factorwow The

Great outdoor creations

By Timmi Aplin-Barrett

marshmallows under the summer sky has a certain way of instilling wonder into everyone.

You can take your outdoor cooking to a whole new level with a full outdoor kitchen and really make it your own. A pizza oven? Absolutely. Lovely wood countertops overlooking your yard? Say no more.

Moving from the transitional space to full outdoors, it’s important to think about what you want to get out of that space.

Do you envision lawn games with the kids or relaxing under the sun, sipping on an iced drink? If lawn games are more your style, make sure your turf is prickle free and kept tidy.

Tis the season… for being outside in a space that is fun, functional and aesthetic.

From the deck to the yard, the patio to the pool, your space needs to suit your lifestyle and bring a certain sense of “wow” to your home.

Whether you want to get some DIYs going or just update the look of your outdoor space, the time is here.

The first thing to think about is the flow from indoors to the outdoors. Do you have a patio or deck? What space forms the “in-between” or the transition between inside and outside?

This needs to be inviting, comfortable and shaded. Consider ensuring suitable seating and dining areas in this space for those wonderful summertime barbeques.

Mitre 10 Mega’s outdoor merchandise manager, Tony Deller, says natural colours are in this year along with natural materials like wicker and wood.

“Another top trend for this year is low dining,” he says. “The furniture is really low to the ground so you’re almost sitting on the ground but not quite.”

You can also follow the colour trends of this season which are mustard and pastels. This can be easily conveyed through accessories such as cushions, pillows and umbrellas. Your Home and Garden says because New Zealand weather can be pretty temperamental, any overhead cover you can add to your outdoor space will be well worth it.

“A shade sail is a great temporary option, otherwise clear polycarbonate roofing is a costeffective, easy to install and, most importantly, will give you cover without blocking any essential sunshine,” Your Home and Garden says.

Outdoor cooking is something inherently kiwi so make sure you drag the BBQ out of its dusty corner or consider purchasing something like a firepit.

Firepits are a great way to get the kids outside too – toasting

No one wants to stand on something untoward! You can also get lawn alternatives that require next to no mowing and keep themselves weed free.

Another thing to consider when creating your outdoor space is the natural elements. “The natural features of your side will affect what you do,” says This NZ Life. “You need to know the predominant wind direction, the angles of the sun through the day, what drainage is required, the slope of the area and the possible impact on trees and plants.”