Decking
If you’re wanting to continue your interior area to your garden space, a deck is the perfect way to do this. It’s like adding another room to your house, perfect for hosting BBQs and giving the kids a great place to play. A deck is a fantastic way to define your garden and seating area. Not to mention it’s been proven to add value to your home when you sell it.
When it comes to decking options, there are quite a few choices. But in recent years composite decking is stealing the spotlight. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its impressive durability. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking is made from a blend of wood and recycled plastics, making it built to last. Additionally, another reason for its popularity is it doesn’t require regular staining or sealing.
You can also plan decking around your garden. For example if your garden isn’t completely flat, you could add layered decking to create neat layers, making the space more coherent. If your garden is on the smaller side, you can also create an illusion that your garden is bigger by placing the decking horizontally.
Outdoor furniture
Outdoor furniture is essential to enjoying your outside space. There are also a lot more options than you might think. Gone are the days when wrought iron was all the rage and just about the only thing on the market. There are lots of contemporary styles that fit the design of most modern gardens.
Rattan furniture is a popular choice within the UK as it copes well with the frequent weather changes. Rattan is woven from natural stems of palm trees. This makes it very durable year round whilst also being lightweight enough to move around the garden. With the addition of a few cushions these chairs would be a perfect fit for most gardens.
Wooden furniture is another popular choice. It can be expensive as the quality increases. Cheaper wooden materials will need frequent coats of treatments to avoid rotting in the British weather. Meanwhile, the more expensive oak will last a lot longer. Wooden furniture has risen in popularity as its design is sleek and modern whilst also looks like it belongs.
Tip: Match your outdoor furniture and decor similar to your interior style to create a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Creating an illusion of continuation.
Outdoor kitchens
Once Summer arrives, everyone wishes they had an outdoor kitchen. We would only recommend building an outdoor kitchen if you have the shelter needed. Outdoor kitchens can fit the contemporary style of modern gardens. With red cedar cladding, outdoor kitchens look clean and modern.
Using old countertops can be a great way to build one on a budget. It also makes it a lot easier to find the materials. Use a larger barbeque with a metal lid. Keeping the barbeque clean and shiny will give the appearance of a well kept garden.
Outdoor kitchens are becoming more popular as they look a lot more expensive than they are. If you’re handy with tools and don’t mind the challenge, build your own. It can give you the perfect entertainment space as well as looking modern and contemporary.
Pergolas and Awnings
As mentioned, cover over your decking is perfect for things like outdoor kitchens. There are lots of different types of covers available.
Pergolas – Pergolas are wooden structures that can be fitted with corrugated plastic or even slate to provide year-round cover. They’re a popular choice as they’re relatively easy to build to size. Covering your entire decking with a pergola would give you the perfect outdoor space year round.
Tip: Using climbing plants like wisteria to make a beautiful living structure.
Awnings – Awnings are a cheaper option as they can be fitted to the side of your house without the need for construction. They can usually be retracted so if you fancy sunbathing you can get it out the way. Retracting them also shelters from the elements and allows them to last longer over the years.
All of the above options allow you to bring your inside living, outside. The design of your garden doesn’t have to be dreary and drab. Browse modern options and design your outdoor living the same way you would design your interior.
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