Welcome to the new post of our “Spaces for Better Living” series. As the frost begins to settle and the days grow shorter, you may ask yourself: ‘Can I use patio magic in winter?’ With a little creativity and some seasonal tweaking, you can transform your patio, garden dome, or porch into a snug winter haven. Think twinkling lights, warm fires, and the allure of nature, even as the snowflakes dance. Let’s explore how to keep your outdoor space not just functional but downright cosy this winter.
1. Winter Patio Plants
Transforming your outdoor space with evergreen plants is like giving a nod to the enduring spirit of nature during winter. Choose sturdy varieties like boxwood, holly, or conifers, which stand tall and green amidst the frosty landscape. These evergreens don’t just endure the cold; they celebrate it, adding a permanent splash of life to the monochromatic winter scenery. Think of them as nature’s stoic guardians, offering a green reprieve in a sea of white, bringing an unwavering vibrancy to your winter garden. Benefit from being close to nature and enjoy your biophilic spaces all year long.
“Winter isn’t thought of as a colorful time in the garden, but by planning a winter garden you will realize how much this season in fact has to offer. There are still many ways to enjoy your backyard and plan for adding winter interest as part of your winter garden ideas” – Leigh Clapp, Homes and Gardens
Source: instagram.com/aurorahome.england
2. Enhance Winter Patio Ambiance with Lighting
As the nights stretch longer and daylight becomes a rare gem, creative lighting turns out as the heart of your winter wonderland. Twinkling string lights can transform your garden or patio into a celestial sanctuary, mirroring the starlit winter sky. Wrap them around bare branches, let them cascade over fences, or weave a canopy of light above your head – each bulb a tiny beacon of warmth on a winter night.
But why stop there? Introduce lanterns to the mix. Dot them along pathways, hang them from branches, or cluster them around your seating area. From rustic metal designs to modern LED ones, each lantern is a miniature fireplace, casting a gentle, flickering glow. It’s not merely about illumination; it’s about crafting an atmosphere that wraps you in a magical, warm embrace against the winter’s chill.
Source: instagram.com/my.garden.life.and.home
3. Weatherproofing Surfaces
Winter is nature’s ultimate test for your outdoor furniture. It’s time to armour up with waterproof sealants, rust-resistant primers, and protective covers. Think of it as your patio’s winter coat – essential and protective. Applying weatherproofing to your outdoor surfaces is a practical step in maintaining your furniture’s condition and appearance, helping it withstand the winter elements effectively.
And for complete protection of your furniture from the elements, consider housing them inside a garden room…
4. Introducing Garden Rooms
Garden rooms, and especially garden igloos, are changing the game in outdoor living. These winter patio enclosures are more than just shelters; they’re like cosy winter observatories. With a Hypedome, you’re wrapped in a 360-degree view of the winter scene, snug and warm, enjoying nature’s show from the best seat in the house.
For those who can’t get enough of the outdoors, the clear Hypedome offers uninterrupted views, bringing the beauty of winter right to your doorstep. And if it’s a cosy, private nook you’re after, the opal or mirror domes with insulated panels are your go-to. They provide a warm, secluded spot to relax, making your garden a year-round haven of comfort and style. With many easy-to-follow Hypedome warming options, they become a cosy back-to-nature retreat. They can be equipped with a bespoke wood-burning stove, making the interior toasty and perfect for those long winter evenings.
5. Cosy Furniture and Accessories
Transforming your patio into a winter haven is all about mastering the art of cosiness. Envision fleece blankets that envelop you in warmth and plush pillows that offer a soft landing spot.
“Pillows not only look cozy; they make outdoor benches more comfortable and keep you warmer by cuddling you while you sit. For the cooler months, choose pillows in warm hues in a rich range of textures.” – Laura Gaskill, Houzz.com
It’s about creating a nest of comfort where you can curl up in a generously padded lounge chair, wrapped in a luxurious woollen throw, sipping hot cocoa under the starlit sky. This cosy corner isn’t merely a shield against the cold; it’s a celebration of warmth and relaxation. Consider adding a heat-resistant side stand for your warming beverages and snacks. Here, the chill of winter becomes just a distant thought, replaced by the inviting embrace of your outdoor lounge.
