Studies have shown that spending time in the outdoors can rejuvenate those who are stressed out, tired and frustrated. High Prairie Outdoors has been aiding these types of clients since 2010, combining sophisticated design with the science of wellbeing.
When the world paused in 2020, many people realized their mental state was both challenged and exposed. During this time, High Prairie founder Robyn Schmitz discovered research from Oxford University and the Gallup organization called The World Happiness Report that ranked the United States behind 19 other countries. The 2024 results show we’ve dropped to number 23—we’re getting more and more unhappy.
While many factors affect these rankings, Robyn’s takeaway was that she could do her part to help decrease stress, increase connection and increase the ability to have fun.
“At High Prairie Outdoors, the Experience-Driven Process takes clients on a journey towards discovering the benefits of the alfresco lifestyle by identifying their own unique way of relaxing, connecting and playing,” Robyn says.
There are many opportunities for clients to incorporate wellness-based designs into their homes:
Saunas. Whether using wet or dry heat, saunas can be integrated seamlessly into spaces. Options include the Dundalk Leisurecraft brand, including Pure Cube, luxury Belgium brand Thermalux, as well as custom saunas crafted onsite.
Fire. Sitting near a fire has scientifically been proven to decrease the stress hormone cortisol. High Prairie designs and crafts custom fire pits, fireplaces and fire walls, ranging from modern to formal to rustic.
Water. The sound of movement provides relaxation to listeners, whether it’s through a pool, pond, fountain, table-top bubbler or custom rill. “We design and build our ‘Legacy Method Pools’ to create an environment of relaxation and fun
engineered to last decades longer than conventional pools,” Robyn notes. “We’re seeing a rise in cold-plunge additions for increased health benefits, too!”
Lighting. A strategic lighting plan adds ambiance with the ability to energize or relax while also extending the hours of enjoyment. “We use a multi-layered approach to comprehensive lighting designs using cooler tones to highlight greenery and things in the distance and warmer tones to highlight architecture and where people will be spending time. Warmer tones are proven to increase relaxation,” Robyn explains.
Louvered Structures. By adding a multipurpose louvered structure, an outdoor space can be enjoyed in all seasons, whether it’s for gathering, practicing yoga or even working remotely. The uses are completely customizable. Recently, High Prairie has been integrating hidden rooms into the back walls of these structures to add bathrooms or saunas.
Many companies can design outdoor spaces, but it’s the merging of the scientific research on happiness and fulfillment with luxury landscape design that makes High Prairie Outdoors unlike any other. A local, woman-owned and -operated company, High Prairie Outdoors can help you love your outdoor space.
Contact them at 816.398.2901, or learn more at highprairieoutdoors.com.
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