Home not as spacious as you would like? Want more room? Are you someone who loves the feel of the breeze in your hair and the scent of fresh air mingling with foliage and flowers? You might want to think about what you can do to transform your garden into an extra room for your home. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
A Place to Dine: The Alfresco Kitchen Revolution
If you’re still juggling a tiny indoor kitchen where you can barely fit more than two saucepans on the hob, perhaps it’s time to move your culinary exploits outside. The alfresco kitchen trend is more than just a built-in barbecue; it’s about bringing your cooking and dining rituals into the open air. Imagine sizzling up a sumptuous Sunday roast while your guests lounge nearby, sipping Pimm’s and trying not to pinch the crispy bits before dinner. A simple setup could include a sturdy countertop for prepping, a reliable grill or outdoor cooker, and a mini fridge to keep your bubbly at precisely the right temperature. Add a weatherproof dining set and some cosy cushions, and you’ll never want to eat indoors again.
Create a Cosy Nook: The Secret to Year-Round Comfort
British weather can be as unpredictable as a toddler with a sugar high, so your garden should be ready for anything. If you’ve got a corner of the garden that catches the sun (on those rare days it actually shows its face), claim it as your reading nook or chill-out zone. A comfortable bench piled high with throws and scatter cushions does wonders for afternoon daydreaming—or napping, if you’re so inclined. When the weather inevitably takes a turn, consider adding a compact gazebo, pergola, or even a retractable awning so you’re covered (quite literally) for rain or shine. A small fire pit or a chiminea provides warmth in the evening and gives you an excuse to roast marshmallows for a taste of campfire nostalgia.
Blur the Lines: Indoor-Outdoor Flow
If you can’t quite distinguish where your house ends and your garden begins, congratulations—you’ve nailed the indoor-outdoor flow. This trick is easier to pull off than you might think. Large glass doors, a seamless floor that extends from your kitchen to your patio, and a consistent decorating style help tie the spaces together. Choosing plants in pots that match your interior colour scheme is also a clever detail that creates a sense of continuity. Before you know it, you’ll forget whether you’re inside or out—just watch out for the occasional breeze that whips through and sends your paperwork flying.
Bring On the Entertainment: Who Needs a Lounge?
Why cram all your friends into a stuffy living room when your garden can host the party of the summer? Even a modest plot of turf can accommodate a few chairs, some fairy lights, and a portable speaker. Think laid-back barbecues and lively birthday bashes or chilled movie nights under the stars. If you’re really feeling posh, you could set up an outdoor projector screen and pretend you’re at a drive-in cinema—minus the car, of course. Just keep a stash of blankets handy, because no one wants to freeze while trying to figure out the latest plot twist.
Time to get outside!
