Outdoor living areas are a huge selling point for a home, they are often the focal point for those dinner parties and family BBQs.
A well-designed outside space can make a house stand out and truly differentiate it from the competition.
We want to help you create a beautiful space that can be utilised all year round – not just in the middle of summer!
Whether you have recently purchased a new home and are ready to put your personal touches on it, or you are looking for ways to create a fresh look and feel to your existing home but don’t want to start from scratch, then this blog is for you. We have put together a few simple ideas on how you can transform your current outdoor area into the outdoor living space it was always meant to beautiful
Winter can occasionally be the ideal season to practically sow the seeds for summer.
Here are some ideas for creating a fantastic outdoor environment that you may implement in the upcoming months.
GARDEN
If you are one of those people that have been blessed with knowing which plant is which, what times of the year is best to grow new plants, and most
of all, how to keep them alive—that is amazing, and we must admit, a little jealous of you.
Your garden is sure to be a beautifully curated space that makes your not so green-thumbed friends rather envious.
However, if you’re not a garden king or queen, then keep things straightforward and low maintenance! Despite the fact that we lack green thumbs, here are some of our tricks for keeping our gardens looking lovely:
Add mulch or stones to your garden beds. This will both create a garden that requires very little ongoing work, while also looking super modern and stylish. Plus low maintenance means more time to enjoy your beautiful outdoor space, whilst keeping it tidy and letting your plants and flowers really pop!
Keep it simple, if you don’t like it or there is too much of it – get rid of it.
Select one or two cultivars that you are familiar with caring for.
Water! Don’t forget to water your garden. You can either add a watering system to your gardens or get the kids out there with their watering cans – they love it! Be sure to do it first thing in the morning or late in the day so you don’t lose any of the water through evaporation.
When in doubt ask a professional at your local garden centre
The employees are knowledgeable about all things botanical and are typically delighted to impart their knowledge.
From what conditions different plants prefer, to what they’ll look like fully grown, your local plant store will often have the answers.
Plant some winter wonders in the coming months. Different plants prefer to be sown at different times of the year. Often you’ll be able to tell what’s in season based on what’s available and sometimes on special at your local garden store. Roses and Tulips could be good to plant in June, whereas August is a great time for lilies and forget-me-not.
Now is your chance to take on a project or two in preparation for summer, as plants tend to slow down in the winter.
DECKING
The framework for your outdoor living space is created by a deck. If you already have one, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint each summer’s first.
This will bring your deck back to life while protecting it at the same time.
The Resene website offers excellent color suggestions in addition to technical guidance on stain types.
Consider having one made if you don’t already have one and there is space for it!
When planning think about things such as size, accessibility including indoor/outdoor flow, and garden access. Mitre 10 have some really helpful guides including how to design your deck, replace rotten or damaged boards, and how to clean and stain your deck.
SHELTER
When creating a space with the intention to use it all year round there are a few key things to think about, one of which is shelter. Shelter is necessary to provide shade in the summer or to keep out the rain and the cold in the cooler months so you can make the most of your outdoor living area.
There are a number of ways to do this which really depend on budget, as well as functionality
If you reside in “Windy Wellington” on a hill, you should consider getting something a little more substantial to keep the rain and wind out.
However, if you live somewhere a little less prone to the elements, something like a basic pergola or an awning may be just the thing.
Let’s examine a few possibilities in greater detail:
SUN SHADING
In addition to offering excellent protection from the sun on hot summer days, a parasol may sometimes keep you dry during small showers.
the material you chose. Sunshades come in a range of styles and sizes and can be a really stylish addition to your outdoor area. They can be layered, singular, connected to your house, or designed as a stand-alone feature connected to either wooden or steel poles.
OUTDOOR BLINDS
Already have an outdoor deck but it is useless when the rain and wind hits?
roof to boot – which is fabulous too!)
Check out Louvretech’s website for a more comprehensive list and breakdown.
PERGOLA
Pergolas come in many shapes and sizes and are perhaps one of the most popular outdoor shelter options. Because there are so many options you really can’t go wrong. Whether building it yourself the typical kiwi DIY way or using a professional, pergolas can be tailored to meet any budget.
Combine them with motorised louvres for an extra flash touch or add creeping vines and fairy lights for a truly magical effect.
Either way, they create the perfect focal point for outdoor entertaining.
OUTDOOR FIREPLACE
The only thing left is heating. An outdoor fireplace will transform your outdoor area into something truly amazing allowing you to enjoy the outdoors no matter what the season.
Trendz Outdoors offers a range of outdoor fireplaces that differ in size and style with the ability to customise and add or remove any accessories as you see fit.
