In recent years we have reassessed our indoor and outdoors spaces, making them more inviting, liveable and aesthetically pleasing than ever before. And, though we are now able to welcome friends and family into our homes again to celebrate the festive season, home owners are still utilising their garden and yard spaces, increasing their indoor/outdoor living footprint. Clearly the mercury has dropped but here’s how you can make some easy alterations to your outdoor space to create a cosy Winter entertaining space.
Utilise outbuildings
Homeowner, Laura Quinn, who lives in Surrey, has always styled her garage extension and garden studio in the summer months. The fibre cement Cedral facades that have been selected for the outbuildings are weatherproof and low maintenance meaning she can hang decorations with ease and use the structures as a stunning wall backdrop. Rather than bypassing her outdoor space over the colder season, she has created the ultimate cosy corner for late afternoons reading with hot chocolate and smores for the family.
Reuse over restock
This Christmas, people are being encouraged to make eco-conscious choices when it comes to their decorations, opting for paper hanging tree decorations, upcycling older baubles and keeping their faux tree for longer. The same approach can be applied to outdoor styling too. Add texture to decking on dry days with small rugs you already have in the home and add throws to seating areas and benches. Explore nature that surrounds you by taking sprigs of ivy, berries and evergreen stems and placing them in paint pots or containers for added style.
Outdoor rooms
Garden Rooms and studios are perfect for Winter, says Lisa Grosse of Cedral. “In the Summer months we saw a rise in sales for our facades to be used on garden rooms and office pods. “However they make the perfect space for use in the winter months too and are designed to keep the heat in by providing a toastie setting for evenings with friends or family. “ For the wow factor, you could go one step further and create your own Christmas grotto, simply add warm glow lighting, novelty decorations, music, glühwein and santa!”
Turn up the heat
For those who don’t have the funds or space for an entire outdoor room, you can use a chiminea or fire pit to host guests. Think toasting marshmallows or enjoying a cup of mulled wine with friends. Simply ensure you have stocked up on fuel ahead of the cold snap. Fire pits which have glass protectors are great for those with young children and can also come in handy in winter as the flames won’t be affected by the wind. Heaters with infrared technology are great for adding instant heat with low running costs and they can be used inside or outside.
Use your imagination
You needn’t feel constrained to lighting up the front of your house with Christmas lights, adding festoon or twinkling lights to the back garden can create a magical atmosphere to look out on. Plants and trees can help provide shelter from the wintery climate and you can utilise shrubs that have lost their leaves by adding decorations and garlands. If you don’t have a range of furniture for mince pies or hot chocolates take a look inward and use oversized baskets or wine boxes from the home or pick up an old beer barrel from online market spaces.
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