas.
With a little intentionality and a bit of fun, you’ll create a space that will invite you outside each day.
Tip 1: Create a Meditative Space
Find a peaceful corner of your yard and create a small garden as a meditative space for your daily practice. Surround the outlined space with taller plants to cultivate a sense of privacy and security. From there, you’ll want to lay down pavers or build a small deck where you can place a yoga mat.
Finally, add a few finishing touches to help set the atmosphere. A water feature will increase energy flow and promote relaxation. Additional hardscaping and ceramic planters will incorporate the earth element into the design. Install a windchime or bird feeder nearby to bring in that life force energy.
Tip 2: Dine Alfresco!
There is nothing better than a dinner alfresco on a cool night. Somehow food just tastes better when you’re outside. To create an outdoor dining space, start by selecting a durable table and low-maintenance chairs. Wrought iron and mesh fiber are fantastic options, and resilient hardwoods like teak or ipe are favorites as well. Additionally, the ipe will patina to a beautiful soft gray over time.
Once you select your table and chairs, set the dining area near your home’s entrance for an easy commute to the outdoor table. If you have to travel over the river and through the woods to reach your dinner table, chances are you won't use it that much.
Finally, make sure to keep our buggy friends in mind. Fly fans or citronella candles will keep them off the table while you dine. And keep in mind that birds and bats will eat bugs as well, so you can incorporate bat boxes and bird feeders or baths to keep them nearby.
Also, pollinators love flowers. If you have a flower garden away from your outdoor dining area, it will draw them to that part of your yard.
Tip 3: Create a Lounge Space with a Firepit
Is there anything more magical than a firepit in the fall? From game night to hanging with the fam before bedtime, you can never go wrong with a cozy outdoor fire.
Simply curating a comfortable space to gather outside can invite everyone outdoors. The addition of a firepit means cozy snuggles, campfire cooking, and enjoyment through the whole winter.
Don’t forget to add a telescope for stargazing if you live in an area with a clear view of the sky.
Tip 4: Don't Forget the Games!
Having a few games on hand is an easy way to enjoy your time outdoors. Remember, you can keep it casual; a frisbee and football are perfect if you don’t have a ton of storage.
A badminton or volleyball net is another favorite of mine. Who doesn't love a basketball hoop for a game of horse? And if you’re really ready to step up your game, don’t forget about croquet, bocce ball, horseshoes, and corn hole!
If you’re ready to invest in the big guys, consider investing in a hot/cool tub or even a swimming pool. Remember, in-ground pools require time and planning, so you should get started in January if you’d like to take a dip the following summer.
Are you looking for more ways to bring the outdoors in and create a home that will nourish your body and soul? Join the waitlist for our brand new course, 8 Weeks to a Deeply Nourishing Home, and be the first to learn all the ways you can breathe life into your space.