We all love entertaining and spending valued time with family and friends; whether it’s long chats over hot chocolate, a weekend braai or a warm and lazy afternoon under the shade.
This needn’t be a difficult or expensive project and can be created in small spaces – even on a balcony, terrace, or larger open areas in a garden.
Think of family rooms, patios, fire-pit areas, or just seating areas.
Important factors to consider when planning these areas are:
- Suitable flooring
- Comfortable seating
- Braaing or cooking facilities
- Ambient lighting
- Soothing sounds
- Lush greenery
Added features like a hammock, a seat swing, water features or interesting plaques on walls can enhance the individuality of any outdoor space.
There are various paving solutions to demarcate entertainment areas:
- Concrete paving slabs
- Cobble stones
- Wooden decks
- Stone chips
- Composite patio decking
- Painted concrete
All these can be used in a variety of ways in different combinations, to create a really appealing space.
For protection from sun and rain a variety of options are :
- Wooden pergolas
- Retractable awnings
- Gazebos
- Large retractable umbrellas
- Modular roof pergolas
The Magic of a Fire-pit
Fire-pits have become a very popular way to introduce a companionable hub for entertainment. Use your own imagination to formulate a cosy and inviting area.
There are a number of fire pits available in:
- Metal
- Concrete
- Wood
Some of which have matching seating.
The Soothing Sound of Water
The sound of water is soothing and lit up at night creates a focal point.
There are a variety of water features to buy – but be inventive and create you own just out of a large wide brimmed bowl, filled with stones, plants and water – and with a small submersible pump, this will give you the soft relaxing sound you’re looking for.
Should you need privacy – create this with ready made weatherproof panels or trellis – with a colourful and lush climber to add a touch of charm, both to patios, terraces, and balconies.
There is also a large choice of outdoor weatherproof furniture available which will provide the perfect place to sit and listen to the water – this needn’t be expensive. These can be made out of:
- Moulded plastic
- Epoxy coated metals
- Treated woods
- Concrete
Light up the Night
Lighting is another very important aspect in creating the look and the ‘feel’ you want for outdoor living – and there is a wide variety of good solar ambient lighting available, which you can use anywhere – under trees, along pathways, around a pergola, on a table etc. This is an easy and cost effective way of, again, creating a cosy atmosphere.
Think:
- Strip lighting
- Hanging lights in different styles either in soft whites or colours
- Lanterns either on tables or hanging
All of which can be solar – no wiring, no batteries – and free from the sun!
Use these suggestions to create an area or areas where you can gather with friends or family – or on your own – to relax in and enjoy in!
