Summer is a time for long evenings, dining under the stars, and BBQs with friends and family. Some might even call this alfresco living.
What does alfresco mean in English? Quite simply, it means ‘in the open air’. But in the context of a garden, it’s much more than that. It’s all about romanticising being outdoors, whether that’s sharing a meal, entertaining guests, or simply unwinding with a glass of wine.
In this article, we’ll explore the essence of alfresco living and share our ideas and tips on how to create a beautiful alfresco area in your own garden.
What Is Alfresco Living?
Let’s delve into the most important question: ‘What is alfresco living?’.
It’s all about embracing the outdoors and making the most of your garden space. Depending on the person, alfresco living can take many different forms, but at its core, it’s all about spending time in nature and turning everyday moments into something special.
For some people, enjoying a meal outdoors is alfresco living, whether that’s a lively BBQ or simply carrying your meal outside to eat in the garden.
For others, alfresco living is all about the joy of socialising and entertaining in the serenity of nature, basking in the warmth of a shared moment with friends and family.
And sometimes, alfresco living is about creating a space which encourages yourself and others to pause and unwind; whether that’s achieved with a cosy firepit or a calming water feature.
Alfresco living isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifestyle which has proven positive effects. Spending time in nature has many benefits, such as:
- Reducing stress and anger
- Subduing the effects of mental health issues
- Aiding with self-care
- Improving physical health
So, while we still have some warm summer evenings, why not make the most of them? And if you’re already thinking ahead, now is the perfect time to plan or upgrade your outdoor space ready for next year.
Next, we’ll take a look at how to build an alfresco area which suits your needs and garden.
Alfresco Areas & Seating Explained
But before we delve into how to create the perfect alfresco space, let’s take a look at the different types of alfresco areas.
So, what exactly is an alfresco area, and what could it look like in your garden?
The beauty of alfresco living is that there are no set rules to follow. An alfresco area can take many forms depending on your space and style: a paved patio, a sun-soaked terrace, a pergola-covered corner, or even a cosy nook tucked away with a view.
Like all aspects of design, alfresco living follows style trends, but the most important thing is that your alfresco area reflects how you use your garden.
A great starting point for any alfresco area is the seating. What is alfresco seating? Again, this can look and feel however you want it to!
For some, that’s a large dining table perfect for family meals; for others, it might be a relaxed outdoor sofa set, a circle of chairs around a firepit, or even a mix of styles that adapt to different occasions.
When looking for alfresco furniture and accessories, we recommend choosing durable materials which will withstand the heat and rain. Flexibility is key too; if your seating area can shift seamlessly between hosting a lively BBQ and offering a peaceful evening retreat, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
How to Create the Perfect Alfresco Area
Now for the exciting part: how to build an alfresco area. Think of alfresco living as designing an outdoor room, a space that blends the beauty of nature and the comfort of home.
Here are some design tips to help you get your design process started:
- Zoning – Alfresco living is about combining the outdoors with the indoors. Creating zones with specific purposes – such as dining, lounging, cooking – is a great way to make your garden feel homely and inviting while also making the most of the space.
- Flooring – Making mindful flooring choices also helps with zoning while adding practicality. Consider what will work best for each of your alfresco areas; gravel works well for walkways or green spaces, while decking is easy to clean and looks sleek.
- Shade & Shelter – Especially in the summer, providing shade and shelter is essential if you want to have a pleasant alfresco experience. It could be as simple as a parasol or bigger installations such as pergolas and awnings.
- Lighting – But as the daylight fades, the right lighting lets you enjoy the summer evening. Fairy lights, lanterns, or subtle uplighting around plants all create a warm, inviting mood that encourages you to linger outdoors.
- Planting – Don’t underestimate the power of plants, as they can make your garden more enticing and enhance the alfresco experience with their colour and appearance. For example, plants such as lavender, rosemary, and jasmine elevate outdoor dining with their complementary aromas.
Start Your Alfresco Living Today
Alfresco living is all about enjoying your garden as an extension of your home. And with so much summer to still be soaked in, there’s no better time to start your alfresco living journey with Raine Garden Design?
With over 20 years of experience in the garden design industry, we’ve helped countless clients achieve their dream alfresco living areas. From sleek BBQ cooking stations and outdoor kitchen areas to cosy firepits and inviting dining areas, we design bespoke alfresco spaces that reflect both your needs and your garden’s character.
If you’re ready to transform your garden into the perfect alfresco retreat, get in touch with us today, and let’s start planning your dream outdoor space. Send us an email at studio@rainegardendesign.co.uk or give us a call on 07702042559.
