Around the globe, smart thinkers know that outdoor living areas are best enjoyed throughout the year.
Of a winter evening you will see Parisians sipping wine on the pavements, at cafes with radiant overhead electric heaters. In London, pub patrons hellbent on fresh air are offered rugs and when the sun goes down in Tangiers, well-positioned walls retain vestiges of the day’s stored heat, while sheltering alfresco diners from the evening’s cool breezes.
THE HEAT IS ON
Gathering around a fire is the most time-honoured way to keep warm. Modern firepits help tame the elements, while giving a new sophistication to 21st-century gardens and courtyards. Mobile, fixed, state-of-the-art, traditional – there’s a design style for every space. For areas where outdoor solid-fuel fires are prohibited, gas pits substitute well. They get around the need to burn wood, coal or pellets, and also the clearing away of ashes.
Stylish new designs in radiant gas and electric heaters are showing that cool-weather outdoor living is finally being taken seriously here. Check out Heatsail’s classy dome outdoor floor lamp and heater and Gasmate’s lighthouse-inspired Inferno Outdoor Heater.
IT’S A WRAP
Then there’s rugging up. Snug, cosy and natural – we’re talking about cashmere, merino and mohair throws. When guests come without enough layers, make outdoor entertaining as inviting as possible – have a pile of rugs and shawls waiting in the wings to keep everyone warm. Add a sheepskin or two for super-cosy seating.
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
Furniture that’s outdoors 24/7, enduring the sun, heat, rain, cold and worse has to be tough.
The natural elegance of timber furniture makes it perennially popular, but always buy the best you can afford – the sturdier the better. Remember that even rot-resistant woods, such as teak, cedar, and white oak, need regular oiling or other protective treatments to prevent warping and cracking.
In areas of high rainfall, metal is an enduring and versatile alternative. Aluminium furniture is light and portable, but needs to be kept out of strong winds. Stainless steel has a contemporary utilitarian look and it won’t rust, making it great for the coast, but it can heat up fiercely in the sun. Concrete furniture is extremely durable, and, like wood, it weathers well, pitting and softening with the years.
Resin is considered long-lasting but, like plastic, has a tendency to discolour over time when exposed to the elements. Plastic-coated wicker may please the eye and seem practical, but the plastic will degrade eventually – and not before all those crannies in the weave have become home to a host of spiders and other creepy crawlies.
PLANT IT UP
When using your outdoor space year-round, plants need to look good year-round as well. Evergreen natives are usually easy care, especially if you have those endemic to your region. Palms lend a tropical holiday air. But celebrate the seasons too – add plants that flower in spring or summer, those with leaves or berries in visually warm autumn colours and trees with beautiful trunks and bark that are alluring, even when leafless.