Create an outdoor relaxation area

When the weather is nice, we tend to think of outdoor yards, terraces and gardens as extensions of the house. And that's just it! To make the most of them, this article gives you some advice on decorating and furnishing your outdoor spaces to make them more welcoming.

What kind of outdoor living space?

A patio, pergola or deck is an ideal alternative for a relaxing space, and ideal for BBQs, parties, breakfasts or even reading a book. A paved or tiled courtyard, surrounded by plants and various decorations, is also an outdoor option for relaxing outdoors.

Outdoor lighting

If you plan to entertain people in the evening, lighting will play a vital role in your outdoor living space. As well as helping people find their way around your yard, or garden, a careful selection of lights will create a pleasant atmosphere. Outdoor lighting can be used to highlight the details of your garden and as a safety feature.

For those on a budget, candles and garden torches provide a soft, subdued light that is very pleasant. However, be careful around children if you don't want anyone to get burnt or your house to catch fire.

Overhead lighting can be used to highlight features such as trees and flowerbeds to create focal points and add a dramatic shaded effect to your garden. Well lights can be placed directly in your lawn at ground level without obstructing visitors and without the risk of being destroyed by mowers.

Lights along pathways will increase safety, make walls in the dark much more welcoming and fairy lights in trees will add life and colour to your garden.

Barbecue cooks will need powerful lighting to monitor the food. There are vertical and floor lights. You can also buy grill lights to place inside your barbecue.

Outdoor heating

An outdoor heater will allow you to enjoy your relaxation space all year round, or at least for several months of the year. Heaters are fast becoming an essential part of outdoor living and there are many options, both modern and traditional, for heating your patio, yard or deck.

Patio heaters are often seen in restaurants, but they are also available for domestic use. They are very efficient. They use radiant heat which warms people and objects but not the surrounding atmosphere. These outdoor heaters can be operated by gas or electricity.

Braziers are basically steel baskets in which fuel (usually briquettes) is burned to produce heat. Used for centuries, they are inexpensive to buy and use but should be kept out of reach of children.

Outdoor fireplaces can be constructed of iron and clay. The clay version, from Mexico, is commonly called a Chiminea. Outdoor fireplaces are quite expensive to buy but are very interesting to use and make excellent heaters.

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