Fall has arrived and soon winter will be knocking at our doors.
While some homeowners may be packing away their deck furniture and storing it for the summer months, others are making the most of their outdoor space and utilizing it year-round.
Just because the temperature takes a dip, doesn’t mean your social life has to. Below, we’ll explain how to turn your outdoor space into a cozy retreat during winter.
Sparking the Flame
Unless there’s a storm or snow blizzard, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the refreshing pleasures of nature.
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Modern outdoor fire pits are a great way to make your outdoor space functional for year-long entertaining. Sleek and stylish designs offer an instant lift while maintaining a cozy, warm atmosphere.
Easy to install with minimum fuss, fire pits require little maintenance. Available in all shapes and sizes, you’ll undoubtedly find one that suits your outdoor aesthetic.
The right design can be the architectural centerpiece for a hangout with friends and family. There’s also the option of smokeless fire pits that are kind to the environment. Plus, they don’t disturb your neighbors. A gas fire pit is just as good for Mother Earth.
Some people are in two minds about installing an outdoor fire pit for safety reasons, especially when the kids are around. Depending on where it is placed on your outdoor patio, you could opt for glass fiber-reinforced concrete and use natural gas as a source.
Concrete fire pits are as sturdy and come with impressive fire features, so it’s worth shopping around before deciding on one.
Creative Living says outdoor fire pits are a staple in patio design; when choosing the perfect one, consider the ambiance you want to convey. You can accompany the fire pit with an outdoor heater when the temperature hits single digits. There are many toasty options, from portable table-side heaters to overhead heaters that function like lamps.
Let’s Go Glamping
The kids especially love camping. For adults, doing without the bare necessities for a few hours is another story.
Thankfully, there are ways to make the experience bearable and, dare we say, fun. Introducing backyard glamping! Think of it as a glamorous take on camping but in your backyard space.
The idea of backyard glamping sounds extra to some but once your vision comes to life, you’ll ask why you never did it in the first place.
Start small and hang fairy lights with a portable battery pack around your deck or the trees. The soft glow gives off a whimsical look and feel.
No tent? No problem. Create a snug, comfy space with wooden pallets, hay stacks and quilted blankets. Gather some fluffy cushions and hanging tapestries for a touch of rustic charm.
Light it Up
The Home Network advises investing in more than a simple porch light. Because the days are shorter, you’ll want to make the most of your outdoor area.
String lights, solar lights and even candles add much-needed warmth to a dark and dreary area.
Real Simple has a few ideas for backyard lighting. For instance, if wanting to highlight certain elements of your exterior, the publication says it comes down to strategic lighting placement.
Hanging lights placed on tree branches or the pergola roof instantly brighten up any space minus the glare of direct lighting.
You can’t go wrong with bistro lights, especially when hosting a dinner party under the swaying tree canopy. There’s something magical about looking above and seeing all these twinkling stars almost within reach.
Cover Up
An enclosed patio or entertainment area is ideal for winter. Because your furniture and deck are exposed to the elements, it’s best to weather-proof all surfaces.
Use waterproof sealants, rust-resistant primers, and protective covers to retain the longevity of your outdoor items. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to build a longstanding sheltered patio.
Architectural Digest says there’s a variety of materials available, from outdoor fabrics and shade sails to heavy-duty options like aluminum and steel.
Landscape designer Andrea Scharff tells the publication homeowners are going big with retractable awnings and motorized pergolas.
These modern features are essential to turning your patio into an outdoor room. The biggest upsell on a motorized pergola is that you can bathe in the morning sun while being protected from rain and snow.
Room to Move
Garden igloos are taking the home design world by storm. The enclosures act as outdoor observatories and the best part is that you can use them throughout the year, come rain or shine.
Also known as garden pods or domes, homeowners are lapping them up, a reflection of wanting to create usable exterior spaces.
They’re not just striking conversation starters; garden igloos are functional as dining spots, 230-degree conservatories and all-weather play areas for the little ones. What’s there not to love about them?
HELLO! is also crazy about the garden igloo. The magazine says interior designers decorate igloos with fairy lights, throw blankets and indoor rugs to create the ultimate grown-up chillout area.
Well, there you have it! No need to cover your garden patio and furniture when the sun refuses to come out to play. Now, you can enjoy your outdoor space in the heart of winter with these red-hot ideas.
