Creating A Perfect Alfresco Dining Area

Follow our simple guide to designing an ideal alfresco dining and entertaining area and create a space that works for you all year round.

Choose the Location Carefully

The key to creating an alfresco living area that functions as an extension of your home is location. Look at a plan of your home and work out the best site to maximise natural elements such as sunlight, vistas and prevailing winds. With automated external screens you can adjust the size and shape of your space, simply by opening or closing them. Adding sensors to your external screens will also give them the ability to react depending on the intensity of the sun throughout the day, so you can focus on the more important things in life.

A Part of Your Home

Choose the elements of your alfresco area carefully, ensuring that they perfectly match or complement your home's interior style to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. From the colours you choose, to the materials you use, your choices will help to enhance the design of your existing home.

More than Just a Deck

To create an outdoor dining space that you can get the most out of, you need to think beyond a simple deck.

Invest in retractable awnings and shades to enclose your outdoor space and create a versatile entertaining area. By opting for fully automated awnings, you can easily protect your guests and yourself from the elements. With the touch of a button on your remote or smartphone, you can shield your outdoor party from the rain or cold. Alternatively, retract your awning on a fine summer day to enjoy the sunshine or watch the sunset.

Streamline Your Outdoor Entertaining

It's always a shame when one person has to keep going inside to cook or fetch drinks and snacks. You can get around this by making your outdoor area more self-sufficient. Install an outdoor fridge, barbecue and stovetop so food and drinks are on hand. Create some smart outdoor storage solutions so you can keep napkins, cutlery, snacks and other essentials within reach. You can even go so far as installing an outdoor TV or projector. This way, you can enjoy an outdoor move night or put the game on the big screen.

Keep Things Private

While it's lovely to be outdoors, you don't want to feel exposed. Position your outdoor area so it secludes you from your neighbours. If that can't be done, use landscaping, fences, or automated external screens to create some privacy.

Decorate Your Space

Artwork, sculptures and other items that have traditionally been reserved for indoor use are finding a place outdoors. Decoration is a way to create the perfect balance between indoors and outdoors. Place some well-chosen artwork on the outside walls along with sculptures and hanging plants. Outdoor lighting can be used to highlight these features as well as providing the perfect mood and feel for your event. For added convenience, fit your lights with an RTS enabled receiver, allowing you to control them via remote, your mobile device or even set to a timer!

Invest in automation for every room of your home, including your outdoor areas. To obtain a quote for a Somfy-motorised awning or other automated window coverings, fill out the online form today.