Over the last year our appreciation for our gardens has grown exponentially. Now cited as one of the most desirable features for UK home movers gardens are being referred to as the “5th Room”. As much thought and effort is going into designing and personalising our gardens as any other room in our homes. In this article we will take a look at this new trend for outdoor spaces and give some great tips on how to make the best of your garden and how to enjoy it despite the unpredictable British weather.
Make a Plan
The first thing to understand is how you want to use your garden and match this up with the layout and orientation of your garden. If you’re after outdoor dining, perhaps you might want to develop a shaded hardstanding area; if you want to alternate between sunbathing and perhaps just relaxing on a sofa you might need two areas, one with a little shade and one in full sunshine. Think about the furniture that you will want in the garden and the space it is likely to take up and how that will sit in your garden area. Once you have decided exactly how you want to use your space and the best position for each “zone”, you will be able to start working on your new outdoor space.
Shaded areas
If you don’t have shaded spots but you do want some to escape the summer sun, then pergolas could be your ideal solution. If you’re a proficient DIYer then why not build one yourself and cover it in fast growing climbing plants like wisterias, fragrant honeysuckle or even grape vines to help hide you from the sun, a pergola with vines also creates an atmospheric dapple light effect. Realhomes has a great guide for how to build your own pergola. An alternative is to buy a kit and eDecks has some great decking/pergola kits which are ready to go.
If you are after something a little more sheltered or maybe an outside room then there are plenty of summer houses on the market from very sturdy upmarket ones like these from Hever Garden Buildings to slightly more open versions like this one from Willowbay.
If you really want to take your living area to the next level, did you know that you can also buy outdoor rugs? What could be more decadent than having a carpet under your feet while you are outside?
Furniture
No matter whether you have a totally open space, a slightly covered and shady pergola or an enclosed summer house, you will need garden furniture.
There are countless options, rattan or rattan effect furniture are currently rather popular. Rattan is a natural material which is part of the palm family and when used in furniture it has inherent waterproofness and also UV resistance. Rattan effect furniture is man made from plastic to look like its natural cousin. Both, however, work very well in the garden and are hard wearing. Furniture Maxi has some great natural Rattan products from full dining sets to sofa sets and even luxurious day beds.
If it is rattan effect you are after then Argos have a great selection to choose from.
Outdoor Bar
If you love entertaining outside then you can add a real wow factor with an outside bar. You can make your own Tiki bar, convert an old shed or even buy flat pack bars.
Heat and Light
If you are looking to continue the fun even after the sun has gone down, then you will need to consider both heat and light in your outdoor living area.
As far as heating goes, there are your standard patio heaters or infra-red heaters, but why not opt for a real flame with either a fire pit or a Chiminea. Fire Pits UK have a great selection of fire pits, Indian fire bowls and even pizza ovens. If it is the Chiminea you are looking for then this article from the Independent will steer you in the right direction.
As far as lighting is concerned, again, there are many options to choose from, from wall mounted spotlights, to string LED lights to ornamental pillar lights like this lovely light from Lights.co.uk. If you are after just some mood lighting, when not treat yourself to a Damask lantern which will give a lovely, soft, dappled light effect in your garden.
As a nation we are much more inclined to dine al Fresco these days and generally spend more time entertaining and relaxing in our gardens. We hope that our tips have helped you with considering how you would like to use your garden and therefore how it should be laid out. However you use your 5th Room we hope you enjoy your space no matter what the weather throws at you.
