When the weather begins to warm up, our thoughts turn to spending more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. Upgrading your outdoor spaces can help you better entertain friends and family during the warmer months. With a few simple upgrades, you can transform your garden into a cosy and inviting space perfect for hosting.
Install a Summer House
One of the best investments you can make is adding a summer house to your outdoor area. A summer house provides a dedicated space for seating and entertaining protected from the motion elements. Choose one with large windows and double doors that open fully to connect the indoor and outdoor spaces. Add cushioned benches or rattan outdoor sofas along with a weatherproof rug. Extend your usable area by installing a canopy plant on one side – this will allow guests to sit outside even on very hot or rainy days. You can design your own summer house at Lugarde.
Outdoor Kitchen and Dining
An outdoor kitchen and dining area lets you cook, eat and relax outdoors. Build a stone or brick outdoor kitchen unit along one wall or fence. Include amenities like a small sink, prep surface, storage, built-in barbecue grill and electric points. On an adjacent wall, construct a weatherproof cabinet for storing plates, cutlery and glasses. Use tiles, concrete or decking to create a smooth, level surface for placing outdoor furniture like a dining table and chairs. Add colourful cushions to wooden chairs for comfort.
Fire Pit with Seating
As evenings cool off, gather around a fire pit for warmth and ambience. Choose a stamped concrete or stone pit or purchase a metal bowl on legs that can hold wood. Arrange weatherproof chairs, benches and stools around it and provide plenty of throws and blankets to ward off any evening chill. The fire creates a cosy spot for chatting long into the night. For extra comfort, incorporate a heating lamp overhead.
Atmospheric Lighting
The right lighting sets the perfect mood and allows you to use your outdoor spaces long after the sun goes down. Dot different levels of lighting throughout – pathway lanterns to illuminate walking areas, spotlighting in trees, fairy lights wrapped around pergolas and pillars and citronella candles or lanterns on tables. Use smart bulbs to control lighting via phone or tablet. Consider a combination of lighting techniques – dangling Edison bulbs, solar spotlights and festoon lights create plenty of nature sparkle.
Planting and Greenery
No outdoor space is complete without gorgeous plants, flowers and greenery. Make sure garden beds and pots brim with colourful blooms and foliage. Consider height, arranging plants from tall to short for best effect. Place flowering plants with lovely scents like jasmine, gardenia, lavender and honeysuckle along pathways and seating areas. Use screens, pergolas, arbours and even fences to support vertical gardens of cherry tomatoes, beans, cucumbers and peas. The green backdrop helps make any alfresco luncheon or dinner feel lush and vibrant.
With some creativity and these easy upgrades, your backyard design can become the ultimate spot for entertaining family and friends as the weather warms up. From unwinding at happy hour to dining under the stars to late nights around the fire pit, you’ll love spending time outside in your newly transformed space.
