Imagine sitting quietly outdoors…  in a outdoor meditation room where you can escape and empty your mind… a breathing space from the chaos of the day. Increasingly, many of my clients want their outdoor space to be a place where they can decompress.

As you begin to envision your meditation room, take some time to consider both the function and how each element will create harmony with your environment.

In my experience, here are the top 5 considerations in the design:

• Noise – What can you hear as you sit quietly?  If you hear the overwhelming noise of traffic,  consider adding additional plants  to buffer noise or include outdoor speakers for you iPod.
• Decor – How can you bring soothing elements into the space?  Water fountain, natural wood and cushions create calm in any space .
• Colour – What colour(s) would you like to be in you space?  Color as a psychological tool is very powerful. Consider the effects of your favorite colours on your mood.  Build a palette of calming and soothing foliage and textiles.
• Location – How does the sun and wind impact your space?  Would you like to meditate in or out of the sun? What is the best layout for the space?
• Privacy – How private is your space?  Enclose your outdoor meditation room and use sheer curtains to create privacy.

In terms of functionality, plan for storage of cushions and blankets to ensure they stay dry in inclement weather.

Regardless of the size of your outdoor meditation room, your design should be as unique as you – unlike any place else.

Inspiration, productivity and inventiveness are all strongly shaped by your workspace. Whether you feel energized or experience low energy is a direct result of the working environment.

In a recent study completed by Netherlands based research firm, TNO Quality of Life, after an office plant was introduced to the workspace and placed in a peripheral view, workers experienced:

• improved energy
• less stress
• greater productivity

Noise reduction and better air quality may also result in the workplace.  The study recommended one large plant should be provided for every two employees or for every 12 square meters of office space.

My favorite office planter is the Lechuza Delta 15.  With a 4.5″ footprint, it takes up very little space on my desk and with a built-in reservoir  - it eliminates clean up after watering and ensures that plant has a water accessible at all times.

This custom outdoor kitchen includes 60,000 BTU Napoleon BBQ grill, drawers, trash/recycling drawer, a general storage cabinet and black granite countertops.

The window was modified to allow for easy pass-through from the home’s indoor kitchen to the shelf on the outside!