Taking it Outside

Posted: 09 September 2009 by Metricon Homes

Tags: colours, design, outdoor, trends

Top must haves for the outdoor living area.
Have you noticed the trend? We’re moving outside...and we’re taking our belongings with us. Yes, we’ve well and truly discovered the benefits of comfortable and serene outdoor-living spaces where we live, play and entertain, by decking them out with the same sort of things we might find inside out homes.

With spring already upon us, here are some ideas to help you create a true outdoor-living experience. But be warned, you may never want to go back inside!

Spruce up your space
If you are someone who likes a few accessories dotted around your home, there is no reason to ignore the outside. Whether it’s a glass vase, colourful bowl, or even a handful of tea candles, you’ll be impressed at how they can transform even the smallest outdoor space.

Cool breeze
Just as cool as staying warm is making sure you aren’t too hot in your outdoor-living space. A sheltered structure can mean there isn’t much air circulation. A simple solution is to install a fan that will not only keep you cool – but also help keep those pesky insects at bay.

Art smart
There are so many stunning outdoor structures, sculptures and water features on the market that it is hard to ignore them. Art can bring refinement and style to your back yard, transforming a patio or porch into a magnificent outdoor room. so just as you might like to admire a beautiful piece of artwork inside your home, why not do the same outside?

Tabletop style
If you are going to have a table and chairs setting outside – why not decorate it with some stylish accessories? A colourful and creative table setting can add that wow to any backyard party. There are plenty of products that are designed specifically for the outdoors – you might like to choose something inspire by nature itself!

Comfort is the key
Gone are the days of setting up a couple of hard wooden chairs on your backyard deck. When it comes to choosing furniture you want to ensure it is as comfortable as your lounge or dining room. They also need to be durable as they will be out in the elements for lengthy periods of time.

Cooking up a storm
One of the greatest pleasures of outdoor living is eating outside – the food always seems to taste better.
The trend now is to move the entire kitchen outdoors, including the kitchen sink, but if you don’t have the space, a really good BBQ will do the trick.

The heat is on
Being able to use your outdoor living space all year round is a fantastic idea – but in reality if you live in places like Melbourne – you need a little help keeping the temperature comfortable, especially in the evening.
A built-in fireplace is a great option if you have the space and, if not, a chiminea can have a similar effect. For something easy and functional, a heat lamp is the way to go.

Light up the night
Lighting tends to be the last thing on people’s list of outdoor must-haves, but is one of the fundamental ways to create ambience and allows you to continue enjoying your space even after the sun goes down.
Spotlights are great for dramatising the look of trees, pools, water features and sculptures.