OHLALA Homes

When planning out how to set about reviving your outdoor space, the first step, according to architect Jad Nadim Ghostine of G Design and Build, is thinking about both the hard and soft landscaping and the general layout of the space: “You would need to first decide on the zoning: the hard landscaping – wood, decking, tiles – and the soft landscaping – natural/artificial grass, plants and flowers.” You would then need to make sure the space has what Jad calls the five essential elements: furniture for seating and dining, shade (tarps, umbrellas, pergola), lighting, landscaping (flowers for smell, colour and beauty, trees for privacy and sun protection, and plants), and entertainment (fire pit, barbecue, pool).

“Having an outdoor space offers a place to getaway without leaving your own home. These areas don’t have to be super elaborate or even cost a lot of money to create. With the right idea, you could be enjoying your own private oasis by the weekend,” says Bre Doucette in her Rooms for Rent blog, where she discusses tablescapes, outdoor décor and patio designs.

Even though we know cooling weather is coming our way, we still have very strong sunshine that can cause damage to things in the garden, especially chairs. Jad says that “aluminium seating or teak chairs are best to resist harsh weather conditions and changes in temperature from day to night.”

Additionally, many of us use the seating in the garden for casual gatherings as well as dining. For those who don’t have the luxury of space, a good way to combine both, according to Jad, is having “low seating for comfort and slightly higherthan-average coffee tables” so we can enjoy meals without bending our backs. For tapestry, choose fabrics that are “outdoor-resistant and add warmth and colour” to your space, such as “earthy tones that have an organic feel to them and that blend with the surrounding area.”