It feels like the weather is either too hot or too cold to be outside. However, as we don’t get warm weather often, it’s important to make the most out of it by spending as much time in our garden space as possible. For me, this means lounging or reading a book or simply enjoying a cold tea while for the little ones it means one thing and one thing only… time to play in the paddling pool! It’s great to see them so excited, I just wish it could happen more often.
I also wish we could spend more time outdoors in general, no matter rain or shine, no matter day or night. It’s so nice to have friends over for an alfresco dinner but as the sun goes down and it starts getting cooler, the night has to end. You know what? I stopped wishing and decided to turn my dreams into reality. I’ve decided to transform our outdoor space so we could fully enjoy it, no matter what. If you are looking to spend more time outdoors, here are some tips and tricks on how to do it.
Start with a plan
Planning is the most important step of any home transformation/renovation. It’s essential to figure out what your outdoor space needs the most – does it need a shelter from the elements to keep everyone covered from the rain? Does it need more lighting, so your guests can safely walk around the garden during those dark summer nights? Have a look around and see what things you could improve.
Think of shade
Designer Shade Solutions, retractable pergolas specialists in Sydney, recommend installing modern pergolas in terraces, gardens and patios of both residential and commercial spaces. These modern pergolas feature retractable and tilting louvred roofs, providing the ultimate shade solution for any outdoor space. As Country Heart and Home comments, “These are modern pergolas with a retractable roof that easily opens, closes and tilts, depending on if you want to fully enjoy the weather, shelter from the rain or simply want some shade.”
You can choose to install these in the middle of your garden as a beautiful centrepiece or attached to your property as an extension to your current living space. Either way, these will be the perfect addition to any garden. Not only will these add shade to your outdoors but will also provide you with a comfortable and private outdoor space where you can dine and entertain guests.
Think of lighting
As this article on Business Insider mentions, “You can use lighting to make your space feel like a private oasis.” Lighting can truly change any space’s atmosphere. You might want to make your outdoors more romantic or simply be able to clearly see at night the path to your home – light will help both those situations. Add post lights to light up your path or some hanging lights (fairy lights count too!) around your garden for a relaxing and romantic feel.
Think of heat
Sometimes you need something more than just a blanket to keep you warm on a chilly summer night. Go for outdoor heaters or fire pit tables! These are great options to keep everyone toasty. Plus, with a fire pit table you can also enjoy some toasted marshmallows… and who would say no to toasted marshmallows? I wouldn’t.
Think of colour
Whilst you are transforming your garden, why not give it a colour update? As Janine Huldie mentions in a recent blog post, “A beautiful colour palette will enhance your garden’s best features and make it stand out, creating the perfect space for you to relax and unwind after a long day of work.”
*This is a collaborative post
I love some of these ideas for the garden, I have a patch that I really want to make into some sort of haven