If you design your garden to connect outdoor and indoor living, it will be so much more than just an extension of your home. Even if you have a tiny garden, all you need is a bit of creativity to give it new life. Whether you have a bigger plot or a small space, you can turn your garden into another room of your home. If you are looking for inspiration, here are a few ideas.
Decorate a Couple of Walls
If you are looking for a simple way to create a beautiful outdoor room, consider decorating the garden walls and introducing statement lighting. Choose elements, such as mirrors and sculptures, that are either weatherproof or easy to bring in and out. You can also choose ornaments that will look good weathered.
Another option is to use outdoor ceramics and wall sculptures that are designed for this purpose. Waterproof canvases and vintage enamel signage are great solutions as well. You shouldn’t have a hard time finding table and floor lamps that are designed for outdoor use.
Enclose Beneath a Canopy
Umbrella-style canopies and sail-like structures can be a great, stylish addition to your garden. The best part about canopies is that they don’t have to be permanent fixtures. Depending on the weather, you can easily open or close them.
Build a Log Cabin
If you have a bit more extra space in your backyard, a log cabin can be a great addition to your property. Contrary to what many homeowners think, building a log cabin in the garden doesn’t have to be that big of an endeavor.
In most places, including the US, small log cabins fall under permitted development, so you won’t have to deal with any paperwork. One of the biggest benefits of log cabins is that they are great at keeping the heat in, so you will be able to use it all year round.
It doesn’t have to be expensive either. You can get a DIY log cabin kit and build one yourself. You can get an electrician to do the wiring. Wiring a log cabin is much easier than wiring a brick and mortar building, so it won’t cost you much.
If you are looking to add a versatile room to your home, a log cabin is likely the best option. You can use your log cabin as a gym, home office, summer house, meditation retreat, or even a guest room.
Create a Covered Bar
A covered bar is a bigger investment than a canopy, but you will undoubtedly enjoy the results. Outdoor seating and bars are becoming increasingly popular. You will be able to use your outdoor bar rain or shine if you build a solid roof in your garden and add splash proof furniture, stone worktops, and other water-resistant materials.
Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen
You can incorporate a simply designed area for cooking into the layout of your garden. Or, if your budget allows it, and there’s enough space in your garden, you can invest in a fully functioning outdoor kitchen.
For instance, you can include a gas-fueled grill. You can use bottled gas or the gas can run from the mains. If you decide to go with this option, make sure there’s enough space for prep and storage. You can also add an outdoor sink, fridge, and even a hotplate.
Install Bifolding Doors
If you want to enhance the connection between the outside and the inside, you can use floor-to-ceiling glazing. If you want to have the largest possible opening, you can install bifolds. This will make your patio look like a proper living space.
Whenever the weather allows it, you can transfer mealtimes to the patio. Just be sure to get indoor pieces that you can easily move outside, or you can get outdoor dining furniture.
If you want to add bifold doors, there are a few things you should consider. Utilizing flooring is a great way to create the illusion of extra space. To connect the two areas, you can run the same floor finish from outside to inside.
This way, both the garden and the living area will appear larger than they are. You can use porcelain tiles on the outside, as long as they are anti-slip and can handle the weather. Natural stone usually works best, but it should also be anti-slip.
Build a Fireplace
For those chilly autumn evenings, an outdoor fireplace is a lovely feature. If you build a fireplace, you will be able to spend much more time in your garden.
You can get a table with bioethanol- or gas-fuelled flames, or you can go with a classic wood-burning fireplace. But, be sure to consult a contractor. They can tell you what options can work in your garden.
Consider an Internal Courtyard
When it comes to outdoor living spaces, internal courtyards work brilliantly. An internal courtyard can make the space feel totally unified, provided that the floor finish is the same inside and out and that you can open up the glazing completely. If you want to use it all year round, you can even add an outdoor fire pit.
How to protect your garden furniture
There are plenty of things you can do to protect your garden furniture.Note that the amount of time and effort involved will often depend on the material from which your garden furniture is made.
Checkout our Blog to learn How to protect your garden furniture.
