If you want to make the most of the warm weather and extend the living space in your home, then a few choice modifications to your garden might be in order. Do it right, and you might find that you can enjoy the outdoors even when the weather is less than favorable, right up into late autumn.
So, how do you go about creating a space for outdoor living and entertainment? Let’s run through a few important steps along the way.
Deciding on a Space
First, you’ll need to examine the space as it stands, and think about what you’d like to do with it. If your garden is smaller, then a more intimate social space might be called for. On the other hand, if there’s enough room, it makes sense to spread out with a larger dining area. Do you want to enjoy the sunshine in the afternoon, or would you prefer the space to be a more natural extension of the back of your house?
By thinking about what’s practical and achievable, you’ll narrow your options. This can be empowering, as it’ll force you to make a decision more quickly.
Maintenance
Getting a garden into good order is one thing – but keeping it that way might be an ongoing task. Depending on the materials you choose, you might have to treat your outdoor living space to a regular spot of maintenance. For example, decking should be scrubbed to keep it as fresh as possible and to reduce the possibility of damage in the long term. On the other hand, heavy paving stones will need to be cleaned, to prevent moss and weeds from accumulating between them.
Your lawn tends to be a little fussier, but you can make the task of mowing it that much easier with the help of a few modern tools. A cordless, self-propelled lawnmower will make the task effortless.
Zoning
By dividing your garden into distinct zones, you’ll be able to make sure that it flows appropriately when all of your intended changes have been implemented. You might want a dedicated area for cooking, another for lounging around, and a third for games. Your design, ideally, should allow for a little bit of flexibility. You’ll want to be able to accommodate guests, but you’ll also want to get the maximum possible use from the space during times when you’re on your own.
Adding Comfort
Your outdoor living space will need outdoor furniture. It should ideally achieve three things. It should be great to look at, and consistent with the surrounding garden or patio area. It should be comfortable to sit in since you’ll ideally want to use your outdoor space for long periods of time. And finally, it should be resilient enough to stand up to the weather – since you don’t want to be fetching your cushions in and out whenever the weather changes.