Working Outside
Is my thinking so much of the outdoors due to the weather here that went from snowing on Friday to 68 today? Possibly. Spring is in the air, literally, with the fresh breezes that carry only a hint of a chilly bite, the bright sun, and the birds that have returned.
For one that works from home, I personally can't get past the fact that the only thing between me and the blissful outdoors is a wall. And the work that would pile up if I simply neglected it.
The worlds of work and nature can be blended a bit when work is taken outdoors. Setting up a standard outdoor spot and a system for getting set up and getting to work makes the process enjoyable without the distractions. Whether you create an entirely new spot on your lawn--complete with a wicker area rug, seating with cushions, and a sturdy desk under a canopy (old-England style)--or simply brink coffee and your laptop to your back patio, you can get work done AND get fresh air.
Good luck, happy working, and happy springtime.
For one that works from home, I personally can't get past the fact that the only thing between me and the blissful outdoors is a wall. And the work that would pile up if I simply neglected it.
The worlds of work and nature can be blended a bit when work is taken outdoors. Setting up a standard outdoor spot and a system for getting set up and getting to work makes the process enjoyable without the distractions. Whether you create an entirely new spot on your lawn--complete with a wicker area rug, seating with cushions, and a sturdy desk under a canopy (old-England style)--or simply brink coffee and your laptop to your back patio, you can get work done AND get fresh air.
Good luck, happy working, and happy springtime.
I personally would love a work space tucked back in this "mediterranean retreat." A hearty rustic table and simple vintage metal cafe chairs would fit my own fancy. Room enough on the table of course for that portable tea service.
Yes, don't forget the simple additions that make working outside seem luxurious. Certainly it is more pleasant if you have access to that usual mid-afternoon coffee. Invest in a sturdy tray, vintage napkins, a bud vase, and a portable thermal tea pot, and your work afternoon just brightened considerably.
This space not only has versatile seating and tables, and a lovely fireplace and eclectic view, it has a wonderful view of the inside through the glass wall and doors, creative the illusion of a larger space. When those clouds above darken and let loose the rain, work can easily be moved indoors a few feet away. I hope the dwellers open up those windows on beautiful days and flow freely between the outdoors and indoors.
A similar wall between a living room and porch that swivels open for continuity.
When rooms like these feature almost entirely glass walls, and especially glass doors that slide open for fresh air, it can easily produce the same feeling of working outside without having to relocate to another outdoor space. Rooms like this are wonderful for experiencing a surrounding of nature even on "bad" weather days.
Another pleasant space with a similar view of nature.
The depth of this porch creates not just a porch but an entirely fresh room and extension of the house. The lighting is good, the seating is as comfortable as anything you'd create for indoors. And this space would even work on rainy days. How cozy.
Here is another outdoor space that is just as official and elegant as any indoor living room. The greenery balancing the heavier raw materials adds the perfect nature vibe.
Technically outdoors. Or technically indoors? This beautiful simple patio captures the best of both worlds. What a wonderful option when the need to a fresh working space calls one afternoon.
This setting has all of the space of any traditional study or library. It's not too far removed from any indoor needs, yet has the openness and freedom of the fresh outdoors. The overhead shading still lets in pleasant (but not overbearing) light.
A very zen space to retreat to. The simplicity of the space invites pleasant focus.