New Outdoor Living
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| Posted by: Articles Editor |
01/05/2007 |
Gone are the days of plastic dining sets and wonky loungers says Alison Davidson
A warm breeze, the clink of ice in glasses, the unmistakable smell of food cooking on a barbeque - it’s most people’s vision of a great summer. With our summers improving and temperatures in line with the Med, there is no longer the urgency to get away. Combine this with rising fuel taxes, the environmental impact of air travel, and strikes by baggage controllers, and it becomes much easier to stay at home and invest the money you would have spent on your holiday in your outside space.
.jpg) Furniture
As we become more design-savvy, we also want stylish garden furniture – and comfort. Whilst the dining set is still a staple item, the desire for absolute comfort outdoors has brought sofa style furniture with deep, squashy cushions and plenty of space for simply lounging around. Gloster (01454 631 950 www.gloster.com) is the world’s largest producer of quality outdoor furniture and has a wide range available from over 100 selected retailers and garden centres across the UK, including John Lewis. Their Eclipse range is an innovative design made from man-made wicker, which looks like the real thing, but can be left outdoors in all weathers and will still keep its good looks. The Eclipse Relaxer is big enough to lounge in on its own, and the addition of a footstool transforms it into a space roomy enough for two people. For total luxury, put two Relaxer units together to create an enclosed daybed that can accommodate a whole family. Colour is also important and Gloster have produced a range in a dark Ebony colour that looks very sophisticated.
Barbeques
Stylish, stainless steel barbeques have replaced the rusting metal one that came out once a year, and we now want instant ignition, adjustable controls, side burners and roasting hoods, all of the benefits we expect from our indoor cookers, and barbeques can now be used all year round. A lot of the newest barbeques come from Australia, where they know a thing or two about cooking outside. Australia’s leading barbeque manufacturer, BeefEater (01420 478888 www.rgc.co.uk) has seen a marked increase in its sales of build-in barbeques for the ultimate ‘outdoor kitchen’ experience and recently they were in the news for creating the world’s most expensive barbeque at £20k!
Outdoor Heaters
For when it gets chillier in the evenings, there is lots of choice for the discerning buyer. The patio heater has been around for a while but in stainless steel it looks perfect in a contemporary garden and as it is stainless steel, it can be left outdoors without rusting. It also throws out a decent amount of heat so you can extend your stay outdoors. Table top versions are also available. Newer on the market are deck braziers or fire pits which are basically a small, contained receptacle in which you can burn coals or wood so that you have a living fire. They usually come with a grill so that you can cook on them too – a bit more desert island than an all-singing, all-dancing barbeque for those men with a primitive nature.
Lighting
Lighting has become increasingly important in the garden and again there is plenty of choice and at great prices. Your local Homebase or B&Q will have lots of designs from light ropes to flower garlands, all designed for outdoor use, which can be left outside throughout the year. Globe lights and twinkling lanterns hanging from trees or shrubs give a romantic look; stake night-light holders or solar powered stake lights can be used to mark pathways and flower beds or to illuminate a favourite plant.
So forget that holiday in Greece, think of your carbon footprint and enjoy the summer at home.
Alison Davidson is an established local interior designer with 15 years experience. She has worked for all of the leading home interest titles, such as Ideal Home, BBC Good Homes, House Beautiful as well as on private projects and can offer a versatile, individual service tailored to your needs. She can be contacted for commissions on Alison Davidson Design 07768 298347.
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