With summer just around the corner, now's the perfect time to get your garden in shape, ready for outdoor parties and social evenings under the stars. As more of us are enjoying spending time at home, there has been a rise in the trend to create an outdoor space that is an extension of our interiors. Read on to discover how to create an outdoor room in your garden space.
Outdoor garden rooms
Outdoor rooms are a creative way of dividing up your garden space into different zones. Whether it's for alfresco dining, a chill out space for entertaining, or a tranquil spot to read a book. The idea is to create the impression of a room as you would find inside your home. Through the clever use of fences, low hedges, patios or planters you can zone different areas to create a sense of enclosure.
Outdoor rooms can be created in large garden spaces and in small outdoor spaces too. By creating outdoor rooms and designing them like you would your interiors, you're creating a multi-functional space that you're likely to use more often. Think of them as an extension of your interiors, perfect for summer BBQs or maybe creating a peaceful spot for working from home.
1. Choose an area for your outdoor room
When considering how to create an outdoor room, the first step is deciding on where it is going to be. Keep things simple by looking for areas of your garden that are starting to take shape already. Areas that are defined by features such as patios, flower beds or raised structures. Sheds, brick walls and fences are great for zoning a garden, and will already create a natural segment for you to build upon.
Paint is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to zone your garden. You can paint an existing wall, fence, decking, patio or planters in a colour to set the mood of your outdoor space. Defining one zone from the next. Maybe an outdoor living room in a vibrant paint shade like India Yellow by Farrow & Ball? Or an outdoor dining room in a traditional Strong White for a classic English garden look?
2. Make zoning easy with corner furniture sets
Modular and corner furniture sets create an instant impression of an outdoor room thanks to their boxy nature. They help to create a feeling of enclosure. A fire pit set makes for a tempting outdoor dining room which can be enjoyed long into summer evenings.
Sets with rising tables are great for smaller gardens as they are more versatile, offering the best of both alfresco living and dining. Switch seamlessly between outdoor living room and dining room with the simple rising mechanism.
3. Add a garden mirror
If you're short on space, create the illusion of more by adding a chic garden mirror. By placing a mirror up against a fence or mounted on a wall, you can extend the view from where you are sitting. Outdoor garden mirrors reflect the natural surroundings, and bounce the light around. They also provide the perfect homely feel to your outdoor room.
4. Use dividers to zone outdoor rooms
One of the more obvious ways to create a clear definition of space in your outdoor room is to use dividers. Fences, garden trellis or hedging make perfect dividers and are ideal if you want to create a private space out of view of the neighbours. Or a cosy space to relax in that's not overlooked.
A more subtle and often cost-effective way of creating rooms in your garden, is to use outdoor planters creatively. Low and tall planters, shrubbery and simple raised flower beds can all be used to create a definition of space without your garden feeling overly segmented or uniform.
5. Create shade and shelter
Whether it's a rustic lean-to, a stylish parasol or a gazebo, create shade in your garden room to ensure that it's usable all hours of the day. Drawing the eye upwards by adding shade, brings height to your outdoor garden room, creating a clear definition of the space.
With parasols, there are 2 core styles: standard or cantilever. Ultimately, both styles serve the same purpose but they offer 2 very different looks. A standard parasol is great for use with a table with an umbrella hole - making it great for an outdoor dining room. However, a leaning cantilever parasol creates a more casual look as the pole is to one side of your space rather than central. This means that a table or pair of lounge chairs can be placed directly beneath it making for a more spacious and versatile outdoor room.
6. Use outdoor accessories
Dress your outdoor room as you would your interior with personal touches. A garden room isn't complete until you've accessorised it with your signature style. Add outdoor scatter cushions, throw blankets alongside outdoor clocks and mirrors. Complete your garden room with beautiful styling to create a homely finish.
Your garden room should be an extension of your home. So choose accessories that tie in with the themes and colours of your interior decor to create a seamless transition from home to garden.
Zoning your exterior space into outdoor garden rooms is one of the most versatile ways to create a multi-functional space for everyone to enjoy. You can cosy up in a concealed reading nook, create a space for children to play, or enjoy summer cocktails with friends. Feeling inspired on how to create an outdoor room in your garden? Then take a look at our outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories over on our website to get started.