More power to your patio (From Living Northeast)

More power to your patio

11:59am Monday 22nd June 2009

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The forecast is for a stunningly sunny summer, so it’s worth putting some effort into your outdoor areas, says Gabrielle Fagan.

IF EVER there was a time to make the most of your outdoor space, it’s this year. Tight budgets, a growing reluctance to stamp a carbon footprint all over the globe and an optimistic summer months weather forecast will almost certainly result in more of us enjoying time in our own gardens this summer.

Fortunately, the choice of garden furniture and accessories has never been better, and there’s no longer any need to settle for uncomfortable, wobbly seats or a conventional dining set.

Liz Murphy, associate editor of House Beautiful, says: “Once the domain only of the keen gardener, our gardens have become extensions of our homes. Most of us rush to sit outside at the first glimpse of spring sunshine, and we want our gardens to feel as comfortable as our living rooms, equipped with everything from sofas to coffee tables.”

Open-plan kitchens opening onto decks and patios are an established trend, she points out, and this creates the need for the view from the back of the house to look as good as the front.

Rather than grabbing the first sunlounger or patio set you see, Liz advises that when planning a room outdoors you start from the same basic point as you would when creating an room indoors.

“Decide what you want the room to do, and how much light it gets. If you want an outside dining area and your garden’s in full sun over lunchtime, make sure to include lots of shade,” she says. “In the short term, this may be an awning or huge parasol, but a longer term solution could be an arbour which, if you use climbing plants like vines to cover it, will look gorgeous and give far more shade than an umbrella.”

New materials such as weather-resistant rattan have banished the chore of rushing around covering up furniture at the first sign of a shower, or the need to store it.

If your priority is to lounge, rather than eat, Liz suggests opting for comfy living room-style furniture like large, squashy sun loungers or a corner unit.

Don’t neglect all-important finishing touches like lighting, she urges, adding: “Solar-powered ground and fairy lights will gradually begin to twinkle as darkness falls, creating a soft glow to eat by.

“Use lamps, lanterns and candles to highlight particular features in your garden, such as a beautiful tree, bush, or pretty seating area. Add scented candles to fill the air with fragrance.”

Plug into patio power by choosing from this selection of some of the best outdoor furniture and accessories.

A hot tub can add a whole new dimension to your outside space and is the perfect place for fun with family and friends. The aptly-named family firm A Bigger Splash, located just off the A1 south of Scotch Corner, can offer all the advice you need on buying hot tubs, swimming pools, saunas and steamrooms. Tel: 01748-812039.

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