As the evenings lengthen and the weather improves, many of us are thinking about hauling that barbecue out of storage in anticipation of summer nights at the grill.
This is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at your outdoor living spaces. Perhaps you’ve taken them for granted and they look as tired and bedraggled as you feel after the long, wet winter — but with a little effort and thought, these areas can be transformed into smart, functional and fun spaces.
Clear the decks
Your first task is to clear and clean the decks and starting from a blank canvas is always easier. If you have a large deck, waterblast it and then scrub with the recommended cleaning agent that suits your decking surface. Smaller decks will require just a little elbow grease with a stiff broom or wire brush. Once you’ve cleaned and cleared, take a minute to think about your lifestyle and entertaining needs. The idea is, after all, to create a tranquil, peaceful haven that is easy to maintain — a place you will look forward to using.
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Accessorising
Thankfully, the next step is a lot more fun — accessorising. The right furniture, lighting, planters and features can refresh and reinvigorate even the most modest outdoor spaces. Investing the same amount of energy here as you give to your home’s interior design will see you reaping the rewards. Most families start and finish an interior remodel before moving to an exterior plan, often without considering the relationship between the two places — a big mistake. Far better to think of your deck or patio as an extension of your home — another room that just happens to exist outside — and not as something separate that only requires attention in the spring and summer months.
Accessorising requires you think a little outside the square by using familiar objects in new ways. A mirror, for example, can make a stylish addition to your patio or deck by placing one in a dark corner, creating space and directing light to an uninviting spot. Even something as simple as putting tealights into jam jars or votive holders can add instant ambience to a neglected exterior.
Tying in outdoor accessories with your interior scheme is another good idea. This enables an easy flow between the two spaces. Pay special attention to furniture and colours. If your interior design shouts modernist minimalism, echo the effect outdoors with sleek outdoor loungers and tables, and clean lines and muted colours.
If boho chic is more to your taste, find some outdoor pieces to match — there’re a wide range of pieces available in speciality outdoor shops and on the internet.
Today many of our al fresco zones are small so it’s a good idea to use what space you have efficiently by making it multifunctional.
Furniture
No matter what type of furniture you choose — wood, wrought iron, wicker, aluminium — think first about how you entertain and the overall look you wish your deck to have. Remember, shop for value over price. Flimsy materials, and furniture which requires complicated assembly are not worth the trouble and frustration. Where possible, thoroughly test and inspect the furniture before buying — sit on benches, lie back on the chaise lounge and pull chairs up to their table to make sure you’ll be comfortable. While mix and matching styles can be effective, aesthetically it is a fine line to tread.
Flowers and features
On a grander scale, if size permits you may wish to maximise the use of your deck by building in a hot tub or by using trees to help decorate the area. Make use of screens, trellises or planters to create cosy areas to ensure privacy and shelter from prevailing winds. Another tip is to insert patterned glass blocks into a trellis to give the area pattern and light. Raised flower beds filled with plants can provide extra seating as well as adding fragrance and colour. If you have an aspect or view you want to block, grow flowering vines up trellises or hang potted plants in hanging baskets in strategic positions. Consider buying one large item, say a bird bath, sculpture or interesting planter, to give your patio or deck a central focus around which you can plan the rest. And remember a fountain or small pool not only becomes a feature of the area but has a freshening and cooling effect on summer evenings.
Putting in the extra effort will add to your home’s resale value as well as creating a safe environment where your family and friends can relax and make the most out of all that summer and the outdoors offer.
