Outside your home?

The term psycho-geography emerged in Paris in the 1950’s – it is the study of how our surroundings effect and influence how we feel and the decisions we make.  Colin Ellard a cognitive neuroscientist in this field believes that at some level we are all aware of the fact that our immediate environment influences what we do and how we feel.  He describes it as “the study of the relationship between the places that we move through in our everyday life and the effects that those places have on our minds”. 

I strongly believe this to be true and we should try and reflect this in the homes we design but also in the grounds, gardens and entrances of our homes – what we view when we arrive home from work or the outlook from our sitting room window plays a significant part in how we perceive our home.

A carefully designed garden is as important as the emphasis we put on designing the interiors of our homes.  However, the exterior of the property and the landscaping is often the part of the property that is thought about last and allocated the smallest budget!  The grounds and area around our homes (however small) give visitors and ourselves the first impressions of the house as well as the household within.  The materials we use to clad our homes, the windows that we choose, our front doors and our gardens all form the overall image of the house. 

We can look at the environs of our homes as a frame around them and in this way choose how best to complement the style of the house as well as the needs of the inhabitants.   

The landscaping and plants we choose for around our house can be used to enhance the building.  You may choose plants that correlate with the style and period of the house or perhaps ones that form a contrast.  Take into consideration how the outdoor area relates to the house, consider the colours and textures and how they will interact together.  Choose a style of garden that will suit your requirements and your time restraints. 

You may decide a low maintenance design works best for you.  If you have children you may want to look at incorporating a children’s play zone into the landscaping – things such as climbing walls or planting willows to create a natural tepee!  Many of us love outdoor entertaining and pizza ovens, built in BBQ’s and even outdoor seating and lighting can all enhance this.  For avid gardeners including raised beds or a green house and good access to water may be essential.  In designing and creating a welcoming and beautiful exterior to our home we automatically enhance the internal aspects of it. 

‘Creating a really wonderful home is not just about how it feels inside, we need to look at the whole picture and in doing so achieve a fulfilling, useful and enjoyable environment.’

Ele Goodbody