The Urban Jungle Escapism- DIY Style

As I write this article, on a cold and grey January day, the entire England has been put under yet another lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. I can't help but think how different the last 10 months have been to everyone and how our lives have changed over that period of time. With work mostly cancelled and travelling forbidden or hugely affected, we are only left with our fond memories of beautiful foreign spots we have visited, and dreams and hope, that one day we can go exploring again. Perhaps it was the yearning for the sun, many hours spent walking in nearby Alexandra Palace Park or the hopeless scrolling through recent news and social media that made me contemplate the time gone and be grateful for the things I have: a good book, healthy family and friends(however far they might be) and their ongoing support, home cooked meals and HOME.

The latter has been an oasis and safe haven in the last months, although not without its quirks and challenges. I can say for certain though, that without its warmth and security, the beauty and familiarity of surrounding objects and art, soothing colours and varied lighting creating the evening mood- the challenge of isolation for months would have felt like an impossible task, mentally and physically. It was the space where I dwelled on the failures and lack of hope for the upcoming future, celebrated small professional and personal wins and spend many hours pulling funny faces on zoom meetings. It became my workplace, pub, restaurant, gym, spa and my socially-distanced bubble. It therefore made me realise even more, how much of an important role it plays in our everyday lives.

The inspiration for this blog came as I was scrolling through my photos from the summer lockdown. Similarly to now, we were forbidden to spend prolonged amounts of time outside and foreign holidays were definitely out of the question. Thankfully I was fortunate enough to have a small garden in my North-London property, so I embarked on a lockdown mission of bringing the foreign holidays to me if I wasn't able to go instead.

The idea was simple- to create a low maintenance, green and secluded space which would feel exotic. Somewhere I could sit and read a book despite the rain( although luckily we didn't have many of those), dine and enjoy the perfectly chilled glass of wine in the evenings. With builders merchants and constructors either closed or unable to work, I was left to my own devices and faith in my building abilities. Thats how North London Urban Retreat scheme was born.

The space was divided into three sections: relax, dine and BBQ.

The roofed pergola with L-shaped seating and variety of soft furnishings and textures formed a calm retreat-inspired relaxing space.The dining area with a folding sun screen and exotic plants in variety of high and low planters created a feeling of urban jungle. Both areas were screened off from the BBQ and side walk for intimacy and division.

So here I am, looking through the window on a rainy January day, remembering all the fantastic moments spent in my little haven. And it was a joy; it filled me with hope that one day I can again enjoy the fragrant mint tea in a souk, it gave me another room to venture to throughout the entire summer and on days filled with chaos and conflicting news-it gave me a bit of exotic and mental escapism.

Maybe we can't travel yet, but we are on the right track, and for now let's be grateful and make the most of what we have. We are in the dual-meaning Urban Jungle- on one hand the chaos of the surrounding world, survival of the fittest, on the other the peace and serenity of our homes. Any space can become YOUR oasis. Let's find it and make the most of it to keep us safe and going through the next few months with faith, hope and joy.