Hi team, Naomi Findlay here!
We would never have a room in our house that we could only use at specific times of the year… So why create an outdoor space that is exclusively for Saturday night BBQs or once-a-month fire pit gatherings?
Today I am joined by actor, presenter and chippy Rowan Howard to break down all the things you need to consider when you’re looking to add or revamp an existing outdoor space for year-round use.
Outdoor spaces are extensions of our home, in fact, research shows that a functional outdoor area is in the top three things people look for when buying a home.
So what makes a great living space you can use all year round?
- Include ventilation in your outdoor living area. In the planning stage for your outdoor area, take note of the position on your property; where can you capture the coastal breeze and is there any positions that direct sunlight is too harsh? Ceiling or wall fans are a great option to promote ventilation.
- Install heating. If you live in a cooler part of the world, outdoor heating is a great option: gas or electric heating, or an outdoor fireplace or firepit.
- Consider an outdoor kitchen. You don’t want the person responsible for cooking to miss out on the action, why not consider installing an outdoor kitchen or cooking area?
- Select the perfect outdoor furniture. Before you dive straight into purchasing outdoor seating, it is important to consider the purpose of the area.
- Invest in covers for your outdoor furniture. By covering your lounges, cushions, and rugs, you are able to use your furniture at any time, knowing they’re not wet, damaged or sun affected.
- Create privacy from your neighbours. Lattice, plants, and decorative screening are great options to consider.
- Don’t forget storage. Like any room in your house, storage is key for an outdoor area; options include purpose-built furniture or a hatch under your raised deck. Hot tip: this is a great place to easily store your outdoor furniture covers.
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