As the weather gets warmer, there’s one thing we’re all thinking about and that’s when the time comes when we can have a BBQ in the garden.
Nothing beats the feeling of looking around at your perfectly designed patio or garden with friends all around, cold drinks in hands. However, if the long winter has outdoor space looking a little worse for wear, you might also be thinking about how you can get it up to scratch.
That’s why, in this article, we look at how you can design outdoor living spaces, with five easy and cost-effective steps that will transform your summer entertaining. We also look at additions that will add value to your property.
Designing for outdoor entertaining
1. Make clever use of space
Creating a space for entertainment outdoors means establishing a distinct area designed for relaxing and socialising. Whether it’s an outdoor living area or more of a dining space, you need to blend elements of the indoors with nature seamlessly.
To do so, consider installing a privacy wall made of natural materials like wood or bamboo or incorporating levels to define different zones within the space. If you don’t want to install a patio or decking, an easy way to do this is to add tiling. Read our guide on how to tile a garden for tips on this.
2. Choose the right furniture
Just as you can improve your garden on a budget, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to design luxurious outdoor living spaces. You just have to select furniture that is both stylish and functional. To do so consider choosing
- Neutral-coloured, rain-resistant materials like rattan, teak, or aluminium
- Furniture that’s easy to maintain and won’t be impacted by being exposed to sunlight
- Second-hand, durable pieces with timeless designs that will last you for years
- Versatile staples such as extendable dining tables if you have less space
- Lightweight furniture that can be easily rearranged to suit different types of event
3. Think about heating
If there’s one thing most people forget to think about when designing outdoor spaces, it’s heating. But, since nothing ruins a barbeque like the cold, be sure to investigate your options.
You might want to bring your kitchen outdoors with a firepit, for example, or you may want to go for a cost-effective electric heater. Just be sure to consider the size and layout of your outdoor living space. It’s typically the best idea to place heaters in high-traffic areas such as over tables and lounge areas.
4. Situate your lighting carefully
Consider safety as well as aesthetics when placing your lighting. You’ll need to light up areas where you’re going to be cooking and dark corners where people could be walking. From there, to create ambience, you can also think about highlighting focal points in your garden such as water features and statues.
5. Choose the right accessories
Accessories will add the final touches to your outdoor living space, but don’t go overboard. Opt for a few tasteful cushions, a nice throw, and a few candles for an easy way to create a cosy atmosphere.
Want to understand exactly how much your property is worth, gorgeous outdoor living space and all? Get in touch for a free valuation with a local agent.