transform your garden into a relaxation retreat

Transform your garden into a relaxation retreat

The boundary between indoors and outdoors continues to blur as the trend to furnish external areas with creature comforts commonly found in the home continues. Pergolas, patios, barbecue nooks and other outdoor spaces have grown leaps and bounds over the past few years with both semi and fully enclosed structures allowing year-round use regardless of the weather.

Thanks to new innovations in outdoor heating, privacy screens and all-weather furniture, it is now possible to enjoy the natural elements without sacrificing comfort or style.

In his book Resort Style Living (Jamie Durie Publishing), Dean Herald explains that today’s outdoor landscape not only enhances the architecture of the home but also influences the building’s overall design. “The garden has become a true extension of the home, providing a functional space for entertainment and relaxation that also evokes the senses,” says Dean, a multi-award winning landscape designer who won gold in 2005 at the famed Chelsea Flower Show.

“Over the years I have continued to push what are commonly known as ‘interior elements’ into the outdoor environment,” Dean writes. “The barbecue on a trolley has evolved into a full outdoor kitchen, with all the inclusions normally found in an indoor kitchen: large glass-door fridges providing inviting views of your favourite drinks; cooking units and bench space for preparing and serving food; and deep sinks with hot and cold running water.

“All of these elements help to ensure that the space is tailored to meet the desired function, providing true enjoyment of outdoor entertaining with little effort,” he says.

Not surprisingly, architecture is adapting to our changes in lifestyle by opening up living spaces and integrating them more with the outside environment. For example, beautiful floor-to-ceiling, bi-fold doors that allow outside areas to be appreciated from indoors is slowly replacing the single back laundry door.

Open plan homes have resulted in multi-purpose living spaces with even the humble bathroom transformed into a personal pampering haven equipped with DIY spa services.

This craving to make greater use of space for relaxation or entertainment purposes is pushing the trend towards outdoor spaces furnished with the types of accessories you would come to expect from indoor rooms. Luxurious lounges, lush cushions, spacious day beds and soft-to-touch fabrics are turning the humble backyard into an outdoor sanctuary.

THE LAID-BACK LOOK

When it comes to fully utilising your outdoor space, Dean believes it must clearly communicate its intention.

“The garden is a common destination for relaxation, but it is easier to relax if the space is designed for that function and the surrounding environment is supportive of its purpose. Relaxation should be expressed in the layout of the space, with a natural view or a created one, the tranquil movement of water or the seclusion of overhanging trees.

“Features and elements within the space,” he continues, “should also encourage relaxation: for example, the look and style of furniture should entice you to put your feet up or recline for a quick nap.”

Designing a comfortable outdoor room depends on a number of factors such as shade, size, aspect, landscape and style of home, the following six elements can transform a relatively unused space into a functional outdoor room:

1. Shade – From partially protected patio areas to fully enclosed conservatories, the amount of shade offered will determine how often it gets used. While some furniture pieces can be left outside rail, hail or shine, some materials don’t cope well with excessive amounts of heat, humidity or rain. Flower Power can design and install a custom sail shade. Click for a quote.
2. Furniture – Poolside areas have become an extension of the home, with stylish seating, tables and accessories allowing you to tailor the space to your family’s needs. Weatherproof fabrics and lightweight, rust-free metal frames ensure outdoor furniture is comfortable, stylish and durable.
3. Light – Strategically placed, low voltage outdoor lights enhance atmosphere and increase functionality. Underwater lights help highlight the shape of the pool, up-lights are great for highlighting water features and architectural plantings, while portable lamps positioned along pathways increase safety during night time summer pool parties.
4. Temperature – The more you are able to regulate temperatures, the more usable your poolside areas will be. Cooling the space at the peak of summer and warming it up in winter can be achieved through aspect, outdoor heaters/fans, rotating shade structures and screening plants.
5. Social Spaces – Think about what you want to use the outdoor room for and design the space accordingly. Think island benches and stylish stools for food preparation areas, with day beds chaise sofas for afternoon siestas and summer socialising.
6. Privacy – Retaining walls, privacy screens and the arrangement of furniture pieces allow you to create private areas without the need for physical barriers that can often leave you feeling boxed in.

By Veda Dante (www.vedadente.com)

From Barren Balcony To Living Space
Play Paradise
Light Up Your Life
Creating Social Spaces
Outdoor Living -Colour, Furniture and Accessories