I know that spring is months away, but there are a lot of people (including myself) thinking about their gardens and on what to plant and when to start your seeds. But making the most of your garden need not be limited to digging, planting and trimming.
Why not turn an angle of the garden into an extra living space? Family get-togethers, fun parties or just relaxing can become an outdoor activity. All that is needed is the appropriate garden décor plus a few accessories and the magic happens! An adequate outdoor space is necessary, ideally a garden or a terrace (unfortunately window boxes will not suffice), and you can develop your personal outdoor living area.
Themes
Planning a style or theme for your re-invented garden is a good starting point. A garden decor that perfectly complements the theme of your outdoor area is perfect if you want to achieve a sense of harmony and a certain impact. When you invite your guests into the garden and they find themselves in a rustic Tuscan loggia (complete with climbing vines) or a suggestive Mexican patio (with or without mariachis), they will be impressed.
Simple and rustic
You can achieve a jolly garden in your own backyard; all you need are long wooden tables and long benches, leafy trees, maybe a trellis-work backdrop with flowers, ideally a couple of large barrels and some beer! Another simple idea for temporary garden decor is the picnic scenario; portable chairs and tables in lightweight, weather-resistant aluminum or plastic are easily set up and removed. Alternatively, foldable chairs in the ‘director’s seat’ style in wood and canvas, wooden tables, colorful sun umbrellas and a barbecue recreate a California brunch. For a romantic touch add some fairy lights and you are done!
A picnic table inspired by a wine barrel by Jeremy Levine (CC BY 2.0)
Garden furniture
Outdoor living rooms usually come in suites of four or six chairs and a table, made in wood, bamboo, wicker or rattan. All of these materials look great in the garden and transmit the feeling of being in touch with nature. Many garden suites come with a parasol or garden umbrella, or a gazebo, to provide shade.
More permanent garden structures can be in synthetic resin wicker which is robust and long-lasting, wrought iron which gives a vintage effect, or teak which is one of the most weather-resistant woods and commonly used on ships.
Teak furniture is particularly valued for its durability and water resistance
Whatever form or theme your outdoor living room takes, it is an extension of the house, giving you more living space and, by adding or changing accessories, your outdoor living room can be enhanced and enriched over time.
*The unedited Porthole Garden image by Martin Stone (CC BY-SA 2.0)
