Now that the cold weather has arrived, Melbournians all over the city are rolling away their barbecues, battening down the hatches, and cloistering themselves away for another winter inside, but this doesn’t have to be the case. A well designed outdoor area should have the ability to remain functional year round and in this article, we take a look at the four key ways you can create an outdoor space that feels cosy through the winter months.
- Heat
A good source of heat is a must for outdoor entertainment areas during the winter months and there are a number of chic ways to keep your guests toasty after the sun goes down. Portable or overhead outdoor heaters are a popular choice as they are safe, effective, and relatively unobtrusive. However, if you really want to make a statement and reinforce those cosy vibes, a fire pit is the way to go. These are striking, fun, and a great feature that your guests will be able to gather around and socialise. - Light
In addition to heat, light is a crucial factor for your outdoor entertainment space as once the days get shorter and the nights grow darker, you’re going to have to rely on artificial lighting to keep the space functional and make it feel welcoming. Outdoor lighting systems can be as simple or as stylish as you want them to be, and can range from the humble tiki torch or strings of fairy lights, through to a system that is built into your patio. - Warm colours
Another key way to make your outdoor entertainment space feel welcoming is to design it in a warm colour scheme. Natural tones of ochre and sand are ideal for this and organic looking materials like timber, exposed aggregate, and natural stone will work to soften the space further. - Greenery
Plants are a key feature in most outdoor entertaining spaces and without them, your patio area can look a little sterile. Low maintenance plants like cacti, succulents, and Australian native grasses are ideal choices for these spaces as they are hardy and will retain their colour and shape all year round.
A Better Driveway specialise in concrete driveways around Melbourne, but we can also provide quality surfacing solutions for any outdoor area including garden paths, entryways, patios, and outdoor entertainment areas. To learn more about the range of services we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 03 5783 4746.