How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Alfresco Space
Synonymous with casual gatherings with friends over coffee and cake or summer soirees in the late evening air, the Italian term alfresco embraces a certain lifestyle that effortlessly blends relaxation, social connections, and a love of the outdoors.
However, creating an easygoing and natural feel for outdoor drinking and dining needn’t be reserved for weekend outings or summer vacations only. With a few thoughtful touches, you can seamlessly transform your outdoor living space into a charming oasis to host guests over a casual breakfast or boozy brunch amidst a backdrop of birdsong and sunshine.
Alternatively, switch to an evening setting and enjoy a meal with family and friends as the light dims and the stars begin to twinkle. In this article, we provide tips to help you create the perfect alfresco area for your own enjoyment as well as with those you love.
Evaluate Your Space
Evaluating your allocated alfresco area and considering how you would like it to be used is a great starting point for crafting an outdoor space that suits your needs and desires. Perhaps it is to be used primarily for picnics and barbecues where guests can casually sit around or stand and mingle or maybe you would prefer a designated dining area for family gatherings and mealtimes?
With a clear picture of its intended use, you can curate an alfresco space that aligns with your vision. By taking into account factors such as available space, accessibility and the most scenic views, you can determine the layout, furniture choices and decorative elements to bring out the best in your alfresco space.
Select Your Furniture
Your choice of outdoor furniture can help bring your alfresco space to life. When selecting your furniture it’s important to consider practicality and function as well as aesthetics. Unlike indoor furniture choices, alfresco ones will need to meet a different set of criteria. These include factors like durability, water, wind and fade resistance as well as comfort.
Some of the best furniture materials to consider for your alfresco area include synthetic resin wicker, teak, wrought iron, and cast aluminum. These types of materials are also popular choices for patio furniture due to their ability to withstand the elements while offering comfort, durability and a stylish appeal to an outdoor area.
Add Soft Furnishings
Soft furnishings can enhance your outdoor area, adding to its comfort, warmth and overall appeal. A lounge area can feel more inviting with a sprinkle of soft cushions and a cozy throw, allowing guests to luxuriate in the warm summer sunshine or to cozy up on a winter’s eve.
An outdoor rug can be a beautiful focal point for your alfresco area as well as serving as a comfortable seating place for enjoying outdoor picnics.
When selecting your fabrics, make sure to choose ones that are suitable for the outdoors. To enhance their use, longevity and look, select fabrics that are waterproof, fade-resistant, quick-drying and offer protection against moisture and mildew. These include fabrics like acrylic linen, olefin and polyester blends which can withstand harsh outdoor conditions while maintaining their comfort and style.
Lighting Options
Your choice of lighting can be viewed as the icing on the cake, adding illumination, warmth and a particular ambiance to your alfresco space. Why not set the mood for a candlelight dinner or cocktail evening with a selection of lanterns floating from a pergola or scattered along pathways?
Alternatively, invite your guests into an alfresco space by hanging a delicate string of fairy lights around tree branches or canopies, adding a magical feel to your event. There are various outdoor lighting options available to help you curate a mood and setting that aligns with the purpose of your alfresco living space.
In addition to these movable features, permanent lighting fixtures such as spotlights, wall sconces and pathway lights can add a statement to your alfresco area, while introducing necessary elements of safety, practicality and function.
Entertainment Elements
The introduction of design elements based on entertainment can enhance your alfresco space and elevate its function beyond simple relaxation and dining, to a vibrant area for hosting, socializing and celebrating moments with family and friends.
Depending on the desired use, size and layout of your alfresco space you may consider adding an outdoor bar for parties and social gatherings where guests can gather for a drink, helping to create a lively and convivial feel to your space.
Alternatively, an outdoor fire pit can be the perfect addition to a cozy and inviting alfresco space that captures the eye and warms the heart. It’s also an ideal focal point for guests to huddle around on a chilly evening as they drink hot cups of cocoa and toast marshmallows.
By taking these tips into consideration, you can easily transform your outdoor space into a stylish and inviting alfresco area for you to enjoy with family and friends, no matter the occasion.
