Spring is in full swing and we’re firing up the barbie, cracking open the bubbly and start to spend our evenings in our outdoor spaces. But even though the mercury is rising, the nights are still a little on the chilly side. So how do you cosy-up your alfresco so you can entertain all year round (even in the depths of winter)?
#1 Get outdoor heating
It’s obvious but outdoor heating is also the easiest way to heat up your alfresco on a chilly evening. Whether you’re looking to knock down rebuild or build up from scratch on a vacant block, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your (perfectly heated) alfresco space. Three outdoor heating options include:
#2 Add textured materials
To make your alfresco feel cosy, texture is key. Timber, warm tones and plush materials like velvet, sheepskin, chunky knitted throws turn the temperature dial up a notch. A few cushions create that snug feeling so you’ll think nothing of staying up all hours and conversing over a glass of wine.
#3 Invest in outdoor lighting
Make your alfresco feel like a winter wonderland with pretty outdoor lighting. Fairy lights strung around the perimeter or above the heads of your guests are a great way to add depth and warmth to your alfresco. If you’ve got deciduous trees around your home you can soften bare branches by hanging lights or lanterns. And don’t forget to add ambience with candles—they’ll warm everything up, not only aesthetically but by choosing warm, comforting or spicy scents.
#5 Block the breeze
A covered outdoor space may block out most of the rain but to keep guests extra dry and toasty, blinds and shutters can work to enclose the space. Clear outdoor screens like the ones used in restaurants and cafes are a good option and keep the space visually open.
We love plant screens and vertical gardens which will help with climate control all year round. In cooler months, they’ll block cold draughts and trap pockets of warmth around your fire pit or heater. Then, once it heats up you’ll love the shade and protection they provide from the sun.
#6 Relax in a hot tub
If you’ve got the space, a bubbling spa or hot tub will warm you up in no time #rubadubdub. It’s a huge investment, but if you think you’ll get a lot of use out of it, then why not? If it’s raining or there’s a wind chill, the water will provide the perfect retreat for relaxing and thawing sore or frozen muscles. Just make sure your guests have a warm robe, slippers, and a towel nearby for when they decide to exit.
Other tips to warm up your alfresco space (and keep guests happy):
Ready to meet some of the best home builders in Sydney and begin planning your dream home complete with cosy alfresco? Come and visit us at a Masterton Experience Centre.