Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space

Many people regard their outdoor space as an extension of their living area, and, come the warmer months of the year, there's no better place to be on a balmy evening watching the sun go down. Whether you own a large plot at home or a small patch of land attached to your business premises, there are lots of ways that you can enhance your outdoor space to make it more inviting and appealing to the senses. Here's how.

Lighting

To enable you to enjoy your outside area long after the sun has gone to bed, you need to think about lighting. The great news is that there are tons of stylish options that will give your exterior a real wow factor. For example, wall lights can be fixed to buildings or fencing to create a cosy and ambient vibe. You could opt for a traditional lantern style of wall light for a classic look, or go for a square or cylinder-shaped lamp in a metal finish to ooze a contemporary vibe. The choice is yours!

Wall lights are perfect for lighting up seating areas, but if you want to move around your outdoor space when night falls, walkover lights and other ground and floor lights are worth considering. Scattered along path perimeters they help to define walking areas, creating a visually-pleasing effect in the process. There are plenty of different styles to choose from, so think about the effect you want to create.

If you need to access dark spaces outside when night falls, such as a garage or shed, or when making trips to the bin, fixing security lights to nearby walls will make your task easier, and improve safety and security levels.

Seating

A comfortable seating area is a must for anyone wanting to make the most of their outdoor space, but think about the best place to position outside tables, chairs and sofas. A secluded spot that isn't overlooked is ideal, but consider when you'll use the seating most in relation to the sun. For alfresco entertaining in the evening, place your seating facing the west to catch the evening sun as it dips behind the horizon. Invest in comfortable padded seating and cushions for your chairs to boost the appeal of your outdoor space.

Add greenery

It's a shame to go to the effort of fixing attractive wall lights to ugly brickwork or fencing, so soften harsh boundaries by adding climbing shrubs and plants, or hanging baskets, to feel more connected to the natural world. A trellis fixed to a wall with climbing roses will make a statement feature, and when the wall lights shine in the evening they will cast a beautiful glow across your flowering blooms. Green walls are also hugely popular, where you can grow plants vertically, giving your space some colour and even helping wildlife. Many green walls can even include edibles such as herbs, tumbling tomatoes and lettuces. Don't forget to include pots and planters in your outdoor garden area to enhance the natural appeal of the space.

Heating

To extend the enjoyment of your outside area, consider investing in some outdoor heating that will keep the chills at bay long into the night. Popular choices include a fire pit, outdoor wood burner, Chiminea or patio heater. Choose the style of heating to match your choice of external lights, based on whether you want to evoke a traditional or contemporary setting.

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