Outdo your outdoors
Canterbury homeowners love outdoor living, but the most valuable spaces are those that work in summer and every season that follows.
Your outdoors should feel like an additional living space to make memories year-round – and it should do the same for buyers if you’re planning to sell. With balmy summers and crisp winters, consider the upgrades you can put in place to create a transseasonal outdoor space. Start with some inspiration, and bring it to life at the Canterbury Home Show.
Create a weatherproof outdoor space
The first step to enjoying your outdoor area year-round is to protect it from the elements, whether it’s shelter from autumn rain or shielding against bright sunshine. Pergolas and louvres mean you can control sunlight and airflow, while additional outdoor blinds offer extra protection and privacy.
Upgrade your decking
A solid, weather-resistant deck is the foundation of any great outdoor entertaining area. Options include composite decking (durable, low maintenance and sleek), hardwood (known for its strength, natural look, and ability to bridge indoor and outdoor spaces), and custom timber (a bespoke solution using premium materials). For homes with uneven outdoor spaces or gardens lower than the house, raised decking is a practical solution.
Splash out
Soak in a spa pool or hot tub – under the stars on a crisp spring evening, or turn the heating off on a hot summer’s day. No longer the power suckers of the past, energy-efficient spa pools are perfect for year-round use. Consider a wooden hot tub or plunge pool for a rustic, charming outdoor aesthetic.
Accessorise
Comfortable seating and thoughtful accessories can transform your outdoor space into a cosy retreat that’s perfect for entertaining. For outdoor furniture, look for weather-resistant materials that can handle Canterbury’s changeable climate. Add warmth and texture with outdoor cushions and throws. These accessories create a welcoming atmosphere and can be easily swapped out to suit the season. Finally, set the mood with outdoor lighting. String lights, lanterns, and LED fixtures are all great options for illuminating your space and creating a magical ambience.
Extend the kitchen
Why limit your cooking to the indoors? Extend the kitchen to your outdoor living space with features like built-in grills, a smoker, integrated sinks, pizza ovens and barbecues. It’s a fantastic way to keep the party outside, especially in warmer seasons.
Embrace nature
Enhance outdoor entertaining with thoughtful landscaping. Plants and trees can make a significant difference in how you enjoy your outdoors. Strategically placing trees and shrubs can act as natural windbreaks or shade from peak summer rays. Dense, evergreen plants like hedges or tall grasses are particularly effective at blocking wind while maintaining a lush, green aesthetic year-round. You can also add climbing plants, such as ivy or star jasmine, to pergolas or trellises, creating additional shelter from the elements while adding visual interest. Layering textures and foliage through landscaping can create microclimates, retaining warmth and extending the usability of your outdoor space across the seasons. Talk to a landscaper for the best solutions.
Outdoor upgrades that add genuine value
- Installing louvres or pergolas
- Quality decking and paving
- Features like sliding doors that create indoor-outdoor flow
- Outdoor heating options
- Wind protection (screens or landscaping)
- Low-maintenance planting
- Cosy outdoor furniture or a fire pit for cold evenings
- Purpose-built spaces like vegetable patches or sunny spots for breakfast.
