Outdoor glamour

Whether it is a gazebo, a patio or a deck, your outdoor living space is an extension of your indoor living room.

NAIROBI: A place for outdoor living is much more than a paved area with a set of furniture. A well thought out one can become your favourite retreat, the most convenient venue for a get-together or a travel-free alternative for a wonderful weekend getaway. Complete with the right furniture and décor, outdoor living spaces can just be as cosy and as inviting as any indoor room.

Whether it is a gazebo, a patio or a deck, your outdoor living space is an extension of your indoor living room. You need not reinvent the wheel: your challenge is only to derive the outdoor versions of your interior living room concepts.

In your planning, pay attention to the architectural forms and finishes and let them guide you in evolving your design. If you are interested in extending your living space outdoor, here are a few helpful tips to get you started:

FUNCTION

Function is the most important consideration when designing spaces for outdoor living. Do you want the space primarily for family use, for entertaining guests or both? Would you prefer a sunny space where you can bask or a cool shade for lounging or dining? What about the number of people you expect to accommodate at ago? Once you figure out exactly how you want to use the space, you will be better placed to plan a beautiful and functional outdoor lounge.

Another functional challenge you will have to resolve is protection of the furniture, appliances, décor and occupants from the elements. To a large extent, outdoor furniture and fittings are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. However, you still need some kind of cover to reduce maintenance needs.

Covering part of the patio or deck next to the house is usually a good idea to extend the use of the space during unfavourable weather conditions. A shed in the vicinity is also necessary to store movable furniture and appliances when necessary.

Your outdoor living space will function better if it feels a little enclosed and private. Careful selection of a location and orientation will go a long way in ensuring some level of privacy and enclosure is achieved.

A good planting plan with strategically placed trees and shrubs to control views should settle the matter if you have enough space. Otherwise, you will need to consider other privacy solutions such as lattice screens or some kind of walling.

FLOORING

Choosing flooring materials for your patio or deck is an important decision. Harmony with the house’s architectural finishes is paramount. Common choices include wood, stone, brick and concrete. Wood, being natural, blends well with almost any architectural finish. The other three should be considered more carefully.

The choice between wood, brick, stone and concrete also determines the ambience of the space you create. Wood is the most casual and naturalistic. Brick, stone and concrete tend to be more formal and elegant.

Whichever flooring you pick, make sure there is a good mix between soft flooring (lawn and ground covering plants) and hard flooring materials.

SUN AND SHADE

Controlling sun and shade is an important part of designing outdoor living areas. While the design should allow for plenty of unshaded areas to keep “sun worshipers” and gardeners happy, shaded areas are still necessary to facilitate activities such as sitting, reading or dining.

A shade tree can be strategically placed to cover part of the patio or deck during the afternoon. Structures such as pergolas and arbours reduce the sun’s intensity and create a pleasant environment underneath.