Style: January 11, 2019

STYLE | promotion 41
A WELCOMING
OUTDOOR SPACE
Summer evenings are best spent outside,
but is your outdoor area as inviting as it could be?
Jonny Collett discusses ways to make the
most of the great outdoors.
Where do we start when planning an outdoor
entertainment area?
Design is always key to setting the expectation of what you
want to get out of the outdoor environment. Along with
design, you want to ensure you are adding value to not only
your lifestyle, but your home. It is important to research your
materials – decking timber, concrete colours, paving and so on
to ensure what you construct will suit a range of elements.
How do we ensure our indoor spaces connect with our
outdoor ones?
During the design phase, look at how you can open up a
room of the house by possibly installing a French or stacker
door to double the space of the area.
Are there tricks to making a small space feel more spacious?
Work around grass, add colour to the fencing, de-clutter and
use bolder materials.
Conversely, what considerations are important with a
large space?
Add focal points to the area. During the design process,
look to add built-in seating, fire pits, louvres, in-built chilly
bins or a large furniture item. Wine barrels are always great
in any space.
What are aspects commonly overlooked when it comes to
outdoor design?
Finishing details – I see a lot of decking that has a lack of
craftsmanship. Turn to easy-care plants for extra colour and
lighting to set the mood, and don’t overlook water features –
they’re good for the soul!
jecollettbuilders.co.nz