Bloom Where You Are Planted: Why Your Outdoor Space Deserves More Love
A thoughtfully styled outdoor dining space that invites stillness, presence, and connection. The natural wood table, paired with woven seating and a soft striped runner adorned with black tassels, feels both grounded and refined.
A delicate bouquet and silver lantern add a touch of ritual—reminding us that outdoor living doesn’t require extravagance, only intention.
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Spring always seems to bring with it a collective sigh of relief. The days stretch a little longer, the sun shines a little brighter, and suddenly—without fail—we all feel that familiar urge: to be outside.
We find ourselves flocking to the newest rooftop patio, booking weekend brunches al fresco, hitting farmers markets, or losing time in the rhythm of live outdoor music. These moments aren’t just seasonal indulgences—they’re something deeper, more primal. Something that connects us to what we crave most: nature, community, and connection.
But here’s the question: if we all love these outdoor experiences so much, why don’t we invest the same energy into creating outdoor spaces of our own?
The Psychology of the Outdoors
From a holistic interior design perspective, your environment is never just physical—it’s emotional and energetic too. The moment we step outside, our bodies start responding. Sunlight activates serotonin, boosting our mood. Fresh air supports oxygen flow and mental clarity. Even being near greenery lowers cortisol levels and decreases stress.
Our nervous systems settle. Our creativity reawakens. And we feel more connected—to ourselves, to others, and to something greater.
This isn’t a coincidence. It’s biology and belonging at play.
Why We’re Drawn to Outdoor Culture
Outdoor experiences are also deeply cultural. In many traditions, from West African courtyard gatherings to Caribbean cookouts, from front porch storytelling to backyard BBQs, the outdoors has always been where life happens.
It’s where people gather, connect, share food, exchange ideas, and witness joy. We show up in community. We find rhythm in the open air. Whether it’s a concert, a local market, or a spontaneous front-yard hangout, we are wired to seek connection—and the outdoors is often the space that makes room for it.
So Why Don’t We Create It at Home?
Even with all the data and desire, many people still hesitate to treat their outdoor spaces with the same care as their interiors. The reasons are layered:
“It’s just the backyard.”
“I don’t spend enough time out there.”
“I don’t know how to make it feel good.”
But here’s the truth: Your outdoor space doesn’t have to be huge or high-maintenance to matter. It just needs to be intentional.
Designing your outdoor area—no matter the size—is an invitation to reconnect with nature, your wellness, and your community. It’s a way to reclaim time, space, and joy.
What Blooming at Home Looks Like
A sun-drenched corner of your patio with a low-slung lounge chair, a woven rug underfoot, and a playlist that feels like summer on repeat.
A tiny bistro setup where you sip your morning coffee in stillness and watch the world wake up around you.
Clusters of thriving green—real or faux—reminding you that growth doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
Globe lights strung above as dusk falls, giving way to laughter, soft conversations, and the sacredness of winding down.
Why This Matters
Your outdoor space is part of your home, not separate from it. When we stop treating it as an afterthought and start seeing it as a continuation of our sanctuary, everything shifts. The joy, the rest, the clarity we seek—they’re already waiting for us in the sunlight, in the breeze, in the pause between moments. That’s what this month’s Your Sanctuary mood board, Bloom Where You Are Planted, is all about: helping you design an outdoor space that’s as soulful and intentional as everything you’re curating inside.
Remember your outdoor space isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing part of your sanctuary. A reminder that wellness doesn’t just come from within the interiors of your four walls. Sometimes, it happens beneath the open skies.
Kadija Taylor, Owner/Principal Designer, Home and Sanctuary
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