In an increasingly hectic and stressful world where many of us stare at a screen for hours on end thanks to technology, many of us are rediscovering a new desire to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air.
Just the opportunity to step outside, even if it’s onto a tiny balcony or into a pocket-sized garden, can have a profoundly rejuvenating effect on our mood and energy. And who doesn’t love eating outdoors?
Whether you have a small outdoor space or a large patio, what do you need to consider when designing and furnishing? In this guide, we’ll look at what you need to keep in mind and give you some ideas on how to create a truly fantastic outdoor area.
Patio and Garden Paving Options:
For those looking to save on heating costs and thereby protect their wallets, you can also expand access with a so-called energy-efficient sliding door
When designing an outdoor space, whether it’s a balcony, courtyard, or small garden, you should also think about how you’ll enter it and what you’ll stand on.
For a patio, you’ll naturally need to cover the entire area with flooring, but a courtyard or garden can also benefit from some form of paving or flooring, not just to create different zones but also for practical reasons, to minimize the risk of a muddy, soft ground in the rain. Speaking of bad weather, if your patio isn’t fully covered, you’ll need flooring that can withstand rain. The most common in this case are:
- Natural stone
- Terracotta
- Wood
Natural stone is almost unavoidable outdoors because it’s perfect for many reasons. Not only is it a natural material that belongs outdoors, but it’s also extremely durable and long-lasting, resisting both the elements and wear and tear.
In many countries, the construction industry also frequently uses terracotta, or another type of ceramic tile depending on the market. They may not be 100% natural, but they withstand temperature fluctuations and are therefore an excellent choice for areas exposed to the elements.
With wood, the question is maintenance. Like stone, wood is of course a pure natural product and thus has a beautiful connection to nature, but it is much more susceptible to sun, rain, and temperature changes.
Wood definitely needs to be treated with a sealant and regularly to prevent it from rotting too quickly. Additionally, it tends to lighten or gray when exposed to continuous sunlight, so it’s generally best used in covered or shadier areas.
Essential Accessories for a Patio or Garden:
How do you adorn your outdoor space and make the most of its potential? As always, it’s the little extras that create a special atmosphere and turn your balcony, courtyard, or garden into a charming extension of your home.
What are the main types of accessories you should consider for outdoor decoration?
- Plants
- Candles and planters
- Lighting
It’s no surprise that plants are the most important element, especially for a city apartment where even a small green oasis can completely transform well-being and quality of life.
There are countless types of plants, too many to list, and it also depends on where you live and the climate, but in most cases, wherever in the world, climbing plants are a fantastic solution for a balcony as they provide privacy. For gardens or courtyards where too much sun could be an issue, the solution is to opt for tall plants and trees with dense, lush foliage, offering a cool, shaded spot.
John Cullen Lighting
In large gardens, the sky’s the limit, so let your imagination run wild and think of flower beds bursting with colors that change with the seasons, or perhaps plant a small herb garden and experiment in the kitchen.
No matter the size of your outdoor area, set up pots, lots of pots. In a courtyard or garden, you should group pots together rather than spacing them out so they form their own area. On a patio or balcony, potted flowers, ferns, olive or lemon trees (weather permitting) create a welcoming spot where one would love to linger. Nature is truly the perfect decoration, so place it wherever you can, in all sizes, shapes, and even colors.
Now you’re prepared, and the summer patio project can begin. We wish you success and lots of enjoyment.”