Barbie Rug

Barbie Rug

6 Ways To Create A Lively Outdoor Living Space (talk about outdoor verandas)

Australians are happiest in their own backyard. Enjoying a meal and drinks with friends and making the most of being outdoors. Here are six ways to help your outdoor patio come to life.

1. Lighting

No doubt a substantial amount of the time spent on your outdoor living space will be at night. Careful positioning of lights will improve the overall experience for your guests. This does not have to be restricted to electrical lighting but can include:

Solar lights – to light a path leading to the outdoor pergola are also cheap to run;

Candles – from tea lights to big chunky candles in glass bowls, the glow from a candle is soft, warm and romantic;

Garden torches – fill these with citronella and you have an insect free area as well as instant light.

2. Furniture

Grab a magazine or brochure from your local furniture store and take it home to compare the look within your own area. Manufacturers know that people want furniture more suited for use under their pergolas or verandas. Designs nowadays use robust fabrics, such as canvas that are less likely to fade or be affected by rain.

Cane or wicker chairs and tables are a stylish look without the expense of timber furniture.

3. Cooking area

Don't spend all your time in the kitchen or down the backyard at the bar-b-cue while your friends are enjoying themselves on your decking. Better yet why not get the guests to participate in the cooking?

By adding an electric wok or frypan to your dining table you can produce meals on the spot. Mongolian hotpots or Japanese sukiyaki make a delightful change from the chop on a barby.

Mexican chimineas not only warm an area but can be converted for use as a wood fired BBQ or pizza oven.

4. Plants and landscape

Nothing says life more than plants. Carefully landscaped verandas with flower beds on the edge of the deck bring the sense of nature from the garden into your living area. Potted plants scattered around or clumped in groups are a nice addition.

5. Floors and coverings

Concrete verandas can be given a new lease of life with a coat of hardwearing paint. Make sure you acid wash first especially newly concreted floors. This will help the paint to adhere to the surface. Timber decks can be spruced up with a light sanding and coat of oil.

Finish the look with some scatter rugs or rush matting.

6. Heating

There's nothing worse than going to a party and spending the night freezing. Braziers and chimineas while not the most efficient form of heating because of the amount of fuel they use, create atmosphere and a focal point for your guests to stand around and keep warm.

Gas patio heaters come in a variety of styles and sizes from table top versions, stand alone or smaller units mounted to the eaves. They look good too with stainless steel or black finishes.

Stratco verandas offer a great range with their outback style and have been servicing Australians for generations. They can lay the foundations for a fantastic outdoor area and all you need is the imagination to bring the area to life.

 

About the Author

Install-a-Veranda is Australia's leading supplier and installer of verandas, patios, pergolas and carports. For a free consultation please visit Pergolas.

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