Revontuli Mohair Blanket, source: finnishdesignshop.com
Add an extra layer of warmth with the Revontuli Mohair Blanket, one of our favourite cosy winter patio ideas. Its soft mohair blend in rust and bordeaux offers both comfort and a subtle splash of colour. Ideal for wrapping up as you enjoy your outdoor space, this blanket effortlessly combines practicality with a hint of elegance.
6. Outdoor Fire Pit
A fire pit is a perfect addition to your winter outdoor space, offering both warmth and a unique ambience on chilly nights. Imagine the soft glow of embers lighting up faces and the gentle warmth that turns a cold evening into an inviting experience. It’s the ideal spot for toasting marshmallows, enjoying quiet conversations, or simply wrapping up in a blanket and watching the flames dance. The fire pit becomes more than just a heating element; it’s a focal point for relaxation and simple joys during the winter season.
Source: Archilovers.com, Photo: Gionata Xerra Photographer
7. Winter Patio Heaters
When the chill of the evening sets in, a robust winter patio heater becomes an essential addition to your outdoor space. Unlike fire pits, these heaters offer a consistent and controlled source of warmth, making them indispensable for extending the comfort of your gatherings into the cooler hours, days or months. Their towering presence envelopes your guests in a gentle, radiant heat, keeping your patio warm in winter.
A prime example of such a heater is the Belleze Pyramid Patio Heater with a dancing flame. This striking heater features a captivating pyramid design and a visually stunning flame encased in a ceramic glass tube. It’s not just a heater; it’s a statement piece that combines artistry with functionality.
8. Integrating a Spa or Hot Tub to a Winter Patio
For those who truly want to embrace winter luxury, a hot tub is your answer. There’s something almost magical about soaking in warm, bubbling water as the air chills around you. It’s a spa day with a winter twist, a warm hug in the midst of a snowy landscape. A hot tub in winter serves also as a standout feature in any garden.
To maximize this experience, consider using your spa within a Hypedome hot tub enclosure. This shell provides a sheltered oasis, ensuring that the elements don’t interrupt your moments of tranquillity. It frames your relaxation in a protective, stylish bubble, making every dip an exclusive retreat from the outside world.
9. Seasonal Patio Decorations
Who says the festive spirit is only for the indoors? Dressing up your outdoor space in winter’s attire brings the holiday cheer right to your doorstep. Imagine twinkling lights that mimic the starry night sky, seasonal wreaths that welcome guests with a hint of nature’s bounty, and whimsical snowmen that stand guard in your garden. It’s about transforming your outdoor area into a celebration of winter’s magic, a testament to the joy and beauty of the season, all under the open sky.
Source: instagram.com/annalena.lindqvist
10. Outdoor Pizza Oven
Who says pizza is a summer-only affair? Winter is the perfect time to bring the delightful experience of a wood-fired pizza oven to your outdoor space. Imagine the smoky aroma of a pizza baking in a traditional oven, right in your own backyard. It’s not just about crafting the perfect pie; it’s about creating a cosy culinary event under the starlit winter sky. Picture an outdoor winter party around the warm oven, watching the flames dance, while waiting for that delicious, crispy crust. Each bite becomes a celebration of flavours, shared laughter, and the magic of winter.
Delivita pizza oven, source: urbanchoice.co.uk
For those interested, the Delivita wood-fired oven is an option we like for its blend of traditional and modern elements. Its compact and stylish design fits well in outdoor spaces, promising an even and efficient cooking experience.
So, there you have it – your guide to turning your outdoor space into a winter wonderland. From twinkling lights to crackling fires, each idea adds a layer of warmth to your winter days. Remember, winter outdoors isn’t just about enduring the cold; it’s about embracing it with style. Now, who’s ready to step out and enjoy their winter paradise?
