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With gardens and outdoor spaces coming into their own like never before, homeowners are reinventing spaces and carving out impressive zones to create dedicated dining areas, workspaces for remote desk time, or a garden room that is both functional and fun.
Whether you’re currently redesigning your garden, sprucing it up while the weather is good, or making eco-friendly improvements, this article explores some functional upgrades for enviable outdoor spaces.
Garden rooms, in particular, have emerged as a popular addition as they offer an exciting space away from the house that can be used for a variety of purposes. When designing a garden room, think about what you might want to enjoy doing in the space. Other key considerations include maximising natural light, ensuring you have a heater, and proper ventilation in place to meet the change in seasons.
Beyond the practical elements, garden rooms can become amazing entertainment spaces to enjoy music, or watch TV together with your favourite films without being disturbed. Alternatively, create a home fitness area in a garden room kitted out with golf equipment and exercise equipment, such as treadmills, rowing machines, and yoga mats. The beauty of outside rooms is the multitude of opportunities they offer.
Other homeowners might integrate a small kitchen and mini lounge area into a garden room, transforming this outside room into an inviting zone to indulge in your own hobbies or relax with a book after a long day at work. Large windows or sliding doors can flood the space with daylight, while insulation and heating/cooling systems can make a garden room comfortable all year round.
Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and greenery can create a soothing space with a green vibe. In addition to practical office furnishings if you do work from home, a top tip would be to look for trendy office chairs and cool storage ideas, such as chests or trunks, reclaimed picnic hampers, and wooden pallets. If you’re currently planning to move, and are keen to attract a fast buyer, you can’t go wrong with an established versatile outdoor space.
To make your garden room stand out, consider painting it in a bold colour that ties in with the walls of your property or other floral features and themes already in your garden. Inside, add pretty wall art, plants, and other personal touches to further enhance the space.
Entertaining people outdoors has become increasingly popular, as homeowners seek to create inviting spaces for friends and family to gather. In addition to a garden room, other unique garden design features and furnishings, such as stylish outdoor seating or artistic ornaments can instantly rejuvenate and refresh an otherwise boring area. Gazebos, for example, can serve as focal points, providing both shelter and ambiance.
Modern gazebo designs feature sleek lines, retractable roofs, and integrated lighting and heating, making them functional year-round. This is great news if you are one of many choosing to spend more time outside or want to captivate a buyer in years to come. While you might enjoy general gardening and growing the right plants, herbs, or flowers for your lawn or planter, outside zones are more than pretty areas to admire, they are spaces to live in.
With this in mind, homeowners are more excited about greenhouses, creating zany pathways and borders as well as carving out niche pockets to create compost areas, pot stores, and herb gardens. With the right gardening tools and success with homegrown produce, creating dedicated outdoor kitchen and dining areas are appealing features.
When it comes to furnishings these areas, modular sofas, swinging benches, and weatherproof dining sets are great, versatile furniture or explore other bespoke pieces, including built-in grills, pizza ovens, and garden bars that can transform your outdoors. For foodies’ paradise, add in comfortable seats, awnings, and thoughtful decor for an ultimate, usable outdoor space complemented with decorative outdoor rugs, planters, and lighting.
While aesthetic appeal is essential, the success of an outdoor space, entertaining zone, or attractive garden room lies in its functionality and comfort. Homeowners and people looking to move are searching for solutions and spaces to enjoy all year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
Similar to gazebos, retractable awnings and pergolas are popular choices as they provide shade and shelter while maintaining an open, airy feel. These structures can be integrated with fantastic heating and lighting systems for use during the winter. Some homeowners are even opting for fully enclosed gazebos that provide a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.
Likewise, weatherproof outdoor cushions and throws, for example, can transform a simple bench or seating area into a cosy retreat. Storage solutions, such as built-in benches or outdoor cabinetry, can help homeowners keep the space tidy and organised. Lighting is also important when the darker evenings arrive, with a range of options available to suit various areas. From discrete path lighting to beautiful and dramatic spotlights, strategic placement can enhance the ambiance and extend the usability of your outdoor spaces.
Like other areas and rooms in a property, homeowners and house hunters are increasingly conscious about choosing a sustainable and eco-friendly property to live in. This same trend applies to outdoor spaces and can include everything from the materials used in landscaping to energy-efficient features dotted throughout the garden.
One popular trend is the incorporation of renewable energy sources such as solar-powered lighting or water features. These not only reduce the carbon footprint of the home but also contribute to long-term cost savings. When adding planters or pots in your garden or fitting out a garden room, opt for recycled, reclaimed, and upcycled items, such as reclaimed wood or composite decking, and storage boxes.
From versatile outdoor spaces to inviting areas for your guests, reinventing and upgrading your garden for all-year entertainment and enjoyment is a win-win for you and any future plans for your property. With a few thoughtful design ideas and features, and a focus on year-round usability, you’ll be able to create a great garden room and an outdoor area that is visually stunning and functional all year.
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