Make it work for you OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM
Turn your outside space into a second living area you can use for relaxing, socialising and spending time together as a family
◆ PLAN YOUR FURNITURE To create an intimate social space, group furniture closely, using an outdoor rug to zone the area. In the same way that you’d arrange a living room, make sure each seat is within reach of a side table. Deep cushions are the key to comfort, as garden seating usually has a wood or metal frame. Be prepared to invest in good-quality furniture for a space that you’ll be happy spending hours in, or add a layer of cut-to-size foam and scatter cushions to seats.
◆ IMPROVE PRIVACY Identify the sightlines from neighbouring houses from all angles of your seating area. Horizontal panels fixed atop your existing fencing might be enough to block them. If not, try trellis panels (they obscure the view, but not the sun), or trees such as acers in large pots to screen your seating area.
◆ THROW SOME SHADE Pergola kits are a good-looking permanent solution to create shelter in a large area. You can train climbers up them or drape them with muslin panels for a tent effect. If you prefer the idea of a parasol, get one with a wheeled base as they are super-heavy to move. For fail-safe sun protection, go for a shade sail with UPF50+ fabric. ◆ GET THE LIGHTING RIGHT
Candles and decorative lanterns are great for creating atmosphere, but if you want to read or play board games outside after dark, add a batterypowered floor lamp to cast ambient light, plus LED (solar or USB charged) lamps at each corner of the table.
◆ THINK ABOUT HEATING Patio heaters fired by propane or butane are effective but wasteful and polluting. Chimineas and firepits are popular as more sustainable options, but they can still cause particulate air pollution. The best solution? Think lowtech with blankets and sheepskins! ◆ DECORATE WITH PLANTS
Planters are useful for defining your seating area and separating it from the rest of the patio or a lawned area. Even in clusters, small pots are trip hazards, so think big with high troughs or supersized pots in a row. Fill them with colourful plants, perhaps adding night-scented plants, such as tobacco.