Nowadays, many of us spend more time at home than we have ever done before, with hybrid working models becoming the norm amongst most corporate workers. It’s easy to feel confined to the limits of your home when during working hours you don’t leave the office next to your bedroom.
Our living spaces for lounging and dining are often our sanctuaries away from the stresses of work, so why not extend this space outside? Connect with nature, unlock your garden’s full potential and create an outdoor oasis with the following five steps.
Install Lighting
The first step to extending your living space is to illuminate the area. Particularly dark corners or a large garden with no lighting can appear ominous and unsettling, so you’ll want to light the space well.
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with festoon lights. Entwine them along the beams of a pergola or hang them above a patio or deck where you would arrange comfortable seating. Show off your beautiful plants with spotlights between hedges and focused points on larger plant pots too.
Al-Fresco Dining (outdoor kitchen, types of food to serve)
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you’ve just made a delicious summer salad to accompany the barbecue food. Why go to all that effort just to sit inside? Enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space by expanding your dining area to the garden.
There are plenty of benefits to eating outdoors, so adding an outdoor kitchen and al-fresco dining area is the perfect addition to your garden. Construct your kitchen area with weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel and choose a comfortable seating arrangement to enjoy your dining area for every meal of the day.
Cosy Outdoor Lounge Area
Whatever the style of your interior, you can choose to mirror that in your outdoor lounge area or go for something completely different. Many of us are looking towards Scandinavia in search of inspiration for home design, as it is practical yet timeless.
The ‘hygge’ trend focuses on providing a cosy aura to your living space, so choosing natural textures and neutral tones for your outdoor lounge is an ideal way to create a relaxing and calming environment.
Consistent features
If your interior space has an open-plan layout, there are multiple features you can take advantage of to devise a consistent flow from the inside out. Bifold doors have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, as they provide undisturbed access to your garden as well as an abundance of natural light.
Opting for consistent flooring from the interior to the exterior patio can help to blur the lines between the two. Try choosing a flooring option that can be replicated in a material that doesn’t weather outside; if you have large grey tiles on your kitchen floor, a similar tile can be found for outdoor living spaces.
Embrace your outdoor space this summer and you will open up a world of possibilities for relaxation, social gatherings and connecting with nature.
