Color is essential, seductive and pervasive. There is also an inescapable emotional aspect to color. Wether you are planting flowers, a garden, trees, deciding on pillows and furniture, paint or stain colors, take into consideration what is already in place. What color is the exterior of your home? Is there a connection to what you have on in the interior of your home? Now, I'm not saying your exterior needs to be identical to the interior, but creating a harmonic flow from one space to the next will have a much greater impact.
Smells
Aromatic trees, shrubs, flowers and herbs can make stepping out into your oasis that much more special. Take some time and put a little thought into what smells evoke that feeling of relaxation or sense of wellbeing for you. You can also use smells to keep pesky bugs away! Lavender can be wonderful to plant in pots on your deck to keep the mosquito’s from buzzing around.
Sound
Nature brings us many sounds on its own when enjoying the outdoors but we can expand from that. The sound of flowing water trickling along can be soothing and calming, adding a water feature to your oasis brings relaxation and beauty.
Do you love music? I DO! Outdoor speakers are a wonderful addition when dining or entertaining outdoors. There are many available that can fit naturally into your landscape or decor - even speakers that look like stones!
Going beyond visual when designing your outdoor space and considering all your senses will enhance your oasis so you enjoy it even more and reap the benefits of the great outdoors! Happy Designing:)