The realities of modern urban living and increased urbanisation mean smaller spaces, both indoors and out. However, limitations in square meterage need not equate to a compromise in comfort or style. Quite the contrary. With the technical advances of modern building materials such as bamboo composites from South African founded Eva-Last and a few clever tricks, even the tiniest outdoor areas can be transformed into inviting and functional retreats.
Here are a few great ideas from Eva-Last to unlock the full potential of small outdoor spaces.
Petite private pod
Secluded small zones are just the tonic to escape the stresses and strains of the urban jungle. Create a petite and private pod for some personal time out using the warm and welcoming wooden tones of Lifespan decorative beams from Eva-Last. Whether it’s a privacy screen on a tiny Juliet balcony to shield you from your neighbour, a pergola on your patio, a meeting pod on an outdoor dining deck or a beautiful boma in a bustling city park, Lifespan’s lightweight architectural beams can be styled into a variety of interesting designs and applications to create your perfect retreat.
Divvy up Shared Spaces
With real estate at a premium, the sharing economy is the order of the day – think hotdesking or WeWork/SOHO-type shared office spaces for digital nomads, mobile coffee carts on the street corner with quirky cladded outdoor seating, open-air markets or food courts in an outdoor piazza or a quaint gazebo at the local community vegetable garden. Eva-Last’s extensive range of bamboo composite products allow you to partition, demarcate and decorate large areas into several functional zones.
The attractive wood-look Evolver composite fencing with multi-directional posts allows you to segment a space into safe, secure sections, adding a natural, organic touch and texture to any outdoor area. Alternatively, you can use complementary or opposing colours or creative lay-patterns for an Pioneer, Apex, Infinity or Eva-Tech composite deck to demarcate different areas without any physical barriers.
Or use the RapidRail posts and railing system to add some barriers or demarcate a deck area without the worries of maintenance or weather damage.
Vertical Gardening: If you can’t go out, go up!
Vertical gardening is a game-changer for those dealing with limited outdoor space. But if you can’t go out, go up! By utilising vertical space, you can introduce lush greenery and vibrant flora without encroaching on precious floor area. The various Eva-Last deck fascia boards offer the perfect components to build gorgeous planter boxes that look natural but won’t degrade, warp or wear in the weather.
Here’s two ways on how to make the most of this technique:
1. Wall-mounted Planters:
Opt for wall-mounted planters made from Eva-Last deck fascia boards to grow herbs, flowers, or even small vegetables vertically. Installed vertically, horizontally or as a slatted “box”, these planters not only add visual appeal but also maximize growing space.
2. Hanging Gardens:
Utilise hanging baskets from the ceiling. This not only saves space but also adds depth and texture with an appealing organic feel to your outdoor oasis.
Compact Furniture Solutions
Choosing the right furniture is crucial for optimising small outdoor areas. Select or create pieces that are not only stylish but also space-efficient and multifunctional:
1. Foldable Tables and Chairs:
Invest in foldable or collapsible furniture that can be easily stowed away when not in use. Using Eva-Last decking fascias as the insets on aluminium or metal frames can add the natural look to your outdoor furniture and is the best answer to replacing those wooden slats which may have rotted and/or broken over time.
2. Modular Seating:
Opt for modular seating arrangements that can be configured to suit different occasions. Pieces like benches made from Eva-Last composites can save space by being stacked on top of each other when not required, while enhancing functionality when additional seating is required.
3. Built-in Furniture:
Consider built-in seating or storage solutions tailored to your outdoor space using scratchproof and weather-resistant composite decking. Built-in benches with hidden compartments for storage or integrated planters not only save space but also lend a cohesive look to the area.
Design Tips for Small Outdoor Spaces
In addition to vertical gardening and compact furniture, thoughtful design choices can further enhance the appeal of small outdoor areas:
1. Optimise Lighting:
Natural lighting and ventilation using slatted screens from Eva-Last add ambiance and extend the usability of your outdoor space. A pergola built with the lightweight Lifespan beams not only offers protection from the sun but also creates a gorgeous, dappled design maximising the play on light and shade. Add solar-powered lights, string lights, or lanterns for a magical touch without occupying valuable floor space.
2. Choose a Cohesive Colour Palette:
Stick to a cohesive colour scheme for furniture, accessories, and planters to create a unified look. Lighter hues can make the space feel airy and open, while darker tones can create a moody and dramatic ambiance but can constrict the feeling of spaciousness. By introducing wonderful warm wooden shades to soften traditional building materials, you can unify several distinct areas creating a calming and soothing effect.
Small outdoor spaces in South Africa present exciting opportunities for creativity and innovation using Eva-Last bamboo composites. By embracing vertical gardening techniques, opting for compact furniture solutions, and incorporating smart design strategies, you can transform even the most petite outdoor areas into inviting havens of relaxation and enjoyment. Eva-Last encourages you to look beyond the size of the space and utilise ingenuity to maximise it.
