Over the years, our alfresco areas have become so stylish and functional – it’s such a shame that these beautiful spaces cannot be utilised all year round. The reality, however, is that it’s completely possible to enjoy your alfresco area no matter the weather. We have shared 6 of our top tips for achieving this as outlined by custom home builders.
1. Make it Accessible
The phrase ‘out of sight, out of mind’ rings true for many things in life, including our alfresco areas. Ensure that your space adjoins your internal living areas so that there’s a seamless transition between the two. This will also ensure that you see the space daily, making you more inclined to think about using it (instead of forgetting about it).
2. Make it Comfortable
A few hard chairs aren’t overly inviting, no matter the season. You need to soften the space with padded chairs, couches, day beds or even a hammock. You can add even more comfort with the inclusion of heating and cooling capabilities (fans are fine for summer, whilst a freestanding heater will work in winter).
3. Make it Light
On an overcast winter’s day, no one is going to want to sit in a dark and gloomy alfresco area. Ensure that the space is bright and inviting all year round with appropriate lighting. LED downlights are a great (as well as affordable option). An alternative is to include sections of polycarbonate in the roof so that you can enjoy natural light.
4. Make it Multifunctional
If your space is just a sitting area, it’s likely that you won’t find the motivation to use it all year round – no matter how comfortable it is. This is why you should make the area multifunctional instead. Install an outdoor kitchen, add a dining setting, or even look into have a TV installed so that you’re more inclined to use the space.
5. Make it Private
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys a cup of tea or coffee in your pyjamas, ensure that you can do so outdoors by improving the privacy of your alfresco area. Custom home builders could add shade mesh blinds or even hedging plants, both of which are quite effective at keeping the prying eyes of your neighbours at bay.
6. Make it Weatherproof
It’s not just sheets of rain that will keep us indoors – howling wind and scorching sun will also do the trick. The addition of some quality outdoor blinds can actually help to shelter your alfresco area from all of the elements. Choose clear PVC blinds if you don’t want to sacrifice your view, just ensure that you pick a well-constructed product.
We hope that you’ve found at least some of the above tips useful in learning how your alfresco area can be enjoyed all year round. If you are in the process of building your dream home, the good news is that you can just ask your new home builders to include those elements you like best. If your home has already been built, none of them are overly difficult to add yourself.