Soaking Up Sun
STORY PHYLLIS LUI AND ALEEM KASSAM
Summer’s sun-soaked mornings, long evenings and warm temperatures are a golden opportunity to maximize your home’s square footage. Consider how much of your property’s space goes unused during long Canadian winters – balconies and patios, front, back and side yards, pool areas, barbecue hot spots, cabanas and secret siesta hideaways. Summer is prime time to discover the full potential of your great outdoors. Expand your living space beyond its four walls, and live larger than you thought possible – without ever leaving the comfort of home.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE TRIED- AND-TRUE DESIGNER TIPS FOR AN OUTDOOR LIVING AREA TO RIVAL ANY INTERIOR.
AL FRESCO ROOMS
When addressing your outdoor living area, whether it’s a patio, balcony or sprawling backyard, always consider your outdoor living area as an extension of your interiors. Assess al fresco rooms in a manner that respects the interior aesthetic and bridges the gap between indoors and out.
Consider your outdoor living space an oasis, an escape, and an opportunity to fulfill functions and aesthetic approaches that may not be possible year-round in your home. Create some pops and wow factors, where possible.
The next step is to determine the biggest and most important function of your outdoor area. Is it for cooking, dining, lounging or entertaining? This will inform the layout of the space. In some cases, such as a balcony setting, consider seating and lounging as the main outdoor function. For larger patios, you may wish to expand to cooking and dining opportunities. Regardless of the size or scope of the design, always start with the largest function and work from the ground up.
SMALL BUT SWEET
Condos and townhomes require a special touch, thanks to their small size and often urban locale. A favourite trick is using artificial grass or turf. This is an easy and low-maintenance way to bring some greenery into an otherwise drab space.
Whether you prefer the hands-off appeal of artificial greens or you like the real deal, always try to incorporate some greenery into the design. Combine a variety of pots and planters with lush greenery and plants. Great designs often feature a combination of solutions, such as artificial hedges to create privacy screening, while mixing in potted herbs that are not only beautiful, but delicious too.
DESIGNER FIND: Interlocking wood tiles for balcony and patio floors are also a great way to get that deck feeling, covering what may be unsightly, original flooring, but helping with drainage as well.
For small condo balconies, try to source dual-purpose pieces. For instance, an outdoor chair with an ottoman can be placed together to create a lounger,
or pulled apart for additional seating. Remember: Flexibility is key.
Don’t be afraid to treat your outdoor areas as you would your indoor living room. This can be achieved with the wide array of “in-out” accessories and furnishings available on the market, from outdoor-rated plush cushions and rugs, to candles, lanterns and art.
COLOUR SCHEME
When selecting your style and colour scheme, your outdoor living areas should echo your interiors, but don’t be afraid to take it a little further. If you’re limited to neutrals in your interiors, consider punching up the exterior with a splash of colour.
In most cases, vibrant and fresh colours will adapt best to the outdoors. We love citrusy oranges, lime greens, golden yellows or ocean-inspired aquas – all colours found in nature, which is the ultimate designer muse.
ON TREND: This summer a continuing trend will be the addition of fire features into outdoor living areas, which take you from day to night whether cosied up by yourself, with family or your closest friends. A multitude of styles are available, but the most functional ones incorporate a panelled top surface, which lets you go from firepit to coffee table on demand.
Always take a balanced approach when designing a home from the inside to the outside. It has to have harmony and flow, but don’t be afraid to experiment and be bold. Not only will you maximize your space outdoors, you’ll make the most of your time spent there, too.
