Inside Out: Living Al Fresco!

Balconies and terraces are easily transformed into fully-fledged alternative living areas: it’s a cinch to make them just as comfortable and personal as the indoor variety, says Jane Clyde For most of us island dwellers, outdoor living and entertaining is a big factor, whatever the size of our balcony or terrace. But the truth is not many of us do al fresco decorating well. We may have the interior decor down pat (be the scheme East meets West, modern minimal or contemporary classic), but all too often our outdoor areas let the side down. So what’s the way forward? The trend in recent years has been to bring the outdoors in but right now, it’s all about bringing the indoors out. Having already achieved a breezy, free-flowing feel within our homes, the goal is to make outdoor living spaces homey and inviting. SPLURGE OR STEAL Step one, when bringing the indoor vibe to outside living is, of course, to furnish outdoor spaces with pieces that are weather resistant but also comfortable and attractive. Furniture in teak, high-pressure laminate (HPL) and glass are bang on trend, as are pieces with aluminium and stainless-steel frames and accents. And the good news is that many existing pieces, that have perhaps become redundant inside the home, transfer well to the outdoors. Myriad materials exist just as easily outdoors as in: the spectrum ranges from powder-coated aluminium to rattan and recycled plastic. If you like a timeless look, wood, particularly teak which was originally used on boats, is a good bet. Let it weather to its natural silver grey, and it will last forever. Remember that the new-look outdoor area also requires a little dressing up. The trend is decorative and personal, and again there is no reason why indoor accessories (think ceramics, candlesticks, glassware) cannot be moved outside. It’s clear that in taking this design route, one thing you won’t end up with is a cohesive look. The decor will be eclectic. But that’s all to the good, since it’s currently fashionable to mix and match. Following this trend is slightly risky (you don’t get to go to a shop and buy a matching set) but it brings with it plenty of creative freedom. Start simply by, for instance, pairing brand-new aluminium bistro chairs with an old wooden table. You’ll see that the combination of warm wood and cool metal creates an elegant contrast. No matter how thrifty you are feeling this year, you’ll likely want to splash out on a couple of items when redecorating. If you are looking to splurge, prioritise durability rather than fashion – you want classic, hardwearing pieces that are built to last. Remember too that multi-purpose pieces or pieces that fold up are a good bet, particularly for small outdoor spaces. A few wellchosen pieces create a welcoming impression, a truckload of furnishings doesn’t, no matter how fashionable each piece is individually. As always when it comes to decorating, less is more. A word too about the fabrics you choose, particularly for upholstery. Opt for materials that have been developed specifically for purpose – outdoor Sunbrellas and synthetics are ideal, since they are waterproof, sun-resistant, anti-microbial, stain resistant and easy to clean. BEST BUYS What you really want to prioritise is creating a fully functional space in which to have a good time with family and friends. To facilitate al fresco entertaining, suppliers are getting more and more creative with the essentials. Everything from pestcontrol devices to fans and heaters are now being designed to make the outdoors a prettier and more practical place in which to entertain. Certainly, the latest outdoor lamps look like they belong indoors, but waterproof and washable, they are specifically designed for year-round outdoor use. Rechargeable lights are popular, as are “noflame” candles for the tabletop. You can also shed a little light (and keep the mosquitoes at bay) with lavender-scented candles and incense sticks. And how best to cool things down in the long, hot, Hong Kong summer? Why pick up a couple of parasols and a misting fan, of course! Add a por table heater or statement-making fire pit and you’ll be sure to spend time outdoors even in winter. As the balcony or terrace morphs into the hear t of the home, a barbecue is a number one essential, and the good news is that charcoal and gas grills (fitted or por table) now come in a range of sizes to fit any outdoor space. You may want to throw in an outdoor fr yer, smoker or pizza oven, or plump for state-of-the-ar t grilling attachments and accessories. The number of items we consider essential for outdoor-use is also expanding. We are stocking up on all-weather storage units and outdoor minibars and larders. Whether in-built or freestanding, these pieces allow us to maximise usage of our outdoor spaces and effectively treat them as a second living area. What’s more, plates and utensils that we would normally keep for indoor use are now making it outdoors. GET THE LOOK In bringing the indoors out, you need to design the alfresco space as carefully as you would a room within the home. First, consider how you will spend your time outdoors and which furnishings are therefore essential. With this in place, you can focus on the overall ambience, on bringing everything together. Of course, the colour scheme is all important. If the balcony flows out from a living room, it’s a good idea to decorate both spaces in a similar way – this forges a connection between the “rooms”, while making each of them look bigger. When extending a neutral colour scheme outdoors, you might choose to add a splash of colour with the addition of boldly patterned, weather-resistant scatter cushions. Speaking of finishing touches, the accessories you place in your outdoor living room will help you achieve the look you want – be that ethnic (windchimes and muslin drapes), classic (flowerfilled vases and ornamental birdcages) or ultramodern (Bose in-ceiling speakers and iPod dock). Plants instantly add life to a balcony or terrace, and you can hang planters on any available wall space, as well as arranging them on the floor. Layering is important anywhere you want to relax, so go big on cushions, throws, even rugs. You might also find room for a sofa; this creates a genuine lived-in feeling when combined with poufs and beanbags. The more hectic everyday life is, the more we crave cosiness and recreation. This is why all the best modern balconies are big on relaxation. And where can you chill out best? That’s right: on a swing, swinging seat or hammock. Fitted with comfortable upholstery and cushions, they simply invite you to hang out and relax.