Creating an outdoor room

We’re a nation that loves to venture outdoors to play, relax and entertain. But unfortunately – unlike warmer climes with almost-constant sunshine and blue skies – our variable climate makes outdoor living a little more hit and miss. Cue: the emergence of outdoor rooms.

Outdoor rooms add so much to a home. Done well, they can double your entertaining space, become an extra living room, give you a better connection to your garden and allow you to be outdoors but out of the elements. They’re also a great mood-setter, giving you an instant holiday vibe and a reset from everyday life.

Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering adding an outdoor room to your place.

Vision

When it comes to outdoor rooms, anything goes – from simple covered pergolas over decks to Balinese huts at the far end of the lawn to full second kitchens, complete with dishwashers, wine fridges and entertaining islands. What your outdoor room looks like will be heavily impacted by the ‘B’ word: budget.

“Think carefully about the location of your outdoor room. You might wantSHELDON BARNETT