Create the perfect backyard oasis this season! With the trend for year-round alfresco entertaining gaining momentum, now is the time to design a garden space that will provide you with all the outdoor fun and entertainment you need. Get bright idea’s and tips on how to make your garden a comfortable and stylish place to entertain family and friends throughout the year.
Light Up Your Outdoor Space for Year Round Use
It stands to reason if you aim to maximise the use of outdoor space you’ll need to ensure that space it lit, otherwise valuable space will be left in the dark. There is often untapped potential in patios, whilst well used in summer, they often lay dormant autumn winter months. It’s a real shame to have under utilised areas when most of us lack space inside our homes. it Installing lighting could see this space working for you year round with a few simple enhancements such as light and heat by way of a simple patio heater.
Lighting however seems complicated, it really shouldn’t there’s so many lighting options from bright wall lights to cosy candle light there’s sure to be a solution. Let’s enlighten you to some of the simplest ways of creating breathtaking beautiful lit backyard spaces with lighting you do do yourself.
Identify a Striking Design Theme for Your Garden Space.
Next you’ll want to identify a striking design theme that will capture your style and personality. Consider furniture style it up with soft furnishings to create visual harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces if one extends into the other have a common theme that compliments. If the space is away from the home you can choose a different theme maybe you could capture the colours, patterns, textures and shapes of nature or go all out colourful.
Incorporate elements such as outdoor fire pits, to set the tone for all year-round alfresco fun. Throws, cushions, rugs and outdoor table lamps have also become important too! As the outdoor living trend has grown following lockdown, we’re finding so many people are getting creative, making an extra lounge or dining area to extend out entertaining space. Investing a little more on elements that evoke a more homely helps to give an illusion of one space. The outdoor in or indoor out vibe has piqued interest in plants, the addition of plants indoors helps blur the boundary lines between the two spaces.
Many are taking dinning, lounging and bathing outdoors a little away from the house creating an oasis of calm to escape the mundane of everyday.
Plan the Layout of Your Alfresco Area, Taking Advantages of Natural Elevations or Sunshine/Shade Variations.
When designing your outdoor living space, away from the backdoor do take into account the changes in elevation of the topography as well as sunlight and shade variations. Needless to say if you are setting up away from the house make provisions for shading, be that a pergola or parasol in the heat of a summers day you’ll it.
Utilising natural features will create a contemporary and stylish landscape design. Consider decking materials that are ethically sourced or recycled and reinvent traditional seating by using salvaged items or cushions for comfortable relaxation spots.
You can further enhance the experience by bringing in some ambient light so you’re able to continue creating customised alfresco experiences even after dark. You can install permanent lighting circuits, it’s worth doing this if you’re investing in hard landscape. When digging out for terracing etc you have the chance to bury cables and make a professional job of the garden room space. However if you see the space more as an informal zone, or prefer to set up your evening camp in a different location, then a portable light source is a great solution.
Select Chairs and Tables That suit Seating Capacity and Complement Your Design Theme.
Select tables, chairs and seating based on your dining requirements and the size of your outdoor space. Consider the type of materials needed for year-round outdoor use and comfortable style. Choose pieces made from durable materials such as woven wicker or teak wood that will accentuate your landscape design while also providing comfortable seating to significant numbers of people. If you are planning to entertain alfresco with many guests, consider opting for a large table with benches which can provide additional seating capacity in a limited space.
Consider Outdoor Lighting Solutions for Ambience or for Entertainment After-Dark.
Outdoor lighting is essential for providing ambience and making your garden glow after dark. Not only does lighting enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor living area when the sun goes down, it also creates interest with planting. Borders in the winter can look start but with the proper outdoor lighting solutions you’ll have year round interest.
There are many different types of outdoor lamps, from hanging pendants to freestanding lamps known as bollards. Wall lights and pathway light options provide illumination that helps people stay safe when walking in the garden in the evenings. You should also opt for LED lighting which offer a decorative yet practical way to light up a patio or garden space led is cheaper to use than any other form of lighting. Think about where you need lighting and how you want it to shine on specific areas, such as decks, seating areas or walkways this help the space be useable.
You may also wish to consider lighting for aesthetic reasons, maybe highlight features on the house there are some fabulous lights that offer a wash of light to highlight bricks and stone work. It’s worth bearing in mind all lighting needs to be IP44 for out door spaces to prevent rain getting into the electrics.
- Find out about the type of light needed for outdoor Spaces
Add Colourful Accessories to Give Interest and Draw Attention to Specific Areas in the Garden Space.
Accessories can really bring personality to your outdoor living space and make smaller accents stand out. If you have a specific area that you think needs more attention, try to use it as an opportunity. Think about investing in a bold mural, art pieces or bright-coloured seating to draw the eye of passersby and give the space an energised look. Accessorising with stylish pillows, planters and plants can also add colour and create textures throughout your garden, making it appear larger and more inviting. Have fun with your styling.
Sustainable Considerations for Outdoor Rooms
It would be a shame to enjoy the outdoors apace whilst causing damage to the environment, led lighting should always be the first thought when lighting indoor and outdoor spaces. Consider the materials you use within the garden I’m sure gardeners will use peat free soil, compost etc, but there’s other less obvious changes to make. You could invest in proper dining wear rather than paper plates, choose fabric napkins not paper. Recycled plastic fabrics can be used for cushions saving landfill waste and also being plastic based have a degree of protection from the rain, whilst not totally weather proof the fair better than most in the occasional downpour.
