From cosy dining nooks to alfresco cooking spaces, there are plenty of ways to create an outdoor room to be proud of this summer. No, we're not just talking about dusting off the BBQ and getting the rattan furniture out of the shed, why not go one step further and create a dedicated outdoor dining area? It will give you much needed extra space, as well as smarten up the exterior of your home.
Dining area
Define zones in your garden by using an architectural device, such as a roof structure or obvious patio area. In most cases choosing the right furniture can help tie the look together.
Take it to the edge
When the weather is finally warm enough to throw open the French doors or slide back the bi-folding frames, why not take advantage of it. A simple trick, such as moving the kitchen table to the edge of the room will help create an indoor/outdoor (totally weatherproof) dining area with minimal effort.
Cook’s corner
Cooking in the garden has progressed from basic barbecues to full-scale outdoor kitchens. Why not have a specific cooking appliance built that can withstand the weather? Hang cooking utensils from racks and hooks fastened to the fence for a practical cooking solution.
