Top tips to deck out your outdoor living area
The more expensive vertical gardens come with in-built irrigation systems, but the do-it-yourself versions are a lot cheaper. A system with nine felt pockets in a three by three format retails for around $120.
Vertical gardens, green or living walls as they are sometimes called, help regulate the temperature of your outdoor living area, preventing walls from acting as a thermal mass, which can provide unwanted heat. They are also an ecofriendly solution and can be used to grow herbs and small vegetables.
Beside the fire
Of course, at times – especially in the evening – you may want a little extra heat. Providing some form of heating will also extend your ‘‘outdoor season’’. Gas patio heaters are a popular option. These range from around $200 for the cheaper models, but again the more you pay the more durable the product.
You can also buy radiant, wallmounted outdoor heaters, including ecofriendly infrared models.
Outdoor fireplaces are the most attractive, and expensive option. Available in both wood- and gas-burning models, these fireplaces create a very cosy, relaxed ambience. Some models, such as the Warmington Nouveau, can incorporate pizza ovens.
Fire pits and braziers are other ideas for areas where outdoor fires are permitted. Braziers start at around $40, with cast stone fire pits retailing for upwards of $200. You can even get mini cement fire pots for the table and wall, which sell for around $75.
In the glow
Outdoor lighting is a must-have if you are planning evening barbecues. Position your barbecue beneath a downlight so you can see what’s cooking. Outdoor lighting is also a great way to highlight key aspects of your landscape – uplights on a tree canopy can be very dramatic.
LED lighting is the recommended option. It’s cheap to run and bulbs last longer. And of course solar lights, the most energy-efficient option, are perfect for the garden, and are a great way to illuminate paths and steps. Most of the larger hardware stores retail these for less than $5.
Hurricane lamps are perfect for outdoor areas, and small ones with candles look great on the table.
On the big screen
There’s a school of thought that says the whole point of getting outdoors is to get away from ‘‘the box’’.
But, there is a demand for outdoor televisions with big screens that let you watch the game, or a movie, even in the sunlight. The Block: Villa Wars winners Brooke and Mitch added one of these to their outdoor living area with good results.
Expect to pay several thousand
dollars for a good Panasonic or H2O TV.
Little extras
There are plenty of additional accessories to consider, from ceramic artworks and decorative pots to citronella candles to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Here’s our pick of the crop: Fresh flowers on the table. Outdoor bean ottomans. Mini cement fire pots for the table and wall.