Outside space matters more
Posted: November 30, 2015
Outside space matters more
With the average British home shrinking by two square metres in a decade, families are forced to make their living space stretch more than ever. Despite the lack of indoor space, 80% of new homes bought in the past five years have a private garden. This makes outdoor space extremely valuable. Exterior spaces have now evolved to be an expansion of indoor living space. Many homeowners see their garden as a key entertainment space; doubling up as al fresco dining rooms, bars and even cooking spaces. Make sure you get the most of your space with our planning and design tips:
Match your lifestyle.
If you want to make the most of your outdoor space, but don’t have a lot of time for gardening, go low maintenance.
Adding paving and decking gives you a great space for seating and furniture which can be a great dining and entertainment area.
If you want easy upkeep without compromising on your green spaces, why not try artificial grass?
You and the kids have a perfect lawn all year round with no mud, mess or mowing!
Bring the inside, outside.
Having shared spaces to socialise is important for friends and family. With housing shrinking year on year, these communal areas are compromised for storage space. Investing time and thought into planning your garden can provide you with a whole new social space. By adding French doors, you can create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space, creating a whole new living space.
Get creative with space.
Even the smallest gardens have great potential. There may be more space to work with than you initially realise. Even old decking, tarmac or concrete can be turned into a luscious lawn with artificial turf. If you enjoy gardening, but don’t have the room for a full flower bed, add some plant pots. What about your vertical space? Climbing plants on a trellis create a beautiful natural look.
Shelter from the elements.
So you have a perfect lawn and beautiful garden furniture but the Great British weather is stopping you from setting foot outside. Make sure you add some sheltered areas that allow you to enjoy your garden all year round. This can be anything from an awning to a full gazebo. This creates a fantastic space to kick back and relax or entertain and socialise.
Add focal features.
Garden features can add a lot of interest to the overall design. From simple to complex, there are options for all styles and budgets. For example, a smaller garden would look great with a rockery, as they are easy to fit on slopes or rough ground. If you have a large space, a water feature such as a pond or fountain can be enjoyed by all the family.
Heat things up with a fire pit.
Fire pits are one of the most popular outdoor living designs trends at the moment. They add a unique, social and relaxing atmosphere to any outdoor space. There are many styles to choose from, including in-ground and above ground as well as decorative paving to line the exterior.These pits add a key focal point to your garden to stunning effect. Whatever your choice regarding designs, you’re sure to enjoy many hours of conversation around this season’s hottest design trend.
Create an al fresco kitchen.
Another emerging outdoor trend is the addition of a wood fire oven. From home fired pizza to meat stews and slow roasted meats, you can create restaurant standard dishes in your back garden. They can also be stunning additions to an outdoor space, providing a visual centrepiece for an alfresco kitchen.Although it can be an expensive installation, there are many resources and guides available for a DIY oven if you’re up to the challenge.
However you choose to enhance your outdoor space, some careful planning and design will create a haven that you can enjoy all year round
