Tips to make more of your outdoor space

The term indoor-outdoor living is used nowadays to describe a new trend in home design. This is where homeowners integrate their indoor/outdoor spaces to create a seamless transition between the two spaces.

By focusing on different zones, lighting and seating, you can extend your living space and create the perfect atmosphere for your family, friends and guests to enjoy your extended porch, deck or patio area.

It’s summertime and which one of us doesn’t love spending time outdoors. So, what are people adding to their outside spaces this year?.

A few examples of what’s popular…..

Transition areas.

• Pergolas.
• Built-in seating.
• Retractable screens.
• Covered decks.
• Lighting
• Standalone firepits.
• Outdoor kitchen area.
• Smart spaces.
• Multi-purpose furniture (can be used inside/outside)
• Style with accessories.

Transition areas – These spaces are typically utilised to connect two or more spaces, a few examples include courtyards, corridors, verandas, or a decking area.

Pergolas – This is an outdoor garden feature forming a shaded walkway, passageway or seating area. This is a structure with columns supporting a roofing grid of beams. Wood or metal is commonly used for this structure.

Built in seating - To create seating in your outside space “you could make use of a retaining wall to integrate seating”, or “create a sunken seating area.

Retractable screens – These enhance an outdoor living space, and provides protection from insects. They can cool your home in warmer months and also reduce UV exposure, but sometimes in Ireland they protect against the windy days. 

The screens offer the convenience of being easily retracted by the touch of a button when not in use, therefore you can enjoy the views and open spaces on a beautiful sunny day.

Covered decks – Allow you to enjoy your outdoor space with shade and protection from the sun and rain (we are living in Ireland after all). Homeowners can enjoy outdoor dining, entertaining or simply unwinding at the end of a busy day.

Cosy furniture would be added in here, along with decorative art and cushions, to enhance the comfort of the space.

Lighting – Illuminates our outdoor spaces. A lot of time and money is invested into lighting our outdoor spaces correctly now, people no longer just want it to navigate around a space, they invest in design statements that create an atmosphere, while also being appealing to the eye.

Strategic illumination can play a significant role in boosting your home’s value, making it stand out in the market and potentially gaining a higher price.

Stand-alone firepits – Are available in many shapes and sizes- with smokeless, gas and wood pellet fire options. These are used as a centrepiece in many outdoor spaces and gardens surrounded by seating.

A round fire pit is the most common shape, especially for wood burning models. The reason for this is, like a campfire, this shape emits heat evenly around the perimeter to ensure warmth for every guest. A rectangular firepit is best for a narrow patio area.

Outdoor kitchens – This has become a very popular add on in the outdoor garden space, These units can be placed in a designated area in your outdoor space, or you can buy a smaller mobile unit that you can move around.

Now, the barbecue will always be a popular choice for cooking food outside, but many of these kitchens have a BBQ, a built-in grill, a sink, storage shelves, fridge and a wine cooler in them. There are numerous options, every budget is catered for.

Smart spaces – We all wanted a smart TV when they came out, now people are investing in smart outdoor spaces – which include lighting that can be programmed to switch on automatically at set times during the day, wireless speakers for music and smart TV’s.

Multi-purpose furniture – Purchasing outdoor furniture that serves a variety of purposes and a multitude of weather changes is very beneficial, if our wants change, we have the ability to alter them to suit the current situation.

Rattan furniture can be brought inside and utilised in the conservatory all year round. Some lounge sets chairs can be used as additional dining chairs if needed at Christmas time or a special occasion. Sun loungers can be collapsed and used as a small dining table for kids if needed.

Parasols can also be used to shade your laptop when working outside.

Egg style chairs are used in the garden as a cosy seating area but equally, it can be brought indoors to use as a reading nook, window seat or study area.

Sustainability and re-purposing what we have at home is a must nowadays.

Style with accessories – Accessories like cushions, rugs, throws will create a snug cosy atmosphere both outdoors and indoors. You can go bold or neutral depending on the vibe you are trying to create in the space. Add some candles, vases, art pieces and some tableware to complete the look. There are numerous choices out there to suit everyone’s needs. Enjoy your space.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maura Mackey is founder of Maura Mackey Design based in Ballinhassig. She loves creating beautiful, one of a kind interior designs for her clients. If you are building a new home, doing a renovation, upstyling a room/rooms in your home, updating your commercial space or selling your home Maura is there to help.

See https://www.mauramackeydesign.ie/