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The Terrace, Balcony, Porch, and Verandah |
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A terrace, balcony, porch, or verandah serves an important function in relation to the homeone that is usually overlooked. Did you ever think of these places, which are outside but connected to our house, as the link between the exterior world and our private world? When we sit and relax in these areas we place ourselves in the middle zone before we go into the private zone of our home in our life, or go out into the public zone of the exterior world. |
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The preferred locations for a special middle zone are the east, north, and west. The north gives you a taste of the sunrise and sunset. The east is an ideal space for a thinker and an early riser who likes to experience the reawakening of the sun. The west is for individuals whose quiet time is in the early evening. When you sit in the west, serenity enters your soul as you watch the diminishing rays give way to darkness. |
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A porch swing, a hanging swing, hanging chairsfurniture that provides gentle movementcreate a predictable rhythm that lets the mind wander. We relax. A swing should be placed so that it takes in the best view and also allows a bit of privacy so that it can serve as a zone of tranquility. All furniture should celebrate natural materials, not plastic, and be grouped for quiet conversation. If there is sufficient sun, surround yourself with plants: window boxes, plants in containers on the floor, hanging plants on wall brackets or hooks from a ceiling (if there is one). |
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A middle zone should create a harmonious transition that blends nature, which represents the outside zone, with personal comforts, which reflect the private zone of the home. This harmony should establish a comfortable and secure ambience. We should feel compelled to linger and just enjoy watching the views and listening to the sounds around us. |
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