Outdoor living spaces are popular in the summer months for good reason. You can enjoy barbeques, cocktails on the patio and entertaining friends well into the warm evenings. But what about the cooler, winter months? You could just squash everyone indoors for that get-together? The thing is, there’s lots you can do to make your outdoor living space accessible and comfortable, all year round.
Designing the ideal outdoor living space for you and your family is not difficult. With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy your outdoor space right through from the most sweltering summer to the most freezing of winters. Here’s how.
Cover Your Patio
A high quality waterproof shade sail over your patio, will protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays in the summer and rain storms in the winter. Having this protection from the elements, means you’re much more likely to make use of your outdoor space, no matter what the weather throws at you. If you want extra privacy, outdoors curtains or privacy screens will up your comfort.
Invest in Outdoor Blinds
Another easy way to keep al fresco dining all year round is by adding outdoor blinds to your patio, verandah or balcony. Outdoor blinds will act like walls and keep you protected from the elements whether it’s boiling hot or super cool. If you still want a view or are worried about the sun’s harmful rays, outdoor blinds can be customised to be UV safe, transparent or semi-transparent to suit your needs.
Choose Sturdy Outdoor Furniture
It can be a nightmare running in and out with garden furniture, if a rain storm happens and you’re worried your furniture may ruin. Research garden furniture that will go the distance in strong sun, wind and rain, to ensure it will last the distance all year round.
Install Outdoor Heating
If you live in an area that has cold winters, an outdoor fireplace, a fire pit or outdoor heater could be a great investment. These will extend the use of your outdoor decking space, as you can still sit outdoors and enjoy drinks or a barbeque, even when the weather isn’t that pleasant.
Light Up Your Outdoor Space
Not only will outdoor lights be handy when it gets darker earlier, they can add in a touch of decoration. Fairy lights will look great hung over the back of your decking or wound along the path up to the front door. Portable lamps can be placed on either side of the patio for a more subdued, relaxing light or you could invest in fixed lighting that can come on with a timer in the evenings.