Sunday, December 30, 2012

Bringing Nature In


Are you familiar with that invigorating feeling of taking a brisk walk on a cool fall morning? Or maybe you feel better when you are hiking and doing anything outside. There is a reason why so many of us just feel GOOD when we are outside. It is because being outside in nature is good for us! Studies done for the Journal of Environment Psychology show that people who are outside in nature tend to have more vitality and feel more alive. After tracking college students for a period of time, the studies found that individuals who were in natural settings or outside felt more energy in general. Also, just 20 minutes of time outside every day significantly boosted vitality levels. Richard Ryan, the lead author of an article we read and a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester stated that, “Nature is fuel for the soul.” Fusion Interiors couldn’t agree more!


         If you can’t always be outside, another alternative is to bring nature indoors. This is not a new idea but it is on that is always evolving and is very popular in our part of the country in SW Colorado. We are fortunate enough to live in an area with mountains, blue sky and even red rock desert so it is easy to bring the outdoors in through large windows, sliding glass door walls, lighting and sustainable design.  Something as simple as adding more natural light and open space, while using accents like wood and stone can address our need for the natural environment. Sun tubes are a wonderful way to bring in daylight where you do not have windows like in hallways and closets.
    Why not create a space where you can thrive and enjoy the aspects of the outdoors when you just can’t make it to the trail everyday? Here are a few ideas and photos that you might want to put on your wish list for your new home or remodeling project:

A modern exterior with a tree trunk support

Natural Light in a hallway with a suntube

Natural Light, Stone Fireplace, Wood Ceiling

Natural Stone and natural lighting with windows around the tub

A wall of windows with woven wood coverings 
These photos are all featured on our Houzz.com profile. There is a link to the "ideabook" under each photo. Feel free to contact Fusion Interiors with any ideas you might have for your own nature space. Check out our next blog, that will also be focusing on bringing nature into our homes through design.

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