the beauty of basking

As humans, we pride ourselves on creating our nests. We create safe spaces for ourselves and adorn them with things that bring us pleasure and comfort. Interior design has long been a passion of mine and expressing myself through my environment is a priority. Having the space where I exist reflects who I am, who I aspire to be, and what’s important to me. 

There’s a deep sense of satisfaction and comfort in this. A sense of belonging. A sense of resonance with my world. 

To feel that your essence is expressed outside of yourself gives you a deep sense of existence. We absorb our experience in this world through our eyes and it gives us subtle hints of our importance, existence, and impact.

For me, this comes naturally. I feel a profound calling to unleash my inner world into my outer world through interior design. 

Especially in the summertime, when the Santa Barbara weather is so beautiful, I feel that containing this inside just isn’t enough.

The benefits of spending time outdoors are felt innately, but also biological! The natural light that is unobscured by windows is vital for health. Spending time in natural light maintains our natural biological functions of energy and restorative sleep. The feeling of basking in the sunlight is a pleasure that provides us with health benefits in a myriad of ways. It regulates our melatonin release for optimal sleep, provides vitamin D for our bodies that keep our moods and emotions stable, and even strengthens our bones. Fresh air can boost our immune system while also improving our overall sense of well-being.

The serenity of nature taps into our ancient wiring and brings peace to our system that can be disrupted by the modern world and lifestyle. 

Retreating into the natural world feels restorative and freeing.

Yet, it need not be devoid of adornment. 

By creating outdoor living spaces that are full of the same artistic expression we bring to our indoor spaces we can merge our cognitive and emotional world with the natural one. 

The whole world is a canvas for you to create your story in, so why not write a few chapters outside?

Decorating your outside spaces in the same way you decorate the interior of your home can bring you a feeling of expansiveness.

I don’t like to be confined in any way. I challenge all forms of confinement. So bringing bold, rich, artistic expression to the outside of my world feels like restorative rebellion. 

It makes a statement.

To fuse art with nature helps us to express the whole of who we are.

Sometimes, an experience in nature allows you to lose yourself. It strips away day-to-day life and gives you a sense of freedom.

But sometimes, I don’t want to be lost.

Sometimes I want to carry myself outside the confines of my home and bring myself fully into the world with me.

So how do you bring artistic expression outside?

You can do it through plants and flowers. Bright colors and bold patterns resonate with me through my art as well as in nature. Color makes me feel. 

Artistic and whimsical plant pots can add to the patchwork of color in a natural space and create an aesthetic that reminds me of the symbiotic nature of the natural world. We influence it while it influences us.

Statues, water features, and lighting can bring a touch of elegance or surprise to your outdoor space. It’s like creating a world of your own imagination.

To truly make your outside an extension of your living space, creating a cozy alfresco nest is a must!

A dining area where you can share a meal with loved ones under the stars, and a cozy nook thoughtfully decorated with outdoor pillows can provide inspiration and respite as you soak up the sun and your morning coffee. 

The beauty of basking cannot be understated. 

So, get outside. Create a space that draws you into the world and embraces the sumptuous union of nature and art!