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5 Tips for setting up a great outdoor dining area

More and more homeowners are keen to get the most out of their garden area and enjoy the sunshine when it does put in an appearance; so why not think about setting up a brand new outdoor dining and seating area? You might already have a table and a few chairs lying around, but a proper dining area is much more extensive; a complete overhaul of one section of your garden on a much more permanent basis.

If you do feel like you aren’t getting the most out of your garden, there are a number of reasons why a brand new outdoor dining space might be able to revitalize the space you have. For instance, outdoor dining areas…

  • Create a light and airy space for you and your family to relax in periods of warmer weather.
  • Can be used for almost any meal of the day, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner – not to mention social gatherings such as weekend brunches and family barbeques.
  • Let you take in the greenery, visual splendor, and natural sounds of the outdoors while you enjoy your meal.
  • Allow you to avoid the claustrophobic confines of an indoor dining room, especially when it is particularly humid or hot and stuffy inside.
  • Can be tailored to suit your particular exterior decor tastes and style; whether you want it matching your interior decoration or fancy opting for something completely new!
  • Help you to make the most of the garden area you have, no matter how large or small it might be!

Planning your Outdoor Dining Area

Once you have decided that an outdoor dining area is just the thing you have been after, it is time to get planning for the final installation! This doesn’t mean the refurbishment project is going to necessarily be that expensive or time-consuming; it just means that you are making sure you have everything in place to enjoy the area free from further stress and worry. So what decisions need to be made? Well, there are a number of considerations to take into account when planning an outdoor dining area, including the following:

  1. What kind of base or standing structure do you want to house your outdoor dining area? Do you fancy having a brand new patio or some kind of wooden decking installed, or are you happy with a flat and even surface of astroturf?
  2. How many people do you want to typically entertain in the new dining area? Making sure you have enough space from the start is important, as you can then begin to think about what size table and how many permanent seats you are going to need. Which brings us on to…
  3. Choosing the right patio furniture and fittings; do you want a simple table and chairs arrangement, or are you looking for something a bit more modern and stylish? Cushions often make for a cozy outdoor retreat, while additional storage spots (either built into the table or via stand-alone structures) can also save you time when enjoying a meal with family and friends.
  4. Do you want the outdoor dining area permanently covered, or are you looking for something that opens up so you can enjoy the sunshine and see the stars? While a sheltered dining spot might make a good option, a roof-free dining area is really what setting up an eatery outdoors is all about.
  5. One final thing – do you want to kit out the area with permanent heating and lighting arrangements? Outdoor brick lights or smaller solar models are the best choices if you want something less intrusive, but hanging lanterns often make for the prettiest (albeit not the strongest) source of light. As for heating – be aware; brand new patio heaters can keep you and your friends warm well past dusk but can be rather costly to run on a regular basis

Request quotes from local contractors

If you want more tips or are still undecided about what kind of dining arrangements would look best in your back garden, why not arrange a preliminary consultation with an interior designer to see the potential in the space you have? It might add a bit more to your final bill, but liaising with an industry expert beforehand can really help to finalize any difficult decisions you have to make before installation; not to mention giving your garden dining area a classy, professional to professional touch!

How to Freshen your Kitchen with Green Plants

Freshening your kitchen this spring may not be as complicated as you think. While we all would like to install new appliances and finishes, for many this isn’t realistic right now. So why not add greenery to your kitchen? You would be surprised how living plants can add color to your kitchen and can be used for your cooking too! Herb gardens in the kitchen are becoming more popular, as are topiaries and small plants alongside the kitchen sink and window. If you are trying to freshen your kitchen, look no further, these greenery tips will surely help.

Add color and texture to your kitchen:

In most of our kitchens the vast amount of hard surfaces is cold and uninviting. Floors, cabinetry, countertops and appliances can create a kitchen that is cold and lifeless. Greenery can bring texture into your kitchen and color. Whether you like fresh flowers, potted plants, or fresh herbs – line them up near a kitchen window for maximum light exposure. Many kitchen manufacturers make trough sinks and accessories to house a flower bud vase or a fresh bunch of herbs in your kitchen island. You will be surprised at the new kitchen trend to incorporate greenery easily and beautifully.

Many sink manufacturers offer trough areas for fresh herbs, drinks and more

Perk up your kitchen with fresh smelling herbs:

Who doesn’t love the fresh smell of rosemary, basil and lavender in their homes? Bring the fresh scent to your kitchen and add greenery at the same time. There are many DIY projects that you can make to display and grow herbs in your kitchen. From recycled pallet wood boxes to individual potted herb topiaries you can plant around your kitchen, the options are endless. Determine which herbs you love to use in your cooking and start freshening your kitchen with aromas and visual delight.

Herb plants can be grown anywhere in your kitchen

Image via: pinterest.com

Your spring kitchen could use a boost of color and green plants are the perfect way to do it! Whether you choose fresh blooms, adding your favorite houseplant along your sink side or growing your own herbs, freshen your kitchen with nature.