You Deserve a Better Summer After the Winter We’ve Had!
27 September 2023
Spring has sprung and the glorious few sunny days over the last fortnight have filled us with hope and optimism for brighter days to come - and it's a real phenomenon! Sunshine increases levels of feel-good hormone serotonin, which boosts your mood and promotes feelings of focus, calmness and satisfaction.
Many of us have found ourselves feeling energised by this change in the weather and ready to start new projects and look forward. And what better project to pour your energy into than creating the ideal outdoor living space to enjoy the perfect summer you deserve?
To help you envision it we have put together some perfect summer scenes to inspire you!
Backyard Pizza Party
What better way to bring family and friends together than over a shared meal! Investing in an outdoor pizza oven is a sure way to make your home the hot spot for summer evening dinner parties. Our backdrop for this tasty summer scene includes:
- A stylish and practical deck
- An outdoor dining set that reflects your style and will stand the test of NZ’s temperamental climate
- Your pizza oven, of course – there is a huge range available spanning from small and portable such as the Ooni Koda, something a bit bigger and brighter like the trendy Alfa Allegro or go the whole hog and get a fully built in wood fire brick pizza oven such as the Forno Braga by Brustics.
- For our avid outdoor cooks, an outdoor kitchen to bring the whole cooking and dining experience outdoors.
Alternatively, creating an easy connection from the kitchen to the outdoor dining area such as a servery window is a great option
Poolside Paradise
With this summer forecasted to be one of the hottest yet a backyard pool could be upgrade you need to take your summer from good to great! Just think of how refreshing a dip in the pool is on a scorching summers day! Endless fun for the kids and a sure way to make your house the go to for summer picnics and dinner parties (for better or worse!) If your considering a pool as the centerpiece for your outdoor living space transformation then think about these factors to compliment:
- Do you want tile or decking surrounding your pool? Think about both how it will look and how functional it will be for you and your family in terms of safety and maintenance.
- Ensure you have the appropriate fencing surrounding your pool that complies with the safety requirements as well as working with your overall aesthetic.
- Think about the connection between the pool and the rest of your home. Is it an area you want to be separate or integral to your outdoor living area.
- Double down and compliment the pool with a spa pool or sauna!
- Lastly don't forget to think about the journey after the pool and consider an outdoor shower and change room nearby to avoid everyone dripping down the hallway on their way inside from a swim.
Cozy Book Nook
For those of us more introverted or inclined to take it slow the best part of summer may be enjoying the simple pleasures such as relaxing or reading a book in the great outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, greenery and sounds of nature. Check out our top tips for creating the perfect cozy book nook to ready away the summer days:
- Create some shelter, although the sun is so lovely the UV rays aren't and you don't want to get caught up in your book and end up with a sunburn. The best way to avoid this is to create an area with some shade to keep you protected.
- Of course you need a cozy place to sit or lay back, whether its a comfy outdoor chair, a hammock or a whole cabana. Consider what will suit the size, style and structure of your space.
- Consistent lighting; as we all know the Kiwi weather can be moody at best, consider incorporating lighting to ensure your not straining your eyes to keep up with the literary twists and turns.
For more inspiration check out this article that gives our top tips on creating the perfect outdoor living space, we talk about why you should think of your outdoor space as another room in your house as well how to use lighting and furnishing to make your outdoor living space cozy and inviting.
Summer is coming quick and looks like it will be one for the books so get in touch now to get the ball rolling on your outdoor living space transformation! Call us on
0800 792 992 to book your free in-home consultation with your local renovation expert.
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The sun is finally out, the days are getting longer, and the last of winter's chill is a distant memory. For many of us, this time of year brings a renewed sense of energy and a desire to get outside and enjoy the beautiful New Zealand spring and summer. But after months of being cooped up indoors, you've probably noticed a few things about your home. Maybe the kitchen feels a bit cramped, the living room struggles to accommodate your family, or you simply crave more breathing room. This feeling of confinement is a common one, and it's the perfect catalyst for change. Rather than waiting until next year's cold snap hits to realise you need more space, now is the ideal time to start planning a home renovation . A lot of people don’t realise that it often takes 3-4 months from the initial conversation with a designer to when any actual building work can begin. That means starting now is the key to enjoying a more spacious, functional home well before next winter. The Problem: Not Enough Space It’s easy to feel like you don’t have enough space. Maybe you've got a growing family, you're now working from home, or you simply have more things than your house can comfortably hold. The issue isn't always about the total square meterage; it's often about how the existing space is used. Poor layouts, wasted nooks, and inefficient storage can make even a decent-sized home feel cluttered and restrictive. During winter, when our homes become our primary sanctuaries, these issues become more obvious. The kitchen counter that's always piled high with stuff, the hallway that’s a constant bottleneck, or the lack of a quiet spot to read - all of these can add up to a feeling of frustration. The goal of a good renovation isn't just to add a new room; it's to create a home that flows, functions, and serves your lifestyle better.
Why September is the Ideal Time to Plan September is a turning point. While winter is still lingering, spring is just around the corner. This makes it a smart time to start planning renovation projects before the busy summer months arrive. Contractors and suppliers often book out early in the season, so getting ahead ensures your space is ready to enjoy when the sun really shines. It’s also easier to assess what your home needs now, after months of being indoors, you’ve probably noticed areas that could use improvement, like a lack of natural light or poor flow to outdoor spaces. Creating Indoor - Outdoor Flow A home that connects easily with the outdoors feels larger, brighter, and more inviting. Good indoor-outdoor flow isn’t just about adding a sliding door; it’s about creating a natural extension of your living space. Creating Indoor - Outdoor Flow A home that connects easily with the outdoors feels larger, brighter, and more inviting. Good indoor-outdoor flow isn’t just about adding a sliding door; it’s about creating a natural extension of your living space. Key Considerations: Doorways and Access: Bi-fold or stacker doors can open wide to connect your living area with a deck or patio. Floor Levels: Minimising steps between inside and outside creates a smooth transition. Layout: Think about how furniture is placed inside and how it relates to outdoor spaces. A thoughtful design can make everyday living more enjoyable and enhance the way you entertain guests.
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