How to Turn Your Outdoor Space Into a Super Comfy Lounge
The size of the space doesn't matter – here's what you need to make merry in your verandah, terrace or patio
Wah! So you’ve managed to score a little piece of the outside with your home! But now comes a little stress – figuring out what you want from the space. Is it going to be your socialising spot or your tranquil escape from time to time? Whatever you decide for your verandah, terrace or patio, here’s our guide to creating a luxurious, yet comfy outdoor lounge.
Once you’ve decided what the space is meant to do, pick out your seating. If you’re an urban dweller, dot your terrace balcony with casual seating to enjoy the spectacular skyline view. But don’t overdo the furniture or planters, keep it to a minimal to let the view shine. For a more relaxed feel, you could even consider a hammock. And you don’t need a tree to suspend one anymore.
This terrace designed by Spaces Architects can either be a serene retreat or an entertainment area, as the occasion may demand. A row house terrace has been transformed into a private space by constructing two high walls on both ends – one covered with creepers and the other with textured tiles. An enclosed bar/dining space makes this a multipurpose area.
Tip: If you have a shaded deck like this Bangalore terrace designed by Cadence Architects, you could even use indoor cushions and seating. But if it is out in the open, go for outdoor specific pieces that can battle the elements. Although they are an investment, you will be glad you opted for them as they last through the years.
The owners of this rooftop terrace in New Delhi can choose from a range of seating options as they take in the view. On a particularly balmy afternoon, could there be anything nicer than lounging on that comfortable swing with a cool drink and a good book?
Create outdoor dining
If restaurants give you the luxury of choosing between indoor and outdoor dining, then why can’t you create options for yourself at home as well? For instance, in this Goa retreat, Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane creates an in-built sit-out dining under the shade of a massive banyan tree.
If restaurants give you the luxury of choosing between indoor and outdoor dining, then why can’t you create options for yourself at home as well? For instance, in this Goa retreat, Shabnam Gupta of The Orange Lane creates an in-built sit-out dining under the shade of a massive banyan tree.
Go for a Zen gazebo
Traditionally, a gazebo’s function is to give you a good vantage point of the surrounding outdoors. With a bit of lighting and curtains, you could also configure it to be a lounge or even an alfresco dining room.
Traditionally, a gazebo’s function is to give you a good vantage point of the surrounding outdoors. With a bit of lighting and curtains, you could also configure it to be a lounge or even an alfresco dining room.
Living walls
This is a eureka-like invention for city dwellers. It doesn’t matter anymore if you don’t have the outdoor square footage. Just move your garden onto the walls instead. You may need an expert to install one, but it’s a great way of introducing greenery and life into a home. Create a seating area near it – add a small coffee table and you have for yourself a nice little niche.
Read more on vertical gardens
This is a eureka-like invention for city dwellers. It doesn’t matter anymore if you don’t have the outdoor square footage. Just move your garden onto the walls instead. You may need an expert to install one, but it’s a great way of introducing greenery and life into a home. Create a seating area near it – add a small coffee table and you have for yourself a nice little niche.
Read more on vertical gardens
Tip: If you don’t want a vertical garden, but still want the green, think about using elevated wooden planters instead. By raising the plants, you don’t have to give up on floor space and it works as a screen, shading you from the street and the residents next door.
Artistic spaces
You don’t always need inside spaces to showcase your art. Nirvana Design Studio uses a little console to stack a metallic art collection, making this otherwise ordinary corner way more stylish.
You don’t always need inside spaces to showcase your art. Nirvana Design Studio uses a little console to stack a metallic art collection, making this otherwise ordinary corner way more stylish.
All-inclusive entertainment pad
This house takes outdoor living to another level. It not only has a sit-out lounge, dining and a bar, it even comes with a fireplace, sink and barbecue grill. By covering a portion of its extensive outdoor space, the owner combines the best of both worlds – the luxury of indoor amenities with the openness of nature. Imagine firing up the grill while you enjoy a few cold ones with family and friends on a spring evening.
This house takes outdoor living to another level. It not only has a sit-out lounge, dining and a bar, it even comes with a fireplace, sink and barbecue grill. By covering a portion of its extensive outdoor space, the owner combines the best of both worlds – the luxury of indoor amenities with the openness of nature. Imagine firing up the grill while you enjoy a few cold ones with family and friends on a spring evening.
To add many amenities and gadgets to your outdoors might prove to be a challenge when you live in a city apartment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t squeeze in a bar. This one here not only has an elegant built-in bar, but the vertical garden cleverly highlights the spot where all the action is going to be.
Calming water body
Water, like plants, has an instant calming effect. So if you have the area, including a water body could be the perfect soothing touch that your outdoor landscape requires. Try a fountain near your seating area to camouflage the sounds coming from the outside. The soft sounds of the water flowing is an antidote to stress and adds an instant oasis-like feel to a space.
Water, like plants, has an instant calming effect. So if you have the area, including a water body could be the perfect soothing touch that your outdoor landscape requires. Try a fountain near your seating area to camouflage the sounds coming from the outside. The soft sounds of the water flowing is an antidote to stress and adds an instant oasis-like feel to a space.
If you have the space and the budget, then build yourself a pool. This rectangular in ground pool is a backyard classic, but you can also be adventurous and go for other shapes and sizes. Add some comfortable lounge chairs, put up an umbrella and enjoy the water.
Read more:
Courtyards That Mesmerise
Create a Casbah on the Patio
Tell us:
How have you embraced outdoor living? Share in Comments below.
Read more:
Courtyards That Mesmerise
Create a Casbah on the Patio
Tell us:
How have you embraced outdoor living? Share in Comments below.
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This sounds obvious but is often overlooked. Just like the interiors, it’s important to define what you really want from your outdoor area. Is it going to be used for socialising or more as a solo retreat? And how sensitive are you to the elements? Answer these questions to get a better sense of what you really hope to get out of the space.
This Lonavala home near Mumbai by Reza Kabul Architects has an extensive patio with pergolas and multiple seating areas. Perfect for outdoor entertaining!