Planning An Outdoor Room
First consider what you want to include on your patio or terrace. Plan the size of the paved area to accommodate sofas, loungers and a dining table and chairs with space to move around them. It is a good idea to select the style and size of furniture before your patio is built.
Site an outdoor dining and kitchen area within easy reach of the house so you can bring food and drinks into the garden without fuss.
For north facing gardens, where placing a patio at the sunny end of the plot may be best, think about installing an electricity supply for a fridge and plumbing for a sink.
Barbecues that use mains gas are also a great idea, especially in small gardens since they obviate the need to store gas cylinders.
Sofas and chairs made from weatherproof wicker style fibre have helped transform gardens into outdoor sitting rooms. The furniture can be left outside all year round and thanks to lightweight aluminium frames is surprisingly light and easy to move. Although the cushions are showerproof it is best to store them under cover when they are not in use and over the winter.
Lighting Your Garden
Spotlights set into the risers or side risers of the steps make them safer for you and your visitors while creating light and shadow patterns. Similar lights set into path edges and decks are also effective. For brighter illumination use post lights or lanterns. Electric lights that run off the mains or LED’s are best for these areas.
Uplight tree stems, seating or sculpture withspots set at the base are best. For a subtle effect, dot solar powered lamps around the garden or hang candles in wind proof holders in trees.
