Does one of your friends have a special outdoor environment that you are especially passionate about? A well-manicured lawn borders the home where a lush green tree stands majestically in the middle of the yard. Off to the side on a cobblestone paving is a barbeque pit with Chinese lanterns swaying in the trees above it. Just looking at this outdoor décor drains you of the day-to-day stress of living. Indeed, outdoor living spaces that include furniture and design has become a passion for both new and existing homeowners; gardening and landscaping are close behind. Homeowners are now focusing on outdoor spaces, recreating them into living spaces with high-end amenities and custom features. The rising real estate market and shaky stock market are making it easier for homeowners to invest in their greatest assets, their homes.

Well-equipped and comfortable outdoor living environments support personal well-being as a lifestyle choice. Outdoor living not only offers a connection with nature, gardens and fresh air, but also the design amenities and the comfort of indoor rooms. For many years, the trend was to bring the outdoors in-plants, atriums, skylights, fountains and sculpture, etc. Now, we are planning outdoor living "rooms" for relaxation, entertaining, dining and even sleeping. Major retailers are now offering beds with storage drawers and mosquito netting. Stress may be the reason for this increase in outdoor living.

Personal Well-being
According to the World Health Organization, stress has become a world-wide epidemic. The American Journal of Health Promotion touts that 75-90 percent of visits to doctors are for stress- related problems. In addition, 70 percent of the cost of healthcare insurance and treatment is related to preventable illnesses, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

Since the 9-11 terrorist attacks, we have shifted our priorities about how and where we spend our time. Typically, we want to spend more time with family and friends, relax, heal and de-stress.

Outdoor living environments contribute to your wellness, often defined as physical fitness, exercise, diet and nutrition. However, wellness is so much more. It comprises six dimensions that include the physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational and emotional aspects. Outdoor living may contribute to each of these, providing a sanctuary from the pressures of life, relaxation, privacy, space for entertaining and family activities, nature and outdoor experiences, and exposure to birds and wildlife.

Additionally, everyone benefits from a good healthy dose of Vitamin D, which comes directly from outdoor living via the sunlight. Deficiency in Vitamin D may cause cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure, to name a few. In addressing some of these health concerns, outdoor spaces may provide substantial benefit. The natural outdoor environment may lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension and increase alpha waves in the brain.

Where do you begin to design your outdoor space?
The best place to start is to develop a master plan for your outdoor space. Also, get your team together, the landscaper, the designer and others who will create your dream space. Determine your budget and lastly determine how you will use your space. Will your outdoor space be used for formal entertaining? Will you include a water feature? Will there be a vegetable or herbal garden? Answers to these questions will assist you in developing a successful space.

What are the Important Design Elements for Outdoor Living?
When you are creating your outdoor living environment, it is important to keep some of these design elements in mind:

• Incorporating Nature
• Natural Textures, Materials, Patterns and Colors
• Acoustics/Sound
• Lighting
• Comfort/conversation
• Contemplative Spaces
• Entertaining Amenities
• Art Display
• Accessibility by All

Remember that in putting together these design elements, a balance of color and scale is always best in creating your outdoor space. Outdoor living environments are popular remodeling projects. Homeowners are investing a lot of money creating private sanctuaries in their homes where they can relax, entertain and enjoy what they used to go out for.

However, besides personal wellness, they may also benefit financially from increasing living square footage in outdoor rooms. Designing outdoor environments have been increasingly linked to a great return on investment. Here are some statistics according to Education-Works, Inc., that show that return.

Percentage of Cost Recovered:
" Deck Addition 104.2%
" Siding Replacement 98.1%
" Window replacement 87.0%

Remember your outdoor space should allow for personal reflection and mental release. Feed your spiritual and emotional wellness with a well-designed outdoor space.

Sherry Ways is the principal designer at Design Scheme Interiors LLC, a full-service interior design studio based in Washington, D.C and Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, call 202-582-5555 or email her at sherry@designschemeinteriors.com.