In the fitness world, there is a saying:  summer beach bodies are built in the winter, and you could expand on that to say that summer entertainment spaces are constructed in the winter. That’s because when you’re planning your summer space in the winter, you a: have more time to plan a decent area, and b: you have a smidge more dreaming of doing because you have more time to prepare for it financially, loosely put – you can dream bigger!

PLAN YOUR SPACE

It doesn’t matter if you have a palace or a country patch; you can plan your space correctly and use the area that you have to add an aesthetic and value to your home. But as tempting as it may seem to put in that raised platform, if your topography and available garden space don’t allow for it, don’t do it – it’s going to cost you a fortune to do it, significantly to level the ground for it and the result isn’t going to look particularly inviting.

TAKE WEATHER CONDITIONS INTO ACCOUNT

If you live in a sunny, warm, relatively wind-free area, that’s going to impact outdoor your planning, but if you live in the North of the country, you’re going to want to factor in things like outside heating underfloor heating too. That will make entertaining in the winter, when it comes around again, a unique and memorable experience.

USE YOUR SPACE WISELY

You might be lucky enough to have a big garden, but that doesn’t mean that you have to use every available space. Not only will that look particularly flashy, but it will also kill the “flow” of your garden. A smaller or more carefully designed space will add an innovative and sophisticated look to your garden while not compromising on the available space in your garden.

IF YOU’RE THROWING CONCRETE – GET A PROFESSIONAL

There is no getting around this. Unless you’re the consummate professional in home improvements and or building, then this is that one area that you want to throw some money at and get in a professional. Fixing unlevelled concrete flooring or cracked concrete can be pricey and kill your buzz.  Remember to look at frost blankets to add that extra layer of protection and thermal insulation.

DON’T HOLD BACK – GO FOR IT!

We tend to want to follow the latest “trends” or “fashions” when designing our favourite spaces, and nothing could be further from the truth. It’s your house, your rules, and the significant part about building outdoor spaces is that you get to do exactly as you please based on how you entertain and how your lifestyle works.

Whether you’re an avid entertainer for friends and family or you’re more just the family games night types, design your summer space around you and bah-humbug to what the design magazines tell you. It never hurts to take some good advice or inspiration. However take what’s the best, discard what you don’t want – but ultimately, make it yours and have fun doing it!