Outdoor alfresco areas are great places to unwind. Every alfresco area is different depending on one’s design preference. You can have exposed aggregate, decorative concrete, or polished concrete on your alfresco area. The best part is they can be customized to fit the theme of your outdoor space. Find out how you can increase the utility and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor Alfresco area.
Outdoor Alfresco Ideas
Outdoor alfresco areas are meant to be places you can relax with family and friends. Therefore it’s only right that you customize it to your preference and needs. Here are some suggestions for your outdoor Alfresco area.
Install an Outdoor Kitchen
We all enjoy weekend cookouts with friends. An outdoor kitchen in your alfresco area makes it easy to host cookouts. You can choose to have a simple kitchen or go for a fully stocked kitchen with a fridge. It all depends on your preference and needs. Another advantage of having an outdoor kitchen is you can also use it for breakfast and lunch as well with the family. Ensure to keep it clean and moisture free to avoid premature wear on appliances and amenities.
Install a Shade
Since this is your outdoor hangout area, you want to make it as comfortable as possible. Installing shade over your alfresco area will protect you from the sun, especially during summer. You can go with a flexible shade that you can move and enjoy the morning sun or a permanent shade. Also, you can plant creepers that will eventually grow to offer shade or just as decorative plants around your shade. Whatever design you go with, ensure it offers adequate protection from all types of weather.
Furnish your Alfresco
Your outdoor area should be appealing. Go for outdoor furniture that matches the theme of your alfresco area. Also, the furniture should be comfortable and be able to withstand sunlight and adverse weather. Wood, plastic or aluminium are durable materials that will serve you for a long. When shopping for outdoor furniture, consider buying furniture made from these materials.
You can also get creative with art pieces, flower pots and lights. Your outdoor area should be appealing both at night and during the day. You can have decorative concrete, polished concrete or an exposed aggregate alfresco floor. Whichever you go for, ensure it matches your outdoor theme.
Green Areas
Having plants around your outdoor area give it a natural and refreshing look. You can choose to plant flowers around your space, have flower pots or both. Ensure to cover as many places as you can with plants. Plants also provide fresh air, so your area will always feel rejuvenating. Be sure to have flowers that blend easily with your area. Also, you can go for low-maintenance plants if you’re busy and might find it hard to tend to your flowers.
Flexibility
Your outdoor area should be flexible enough to accommodate seasonal changes. When designing your space, ensure to have this in mind. You should be able to move around seats, tables, pillows, rugs and lamps depending on the season and your needs. Your area should be cosy enough during cold weather and easily adjustable in warm weather. Doing this increases the utility of your outdoor area.
When picking items for your space, have this in mind and go for items you can easily move around and substitute.
Blend your Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
The small details that aren’t so obvious are what make great spaces. Ensure to have a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor space. These can be done by matching colours or designs. The subtle details that make your outdoors similar to your indoors will increase your home’s overall appeal.
Outdoor Fireplace
Having an outdoor fireplace allows you to enjoy your outdoor space even on cold nights. Also, you can improve the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space by having a bit of contrast around your fireplace. This can be done using contrasting colours, such as beige on the bricks and white on the area around your fireplace. Concrete alfresco will work well in achieving a nice contrast.
Sound System
We all enjoy great music. You can invest in a sound system for your outdoor space to keep your guests entertained during cookouts. Also, you can use the system to set the mood when you’re with your spouse. Either way, you can never go wrong with music. Ensure to go for a high-quality system, so it serves you longer and safeguards it against water damage from rain.
Outdoor Fan
The afternoon heat can be unbreakable sometimes. An outdoor fan is a great addition for those hot afternoons. Ensure your fan is located strategically so the cool breeze is distributed evenly around your outdoor area. You can get creative with the fan colour and have it match your space. Also, be sure to have a certified professional do the installation to avoid any damage or injuries.
Backyard Cinema
A backyard cinema is a great addition to your alfresco area. This will come in handy for those days you want to continue a series or watch a movie but don’t want to go inside. A backyard cinema will also ensure your guests never feel out of place or left out in a conversation. Everyone will be at liberty to engage in what they enjoy more, whether it’s a talk with a friend or watching something. You might just be lucky to have your introverted friends over more often.
Activities
You can also have some games in your outdoor area. If you have the space and it’s within your budget, you can add a pool table or a mini football table. Also, you can have other games such as darts or Jenga. The more activities in your space, the more your guest will feel engaged. This is especially true when you have lots of friends or family over.
Designing Your Alfresco With Decorative Concrete
Exposed Aggregate Alfresco
An exposed aggregate is achieved by pouring concrete on a surface and then extracting the top layer of the cement. This leaves a course aggregate design that’s non-skid and durable. Exposed aggregate can be used for your outdoor alfresco areas. They are durable and safe due to their non-skid nature and can be designed into different patterns.
Decorative Concrete Alfresco
Decorative concrete involves using concrete to come up with aesthetic designs. Instead of having a plain-looking concrete floor, you can choose to have certain designs on it. This should be done correctly to ensure durability. Decorative concrete can be used on alfresco areas to enhance its appeal.
Polished Concrete Alfresco
Polished concrete has a bright reflective look to it. This is achieved by applying bonded abrasives to the concrete to harden it further. Then, the concrete is ground to smoothen it and give it a gloss look. Polished concrete is durable and easy to clean. It’s commonly used on floors and counters. With polished concrete, you can choose a specific colour or design for your floor or counter. If you like a glossy finish, you can get polished concrete for your alfresco area. A concrete alfresco is unique and durable.
Conclusion
Outdoor alfresco areas increase a home’s utility and enhance its appeal. You should be able to unwind and relax at your home. Investing in an outdoor alfresco gives you variety and allows you to host guests and family in a natural and outdoor setting that everyone will enjoy. Be sure to go for the best materials, and don’t compromise on quality. High-quality items will serve you for longer and will perform as intended. Also, work with certified professionals when installing these items to ensure they are installed correctly and are also functioning well.
