Did you know that being outside can improve your mental and physical health? Studies suggest that spending just 20 minutes outdoors boosts mood and improves immunities. Meanwhile, a well-designed outdoor living space can also increase home values and quality of life. Let’s explore the health and wellness benefits of building and using outdoor living spaces in Indiana. Despite the unpredictable weather, you can create something that inspires smiles year-round.
5 Ways Outdoor Living Spaces Benefit You
Time outside the house can be cleansing to the spirit and body. There’s nothing like breathing in fresh air or admiring nature. However, your good mood is not the only benefit of building outdoor living spaces. Here are five more reasons it’s a good idea:
- Reduced Stress - Spending time in nature is linked to measurably reduced stress and anxiety levels, especially for those who enjoy rigorous outdoor activities like sports or gardening.
- Physical Exercise - Outdoor living spaces encourage you to get up and move around. Whether playing games, hanging out with loved ones, or strolling your lawn, you’re getting the exercise not possible indoors.
- Vitamin D Exposure - Sunlight is essential for good health. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin D, a substance vital to bone health, immune system functioning, and mental health.
- Improved Air Quality - Sometimes, our home's air is toxic or unhealthy. We need time outdoors to breathe fresh air and detox our lungs. Create a patio or deck to relax in the sunshine and enjoy the breeze.
- Better Social Life - Gather with friends and family in a tailored outdoor living space that caters to your lifestyle. Encourage interactions, socialization, and comfort in a customized environment that welcomes everybody.
Understanding the Impact on Home Value
Most homebuyers consider a property’s curb appeal critical. Nobody wants to live in an ugly house or stare at an unsightly lawn. Professionally installed outdoor living spaces are a game-changer for sellers and real estate agents. Well-designed environments attract investors and buyers by expanding the home’s square footage. Houses with appealing outdoor living spaces are often in higher demand, especially in Indiana’s wonky climate. Market values for properties with outside nooks are significantly more than those without. Moreover, buyers enjoy the lifestyle appeal and show it by submitting handsome offers on homes for sale in Indiana. Landscape installations can provide a favorable return on investment (ROI) since people are willing to pay more for homes with designer features. Outdoor living spaces help differentiate your property while blending it with the community. This delicate balance of form and function makes homes stand out. And the increased entertainment value never hurt anybody. FACT: Customized outdoor environments can help reduce your lawn care costs.
Design Tips for Outdoor Living Spaces
Not sure where to begin designing your outdoor living space? Many homeowners get stuck juggling too many ideas and don’t know what to do first. Here are some tips if you’re one of them:- Create zones that help separate activities such as lounging, cooking, and gardening.
- Use natural materials like wood and stone to create a harmonious design.
- Provide shady spots for friends and family to get out of the direct sunlight.
- Install sod to eliminate lawn diseases and pests while creating a uniform appearance.
- Consider prioritizing privacy, especially if you have a backyard pool or full driveway.
- Account for Indiana’s weather with mulch, irrigation, and seasonal cleanups.