“Buitenlucht” (Open Air) Living
Europeans have long embraced outdoor living, having coined the terms alfresco for outside dining, buitenlucht from the Dutch meaning open-air, and en Plein air from 19th-century Impressionist painters. The need for human connection to nature cannot be understated. After two long winters during the pandemic, we’ve universally discovered the importance of spending time outside and communing with nature.
More and more our homes have reflected the desire to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor. Larger windows, expandable openings including NanaWall glass sliding and folding doors, updated technology for skylights, and overall improved building materials have enabled designers and architects to embrace - even erase - those lines between inside and outside.
Our current Newton design project-in-progress includes many of these features plus a screened area that will invite outdoor living (minus pesky insects). Dining and relaxing will be pleasurable in a space designed for enjoyable entertaining en Plein air!
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN
Another way to bring nature into our homes is through plant life. Green is the color of life, renewal, harmony, and freshness. There are so many ways to incorporate plants into interior spaces, not to mention enhancing garden views outside the window. We grow herbs on one of our kitchen window sills, and have designed a living green wall for a double-height living room.
If you’re not familiar with Carter Hilton, let us introduce you to this plant-loving artist and designer. His three books - Wild at Home, Wild Creations, and Wild Interiors - are all about creating plantlife havens in our homes. There are also several plant wall companies in Boston such as CityScapes and Parterre, and US Plants in Washington, D.C. that will install and service your living wall seasonally.
Even a small plot of land, window boxes, or a “garden” of potted plants on the balcony can bring us the advantages gardeners enjoy: lowered blood pressure, reduced stress hormones, and a sense of accomplishment when flowers bloom and veggies ripen. Cutting fresh flowers from our own gardens is pure joy.
PERSONAL CONNECTIONS TO NATURE
I’ve always loved being outdoors through all seasons. Hiking, bicycling, paddle boarding, sailing, and skiing provide exercise as well as beautiful scenery - ingredients for a healthy life well-lived. We’ve grown accustomed to spending a great deal of time on our front porch as well as backyard this year as an antidote to many hours cooped up inside during quarantine.
I love afternoon strolls with our “tyranadoodle”, Otis, slipping out of my shoes and onto the grass early in the morning, and feeling the sand between my toes and fingers is a simple act but so revitalizing. We’re filled with gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones. Our long-awaited family excursions include hosting out-of-town guests, planning out-of-state road trips, sailing, weekend weddings, lawn parties, lobster bakes, barbecues, and beach days.
How have you embraced outdoor living this summer? We want to hear all the ways you’ve been spending time in nature - picnics? Trail walks? Visiting Tower Hill Botanic Garden?