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As we hurtle towards the wintertime here in Australia, it seems only natural that we begin our migration inside.
Snuggling under warm blankets on the couch and hibernating until spring might be your usual pattern, however, if you have an outdoor space at your home, we’re here to take you through how you can turn your outdoor area into a space you can use all year long.
Cooler weather doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time indoors – in fact, it’s important you get some outdoor time during the colder months. Spending time outdoors is great for both your mental and physical health.
So, if you have an outdoor area, like a backyard, front porch, balcony or courtyard, keep reading to learn how you can enjoy outdoor living all year.
Outdoor living isn’t just for the summertime
Just because the temperatures have dropped, it doesn’t mean you need to spend all of your time inside. With the right planning and pieces, your outdoor space can be something you enjoy throughout the entire year, in all kinds of weather – no matter the outdoor area you have.
Here are our tips for making your outdoor area fun and functional all year:
Functionality is key
Before you do, touch or change anything in your outdoor area, the most important thing you can do is measure, observe and plan. You want to know what you’re working with in order to create a space that is usable and enjoyable.
To create a functional space, you need to know how big your area is, so measure it! Measure the floor space. Measure the height of the walls. Measure any awkward spaces.
You want to have complete and comprehensive dimensions because it will make everything else a lot easier, when it comes to furnishing and building out your space.
It’s also a good idea to observe the weather patterns throughout the day. Some things to consider are, what area gets the sun the most; when it’s windy or rainy does it come from a particular direction; is there any protection from the weather or will you need to create some.
This will aid you in visualising your plans and figuring out what restrictions you might have.
Weather protection
Providing protection from the elements will help to make your outdoor space a lot more enjoyable, even when the weather is being a little temperamental.
For smaller areas, like balconies and front porches, you might not need to consider protection from the elements as much as you may with backyard or courtyards, however, your observations in the first step will help you in understanding this.
You may need protection from the wind, rain, snow or even the sunshine, depending on how sunny your region is.
There are many different styles of coverings that can aid in protecting you from the weather. Some great options for cover include large outdoor umbrellas and shade sails – these are both temporary, and great for when you’re renting. If you have a larger area to cover, or you’re totally transforming your outdoor area, then a more permanent option, like extending your roofline may be on the cards.
Other weather protection options include trellis’ and planters. These can offer privacy, protection from sun and wind, and of course, somewhere for your plants to grow, which can add a whole new element of life to your outdoor area.
The Right Furniture Made of the Right Materials
One of the most fundamental parts of creating a comfortable outdoor area is the furniture. It’s a key element that can totally transform not only the look of your outdoor space but also the feel. The right pieces might end up leading to you craving to spend more time out in your outdoor space.
When it comes to choosing pieces for your outdoor space, it’s important you opt for outdoor furniture that has actually been made for the outdoors from high quality materials.
Now, we know what you’re thinking – and no, outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be ugly camping chairs and the like. These days, you can get outdoor pieces that are so beautiful they could work inside your home, as well as outside.
Here at SLH, we have a focus on creating outdoor furniture that not only looks incredible but has been made from high-quality, weatherproof materials. Some of our preferred materials include teak, European oak, and American Walnut timbers; stainless steel; aluminium; sunbrella canvas; and HPL.
The materials used to make your outdoor furniture hold the key to their durability. You should think of your outdoor furniture as an investment – something that could last you a lifetime, not just one season.
And the best thing about our range of sustainable designer outdoor furniture is that while it is made from hardy, strong materials, it is also as comfortable as it is stylish and durable.
Every piece of outdoor furniture that you need for your outside area can be found at SLH too – from outdoor dining sets and chairs to sun loungers and modular sofas – whatever vibe you need to create, you can do so with our collection.
Light it up
To make the most of your outdoor space, not only year-round, but around the clock and into the night, you need to have adequate lighting.
You want to create an inviting effect, so you need lighting but nothing too harsh or bright. Luckily, you can create the perfect outdoor ambiance with a huge variety of lighting options, including:
- Electric lighting
- Candles
- String lights
- Solar garden lights
- Tiki torches
- Candles
- Lanterns
- LED lighting
Another favourite lighting option for us has to be from a fire pit. Which actually leads us nicely into the next point – temperatures.
Warm and toasty
One of the simplest ways to make your outdoor area a place you want to be all year long is to make it cool-weather friendly. And the best way to do this is to ensure the temperatures are warm and toasty.
While you can introduce elements like outdoor heaters, we think you can’t really go past a fire pit (if you have the space for it).
A fire pit is a multipurpose element that can make a chilly evening a lot more enjoyable. A fire pit is a focal point in your outdoor area, one that attracts the eye. People can’t help but gather around a fire. It’s warm, it’s inviting and it’s a source of light.
To top it off, you can get accessories for your fire pit to transform it into a rustic BBQ. You can enjoy the tastes of delicious food that has been licked by the warm flames of your fire. And whether you’re having guests over or you’re with the family, everyone loves to get involved with this style of cooking.
If you’re looking for a portable fire pit to add to your outdoor area, you can check out our range here.
BONUS: Be Organised
There will be times when the weather will not let you enjoy your outdoor area, so it’s important that your space is organised and ensure everything has a home for when the weather is not playing ball. Accessories you use outdoors, such as outdoor cushions, throws, and BBQ accessories, should have a home to ensure they are looked after and don’t blow away.
You might be dreading the idea of having to find yet more space indoors for these things, but this is where some cleverly designed furniture can come in handy. Many different styles of outdoor furniture have storage options, ottomans, planter boxes, and outdoor sofas often have these details built in.
So, as you furnish your outdoor area, think of these functional elements and you’ll save yourself a lot of time (and space) in the future.
Create Your Ideal Outdoor Space with SLH
Don’t let the cooler weather stop you from enjoying all areas of your home – including your outdoor space. You can start creating and enjoying your outdoor area at any time. And you can do so with the help of our incredible customer service team.
We can help you plan for the area you want to create by advising you on appropriate materials and outdoor furniture to suit. The options are endless when you shop for outdoor furniture with SLH.
