As the days get colder and the nights longer, it’s time to think about re-designing your outdoor space. Taking the time to create an autumn-themed space will mean you get more use out of it over the next few months, moving away from the open summery spaces into an area that’s slightly more cosy.
Here are just some of the things you can do to create the ultimate autumn outdoor space:
1. Get inventive with your plants
The flora that thrives in summer is very different to what blooms in autumn. Therefore, considering adding some new plants to your existing offering to ensure there is still foliage for the next few months. Options include baby spinach, radishes, warrigal greens, lemons, violas and sweet peas.
2. Prepare your furniture
With the cooler days come higher chances of rain. This can dramatically affect the quality of your furniture, so it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure its longevity. Before autumn hits, make sure to give everything a thorough clean – the last thing you need is dust and rust eating away at its foundations.
If your furniture is iron, steel or rattan, it’s worth covering or hiding inside, as it won’t react well to excessive rain. If aluminium or plastic, it can stay outside all season long, but should be wiped down regularly.
If wood, it will survive outdoors but should be covered when not in use. Moisture is wood’s enemy, so if you do use your furniture on a clear day, make sure it is completely dry before being covered.
3. Cosy up, lighten up
Autumn is the time to start introducing snuggly textures through soft furnishings like blankets, pillows, throws and rugs. A colour palette of blues, browns and darker reds will make the space feel more comfortable, reflecting the natural tones outside. As the days are getting shorter, it’s also worth adding outdoor lighting. In your garden, use fairy lights or solar lanterns to highlight a particular element. In your alfresco entertaining area, portable lanterns, candles or even more permanent additions are all ways to ensure you can use the space beyond sunset.
4. Bring out the fire pit
If you haven’t already, now is the time to invest in a fire pit – these often-portable structures can make a huge difference to how often you use your outdoor areas during the autumn and winter months. It will instantly create a point of interest in your outdoor space, and act as a great meeting point when entertaining. Of course, it will also provide a valuable source of heating!
5. Drop the blinds
If your verandah has blinds, now is the time to use them. Instead of leaving sides of your alfresco area exposed to the elements, drop these down to ensure nothing (or anyone) gets wet, and residual heat remains inside, where you want it most!
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Should you be thinking about re-designing your outdoor space, the team at Innovative Verandahs can help! Get in touch today to see how we can help.
