As a winter city Calgarians are used to exploring all that the season has to offer. Instead of dreading winter and trying to avoid its inevitable arrival, the design team at Brookfield Residential is stepping up to the challenge. We sat down with showhome interior designer Chloe Leung to learn more about making the most of your outdoor spaces and bringing fun back into winter. Check out these five ways you can keep winter at bay by prolonging your patio time.
Fire up your space
Who doesn’t love roasting a marshmallow over a fire? Leung recommends switching out your outdoor coffee table for a table with a gas or propane fire component. “Fire tables are looking more and more contemporary these days with enough tabletop space for glasses and plates,” says Leung. The fall is a great time to purchase a fire table, as stores often clear out outdoor entertaining inventory before the snow flies.
Let there be light
“Whether it’s hanging from above or on your glass/metal railing, additional lighting adds ambience to your outdoor setting. Not only does It help set the mood, but it allows you to stay outside longer,” says Leung. Adding a string of twinkling lights is also relatively easy and cost effective. If you can find a set of solar powered lights, there is minimal upkeep and maintenance, while also being energy efficient.
Get planting
Take out your seasonal florals and start planting some fall veggies. For example, the greenery from kale can add a touch of color and décor to your patio. The fall is also a great time to plant those vegetables that need extra time to mature such as garlic. The fall is also the perfect time to put out any fall decorations. A seasonal wreath or coniferous planters are both beautiful and easy to maintain when the weather cools off.
Switch out your décor
“Having a nicely decorated space will make you want to hang out in the area,” continues Leung. She recommends bringing in autumn inspired toss cushions and an outdoor basket full of throws and blankets to make your outdoor space feel warm and inviting. Including colours like rust orange, deep red, dark navy and emerald green will pop beside the fall leaves and deep green coniferous trees. In addition to making the space look better, the addition of blankets and pillows will also make you and your guests feel comfortable on cooler days.
Invest in outdoor heating
When you live in a winter city like Calgary, investing in outdoor heating will never go to waste. With so many cold months, outdoor heaters are a must when trying to hold onto the last few weeks of fall. “If you do not have a fire table, add some heat lamps and heaters to the mix,” adds Leung. “They come in multiple sizes and work for all patio shapes. You can hang one from the ceiling so it doesn’t get in the way or you can get a standing one for the side of your patio space. This allows you to entertain outside, even when the temperatures drop.”
Not sure where to start?
Northwest Calgary is home to many stores that will take your patio to the next level this fall. Find inspiration at some of our favourite nearby spots such as:
It doesn’t take much to turn your outdoor patio into a warm and welcoming entertaining space. With a little heat, decor and outdoor plants your outdoor space will be the go-to destination for connecting with friends and family all year long.
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