How To Design An Outdoor Entertainment Area
With its warmer temperatures and longer days, summer is the perfect time to create an outdoor entertainment area. From relaxed lounges to elegant outdoor dining spaces, tranquil meditation spots to children’s play areas, there are various ways you can incorporate summer entertainment into your garden this season.
As a premier landscaping and garden design company, SilvaTree has helped many people create their dream outdoor space. Summer is a busy season for our experts, as more people want to renovate their garden ahead of the better weather.
In this post, we are sharing some of the best summer garden entertainment ideas and inspiration for garden design to encourage you to make more of your outdoor space this season.
What Kind Of Outdoor Entertainment Space Do You Want?
Before you can begin renovating your garden this summer, you first need to plan out what you want. The first stage in every landscaping project we undertake is a consultation with our clients. This is a chance for us to meet with you, assess your landscape and learn what you desire from it.
When creating an outdoor entertainment area, you need to consider your lifestyle and the kind of summer you want to have. This will narrow down your options for renovation and help prioritise the main areas of your garden design. For example, do you want to create an adults-only haven, or do you have children? Is relaxation a priority, or are you more of a host?
Considering the kind of events you want to hold this summer allows you to plan for your garden design. Working with professionals can make this process easier, as we have a comprehensive consultation plan and use accurate design renderings to plan your new outdoor space.
We encourage collaboration and feedback during the planning stage to ensure your complete satisfaction.
1) Setting The Stage For Summer Entertainment: Choose Your Surfacing
Creating an outdoor entertainment area means having a garden that is accessible. Hardscaping is the foundation for this, and we offer various solutions to create an accessible, hard-wearing, and attractive outdoor space no matter your needs.
To create your outdoor entertainment area, a patio or decking is needed as the primary space. We can help design and install these surfaces to align with your needs, with options including:
- Composite Decking: A low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking, which is splinter-free, easier to care for, and offers a seamless appearance
- Natural Stone Paving: Ideal for a large patio area or beautiful garden pathways between zones, natural stone such as slate and sandstone is elegant, long-lasting and a stunning complement to traditional properties
- Porcelain Tiles: Porcelina paving is a great option for large patios, as it is sleek, customisable and non-slip, so your garden can be used in all weather conditions.
To ensure your garden is suitable for all occasions and primed for entertainment features, garden furniture and guests, invest in professional installation. This way, you can rest assured that the paving or decking has been installed properly and is set on a straight, even foundation for longevity and safety.
2) Stay Safe With Shade For Hot, Sunny Days
While the UK is primarily renowned for its grey, overcast weather, the summer is a different story. Many days can be filled with bright sunshine, which is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and host events with loved ones or friends. However, to ensure you stay safe and comfortable in the sun, shade is needed throughout your garden.
There are several ways you can create cool, comfortable areas in your outdoor entertainment area, based on your garden design, such as:
- Pergolas: These are permanent installations in the garden which can be covered with screens, curtains, or even climbing plants to provide shading over seating areas, dining spaces and other outdoor entertainment areas in the garden.
- Parasols and Umbrellas: if you are looking for a more flexible option, parasols and umbrellas can be used to protect the hottest areas, cover seating spaces and protect children playing on the lawn. These can move with the sun and be stored away when no longer required, making them ideal for even the smallest gardens.
- Sail Shades: These are a cost-effective solution for shading that can be fitted to pergolas or other garden structures. They offer a contemporary, lightweight appearance that can enhance the comfort and visual appeal of your outdoor entertainment area.
- Gazebo or Canopy: These are a great solution for large outdoor events and can be kept up all summer long to provide shade and comfort in key areas. They are best used in larger landscapes, but various sizes and designs are available to suit your needs.
3) Finding Garden Furniture That Lasts
Once you have the layout and surface for your outdoor entertainment area, it is time to dress the space for the occasion. Garden furniture is a staple in outdoor entertainment areas, and it is worth investing in for long-term benefits.
Whether you are creating a comfortable outdoor lounge or an al fresco dining space, consider garden furniture made from aluminium, waterproof rattan or teak for durability and style.
Some solutions to create your outdoor entertainment area include:
- Dining Tables: To accommodate a growing number of guests, consider an extending outdoor dining table made from composite or teak.
- Bistro Sets: With two seats, bistro sets are ideal for small gardens or intimate seating areas. Made from aluminium and glass, these can be used all summer long and are available in a range of colours to complement your garden design. Opt for foldable chairs and tables to save space and ensure easy storage after summer.
- Built-In Benches: Timber seating and benches can be installed across your garden for a permanent fixture. Placed under trees or pergolas, these can provide the perfect shade spot for relaxation and enjoying the blooms of the season.
- Weatherproof Seating: Lounge chairs, rattan sofas and waterproof cushions can be used to create a comfortable outdoor seating area that allows you to relax and unwind alone or with loved ones at any time of the day.
4) Set The Mood With Garden Lighting
The right garden lighting can set the mood of your outdoor entertainment and keep the event going well into the evening. Various lighting designs can be installed and customised to suit your needs, with features such as:
- String Lights: Hung along fences, trees or garden structures, these small lights add pops of colour and warmth for evening magic
- Solar Lanterns: A sustainable option that automatically triggers when the sun goes down, lanterns can be installed in flower beds, along pathways or in seating areas to offer cosy lighting
- LED Candles: Battery-operated lighting or solar-powered tea lights can create an intimate setting for dining tables and seating areas in the evening
- Decking Spotlights: Add a professional touch to seating areas and raised surfaces, while also keeping your garden accessible when the sun goes down
With garden lighting, you do not have to cut the party short and can continue to use your outdoor entertainment area all throughout the night. The placement and type of lighting used can make your garden appear like a whole new atmosphere when the sun goes down, adding some variation and interest to all summer occasions.
5) Personal Touches And Summer Decor
At SilvaTree, we believe that each garden should be as unique as the homeowner, which is why we offer bespoke garden design. To help you put your personal stamp on your outdoor entertainment area, we can recommend various decor and planting ideas, such as:
- Outdoor Rugs: Soft furnishings can blend the lines between indoor and outdoor living, as well as define specific areas of the garden for relaxation. Available in bold patterns or neutral colours, outdoor rugs make a great adornment for patios and decks
- Potted Plants And Herb Gardens: Ideal for decoration along the patio, deck or in small corners of the garden, potted plants can offer a pop of colour to your garden. Alternatively, herb gardens can provide greenery and fragrance to the landscape and are relatively low-maintenance compared to flower beds and dedicated planting spaces
- Throw Blankets And Cushions: To create comfortable seating areas as well as provide warmth on cool summer evenings.
- Fire Pits And Patio Heaters: Keep the patio or deck warm with portable heaters, or spend an evening cuddled up around the fire pit with loved ones, sharing stories and enjoying the winding down of the day.
Conclusion
Creating an outdoor entertainment area can be a fun activity this summer and a great way to maximise the potential of your garden. With some structural installations, such as decking or paving, as well as decoration, lighting and plants, you can create the ideal outdoor entertainment area for every occasion this season.
SilvaTree is a leading landscaping company that offers comprehensive garden design to bring your vision to life. We will work directly with you to create a garden that aligns with your needs and is primed for an entertaining summer spent outdoors.
Contact Us Today
Ready to transform your garden for the summer? Contact us today to learn more about our services or request a consultation.
