Whether you are soaking up the sun in the warmer months or huddled around the fire to ward off the chill, having the right outdoor area can add so much value to your home and your life. Renovating an existing area to make it more ‘you’ can be tricky enough, but trying to start from scratch and design your ideal BBQ area can be even harder.
Here we have gathered together some of the more fun, classic and unusual aspects that could be found in or make up your BBQ area to help get you started planning your dream outside space today.
What do you need in a barbecue area?
For any area to be truly called a barbecue area it really only needs one thing – a barbecue! After that, it is up to you to decide exactly how you want the area to look, and what you think it should include. In general, here are some of the best additions to any barbecue area for you to pick and choose from:
Seating
The kind of seating you opt for may say a great deal about how you intend to use your BBQ area. Is it better to go with a simple table and chairs for eating, sofas and relaxed areas to let people unwind or something a little more unusual like bean bags, hammocks or swings?
Many people like a bit of a mix of seating, especially as they may sometimes have larger gatherings, while at others there might just be one person or a smaller group. Your BBQ area can be the ideal place to host a party and play all sorts of games, and your seating should reflect this if that is what you want.
It is the perfect spot to sit with your family and friends around a table or reclining in chairs. You might instead favour a swing or place where you can sit and think, read a book, or just relax alone. The seating you choose will say a lot about you. You should also consider whether your outdoor furniture will stay there all year round or be brought in and out, and any variations in between.
Lights
The kind of lights you might want to go for will vary depending on the overall look and theme you want your BBQ area to reflect. Something more natural may require tikka torches and a fire pit, with warming artificial lights as a backup. For a more whimsical look, fairy lights can really add a lot to your area, and bright, clean lights can work best if you are looking to do some serious cooking outside.
You can find a range of solar-powered lights that work wonders in the garden and come in all shapes and sizes. This can be a wonderful way to light your garden and feel a little greener while doing it. Again variety can be the best option, allowing you to set the mood and have different lighting at various times throughout the evening.
Decorations and accessories
Along with your actual BBQ and furniture, you may wish to add all manner of decorations and accessories to help make your area feel cosier or meet all your needs. Bamboo partitions can be an excellent way to bring an element of privacy into your space, as well as clearly defining different areas for cooking, eating and so on.
Trellises and trailing plants can work much the same way and give you the real impression of being one with nature, and having plants dotted around can also increase privacy and bring some green right onto your patio or decked area.
Many garden objects can be repurposed as other useful objects or added for decorations such as wheelbarrows. These can be used as flower beds but also to hold your drinks and ice for your guests if you are having a gathering. You can do the same with watering cans and even wellies, it really is up to you.
You can use lights decoratively, and also have all sorts of overhead decorations to brighten up a space like fans and other colourful paper designs. Just make sure that they are far enough away from the BBQ itself so that they are not able to catch fire or pose any kind of health and safety risk for you and your guests.
Patios
It is important that your BBQ and any grills and so on always be placed on a hard and firm surface before they are used. In this way, patios are a common and popular addition to most BBQ areas. Some will simply have a paving slab instead, but a proper patio also gives you space to set out your furniture and won’t get as muddy or require as much upkeep as only having grass.
You can also opt for decking which can be quicker and easier to lay, and can look warm and welcoming in gorgeous wood tones. If you are looking for a modern BBQ area, this may however feel like too much wood. A patio is also usually easier to clean and take care of which should be taken into consideration when designing your BBQ area.
