In the August/September issue of Interiors Magazine, actress Noureen DeWulf and her husband, professional hockey player Ryan Miller, were interviewed by Erika Heet about transforming the outdoor spaces of their home into an oasis using exclusively Gloster Furniture. A visit by Noureen to the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai, California provided the inspiration for the aesthetic she desired, and close work with her designer Lindye Galloway helped refine her vision. When asked about her goals for crafting the family’s space, Lindye replied that she sought to “design outdoor spaces that felt both luxurious and comfortable, creating the perfect outdoor oasis”.
One of Noureen and Ryan’s outdoor oases, designed with Gloster’s MAYA collection.
Although the project of transforming their home pre-dated the new normal that came with living during the time of a pandemic, once COVID-19 arrived the outdoor spaces of their home took on an entirely new significance for the pair, their son Bodhi, and dog Puck. “We had no idea how important the open-air quality of the home would be, as we built it pre-pandemic,” DeWulf opined in her Interiors spread. “But now during COVID, the indoor-outdoor rooms are the only places we feel comfortable being with others. The open air also gives a sense of being outdoors in the wonderful California weather while maintaining a sense of privacy. We have really enjoyed this element of the house”.
Gloster’s DUNE collection surrounds an outdoor fireplace, while VOYGER chairs make for a poolside favorite.
The idea of creating an outdoor oasis within the confines of the home is a concept that has grown exponentially in importance during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. As barriers between the spheres of “work life”, “home life”, and “social life” have been blurred or even erased as working from home and restrictions on social venues have grown, more and more people are taking a second look at the spaces within their homes and deciding just how they can reinvest in a space to turn it into a multifunctional highlight of their abode.
As the barriers between work and home life blurred, outdoor spaces can become an in-home sanctuary for work and social spheres.
In an article on published on Forbes.com focusing on residential outdoor living trends, real estate contributor Jamie Gold quotes architect Michael A. Menn, who states, “Everyone has been cooped up since mid-March. If you live in the northern half of the U.S., you might not have been able to spend much time outdoors [this year]. I have seen more people ask for outdoor living environments, screened porches, gazebos, and decks,” adding that “Being able to spend outdoor time with your family has been an escape—and close to freedom!”
Whether with privacy screens, accessories, or outdoor furniture of unmatched quality, Gloster’s collections have helped clients build their outdoor oases throughout 2020.
Christina Herrick of Landscape Management News adds that “people are seeing these spaces not only as places to entertain, but as areas that play an important role in their daily lives, especially as more time is being spent at home”. Herrick’s message is complemented by Joe Raboine, the director of residential hardscapes for Belgard, whom is quoted saying that “during COVID-19, these outdoor spaces are also key places to live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle—they’re beneficial to overall health and well-being.”
Collections heavily influenced by natural design elements – such as Gloster’s RAW collection – help to establish a sense of balance in the home.
Across styles and functions, Gloster has been helping our clients to imagine and create their own outdoor oases throughout 2020. Whether designed to serve as a COVID-friendly social spot, an innovative work from home setup, or simply as a quiet corner that serves as an escape from the world, Gloster furniture provides unparalleled style and comfort to clients looking to re-establish balance in their homes and create a sanctuary of safety and tranquility.
Sources:
Interiors Magazine, August/September 2020
Coronavirus Drives Residential Outdoor Living Demand and Trends, Forbes.com
Design Trends: Backyards Take Center Stage, Landscape Management News