When you think of gardening, you may assume that it’s all about planting bulbs and sowing seeds. However, you’d be wrong. Increasingly, the backyard has become a versatile area, which can act as extra living and entertaining space. If you’re keen to revive or refresh a tired-looking backyard, here are some key trends and features to consider adding in 2017.
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Al fresco cooking, dining, and entertaining
This is one of the most popular trends of the last few years. More and more of us are embracing the concept of dining, cooking, and entertaining outdoors. Gone are the days of gatherings around the dining room table. Now, it’s all about getting outside and enjoying good food and good company in the open air.
Many of us have a table and chairs and a barbecue primed and ready for the summer months. But al fresco dining has gone up a notch, and there are all kinds of innovative concepts and design ideas you can embrace. One idea is to set up a dedicated eating, drinking and grilling area. You can do this by sectioning off an area using different levels or garden structures. You can create a sunken table or seating area or use a pergola, gazebo or outdoor screens. If you have a modern garden, nothing works better than walls made from glass bricks. If you’re going for a more traditional look, solid wood is an excellent option. Bamboo screens are a simple, affordable way of creating distinguished zones in low maintenance spaces.
When it comes to cooking, you’ll find a growing range of options for the garden. The barbecue is a summer staple. But there are other options if you’re a food lover, or you’re keen to try something new. A pizza oven is a novel but useful addition to any garden space, especially for those who are keen on hosting gatherings for friends and family.
When you’re designing an entertaining area, consider the flow and layout. The point of having people over is to be sociable, so make sure you promote interaction. Round tables make talking in a group easier than long tables. It’s also a great idea to position individual chairs at an angle so that guests can see each other properly when they’re chatting.
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A productive garden
For many, the aim of designing a new garden is not just for it to look incredible. Gardening has hit a new high in terms of its appeal, and a growing number of people are keen to use their backyard as a productive space. The best way to do this is to incorporate a vegetable patch. If you’re lucky enough to live in a hot country, you could also consider harvesting fruit or growing produce such as olives and grapes.
If you are interested in honing your green-fingered skills, you’ll find a host of growing guides online. They’ll give you an idea of what to grow, and when to plant. Some vegetables are much easier to grow than others. If you’re a beginner, you may be best starting with salad leaves, beans, and marrows. Once you’re more confident, and you’ve got your patch in order, you can progress to trickier customers. Take a look at http://lifehacker.com/the-seven-easiest-vegetables-to-grow-for-beginner-garde-1562176780 for some ideas to get you started.
Before you start planning what kinds of vegetables you want to grow, you’ll need to prepare the ground. If you’re not a seasoned gardener or you’re pushed for time, the team from AtkinsInc.com can help. To ensure the best possible conditions, you’ll need to clear the area, remove weeds, fertilize the soil and ensure the seeds have access to sunlight.
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Outdoor partying
If you’re fortunate enough to enjoy sunshine and long days throughout the year, there’s no better party space than your backyard. Nowadays, there are all kinds of weird and wonderful features you can add to get the party started and ensure your reputation as an outstanding host. Once you’ve got your entertaining area established, consider adding a hot tub, pool, outdoor games area, and the latest audiovisual technology.
If you don’t have space for a pool, this doesn’t mean you have to forgo aquatic fun. A hot tub takes up very little space, and it adds an instant talking point when you have friends over. It’s also a versatile addition. When you’re not in party mode, you can kick back in the tub and let your troubles drift away after a long day at work. There are several different brands and varied price points. You can choose from fixed or portable tubs, and they can be fitted below the surface of the turf or in a decking area if you’re keen to hide the sides. If you do have plans to add a pool, look at unique designs. You don’t have to go for a standard rectangular shape. You can choose a freeform design or even an infinity pool if you so desire.
Games are an easy way to break the ice and get everyone in the mood at the start of a party. You can stick with popular drinking games like Beer Pong, or go for options like pool, table tennis or air hockey. Giant chess, draughts, and Jenga always go down a treat too.
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When you hear the word party, you usually think of music straight away. To make your bash a success, you’ll need an outdoor speaker system. You can set up a separate system outside, or link external speakers to an internal hub. In the days before your party, create a playlist. When your friends arrive, all you have to do is hit play, and enjoy the tunes.
Another key feature for a party house is a bar. Some people have an indoor bar, but there’s no rule that says that you can’t have one outside. You can go for a simple, small-scale model or something more elaborate. For inspiration, check out https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/outdoor-bars/. If you’re keen to take your design to the next level, why not add a personal touch? You could customize a neon sign or create your own old-fashioned pub sign.
If you’re intent on hosting a more sedate affair, why not set up an outdoor cinema? You can fit seats into the ground or simply lay out blankets and cushions on the ground. You can install a television, which can be housed in a protective case when not in use, or use a projector. Stock up on popcorn, drinks, and chips, and choose a movie everyone will love.
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A versatile space
If you long for more room indoors, you can make use of your backyard to give you extra living space. One way of doing this is to add a conservatory or an orangery. This gives you an extra room, which you could use for all kinds of purposes. You could create a study or a playroom. You may crave a quiet spot to read or do puzzles. Or you may need a studio for work. The options are endless. In many cases, this kind of project also adds significant value to your home. If you’re thinking about adding a conservatory, take a look around some showrooms and compare styles and prices. Go for something, which fits in with the design of your home.
Another option is to create a sheltered living space outdoors, which can be used throughout the year. You can do this by fitting an awning or adding a retractable roof over a patio or decking area. Invest in a rattan sofa set and use a fire pit or outdoor heaters to keep you warm.
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A tranquil retreat
Stress is an incredibly common problem in modern society. Being outdoors is proven to reduce stress, and many of us retreat to the garden after a tough day. You can convert your backyard into a heavenly haven by hanging hammocks or adding an egg chair or reclining seats to your decking. Water features are renowned for their calming influence, and they look fantastic. If you have space to create a chillout area, there’s nothing better than curling up with a blanket and a good book. All you need is some oversized floor cushions and some candles or lanterns. If you’ve hooked up a sound system, you can also put on some soothing tunes.
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Is your backyard in need of some TLC? Are you keen to make the most of the space you have available? There is so much you can do, even in a small garden. Nowadays, we tend to use our gardens for a range of purposes, and there are so many ways you can utilize outdoor space. Get your friends and family around and enjoy a feast in a dedicated entertaining area. Throw a party and let your hair down. Or enjoy relaxing in a hammock after a long day. Create distinguished areas with screens and structures, and don’t be afraid to try and make your garden grow if you’re a novice. Once you’ve mastered the art of growing vegetables, you’ll have fresh produce on tap.
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