Bringing the indoors out
If the weather keeps foiling your plans for alfresco occasions at home, consider creating an outdoor room, writes Katie Newton.
Adding a roof, and possibly a wall or two, to a paved or decked area, provides a valuable extra living space for relaxing or entertaining.
Outdoor rooms or loggias can be freestanding or attached to the house, and have varying levels of enclosure. It all depends on the space’s location and orientation, and of course, your budget.
‘‘The kiwi quarter-acre dream is most definitely being reinvented,’’ says Rebecca King from Louvretec, who supply a range of retractable and louvred roofs, as well as mesh shades and glass doors for outdoor rooms. ‘‘Homeowners have less space and the areas they do have need to be functional living spaces.’’
Open-roofed pergolas are the cheapest structures to erect and do not require a building consent, although they must comply with the building code and any local bylaws. But while they can provide a sense of intimacy and help define the space, they don’t solve the weather problem.
‘‘People also want to be able to open up their homes to the beauty and freshness of the outdoors, but here in New Zealand with our four seasons in one day, we also need protection from the elements,’’ says King.
Roofed styles are more useful but require building consent, and possibly resource consent if things like boundary issues arise. Clear acrylic panels that have a similar look to glass but a fraction of the weight can be added to pergolastyle framing and start at about $62 per sheet. Cheaper corrugated plastic panels cost from $35 per sheet.
A custom-fitted opening roof gives the most climate control. Fully retractable options are available, but a louvred style provides the additional choice of having partial shade.
‘‘A Louvretec roof with the addition of either shutters, outdoor blinds or sliding glass doors instantly creates a functional outdoor space letting you control the weather as you wish,’’ says King. ‘‘You create the atmosphere and intimacy. Letting a summer breeze into your space doesn’t mean you have to feel the full force of the sun, just select your setting for your comfort.’’
Some retractable and louvred roofs also come with rain sensors, meaning the furnishings stay dry, even if you’re not home.
King says opening roofs can be fitted almost anywhere, with problems only arising if there are site coverage or boundary issues. Installing the average Louvretec room costs approximately $25,000, depending on size, site conditions and any accessories or side infills required.
But outdoor rooms don’t have to be expensive custom designed spaces. Existing unused areas like under a deck or a carport can be made welcoming by injecting a bit of personality and comfort. Clear out any junk, sweep it out and freshen it up with a lick of paint.
Once the structure is sorted, add heating and lighting so you can use your outdoor room year round. Freestanding heaters are the cheapest option, but wall hung radiant heaters don’t take up floor space. Strings of festoon bulbs look festive, or go for a combination of ambient lights such as LED downlights or strip lights.
Other additions such as outdoor kitchens and spa pools can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost, but King reckons outdoor rooms also add plenty of value to a property. ‘‘The outdoor room is often called the most used room in the house.’’
Styling the space
Myelz Moss, buyer at Freedom Furniture, says outdoor rooms should focus on entertaining. ‘‘Let’s face it, on those warm, summer nights, there is nothing better than having a few friends over and opening a bottle of wine.’’
He says the key to this working is creating a flexible space that allows guests to easily flow between inside and out, and using furniture and accessories to create a comfortable vibe.
Furniture is an important decision. Outdoor lounge suites lend themselves to relaxed style of entertaining, while those keen on sit down dinners should choose an outdoor dining set.
Moss says: ‘‘If you are tight on space but want a dining table, benches are a fantastic way to maximise tight spaces. When not in use, they easily slide underneath the table.’’
He recommends balancing hard items like furniture with soft furnishings and greenery. Herbs and other plants in pots or vertical planters instantly add life and appeal, while climbers growing up framing or walls softens them.
‘‘A great way to lay foundations of the space is with an outdoor rug. These add a pop of colour without having to invest the big bucks,’’ he says. ‘‘Adding interest is easy with fun, ceramic decorator pieces or colourful, patterned pots.’’
Other objects you wouldn’t normally bring inside like vintage street signs, galvanised metal planters or interesting driftwood work well too.
‘‘And outdoor cushions are no longer made from harsh, scratchy fabrics,’’ says Moss. ‘‘They soften the hard angles of solid lines and wickers - as well as being great to nap on!’’