Heating, seating & eating: How to create the ultimate, year-round outdoor entertaining space

Whilst progress has been made, Covid clearly isn’t going away anytime soon and as such, homeowners are increasingly embracing a new way of living and entertaining. According to specialist outdoor living spaces firm, Outdoor Kitchen Expert, that means creating a year-round entertaining area that allows for safe outdoor socialising, whatever the weather.

“Our gardens have taken on such a greater importance since the pandemic. During 2022, we expect to see a more sophisticated approach to outdoor entertaining, as families increasingly embrace their outside areas as permanent socializing spaces, rather than temporary ones. There’s a focus on outdoor ‘living’ rather than simply cooking or dining.”

Duncan Aird, Co-Founder and Designer, Outdoor Kitchen Expert

This emphasis on outdoor living means that families are looking at the overall entertainment experience. A barbecue, table and chairs might once have sufficed, but homeowners are now looking for fridges, pizza ovens, state-of-the-art barbeques, hot chocolate stations, ice machines, AV systems and more, according to the Outdoor Kitchen Expert team.

All of this means that practical considerations are a top priority, with heating and seating coming under as much scrutiny as eating. Heat is top of the list for UK homeowners looking to create a space that can be used year-round, closely followed by protection from the elements. That means patio heaters, remote controlled electric heaters, fire pits and the like, along with appropriate coverings.

“Coverings require careful consideration, as they need to provide shelter from the rain and wind in the winter but also be suitable for the sunny summer months – and allow for plenty of fresh air to flow through the space. Pergolas and awnings are popular choices, while marquees and retractable canopies can also serve well.”

Duncan Aird, Co-Founder and Designer, Outdoor Kitchen Expert

Furnishings also need to be practical year-round, balancing style and comfort with weather resistance. Again, it’s not just about the basics in 2022. Homeowners are now increasingly looking for outdoor rugs, water resistant cushions and blankets too, in their quest to create an outdoor living space that’s suitable for every season.
This is where AV systems come into play as well. The Outdoor Kitchen Expert team is advising clients on everything from hidden TVs and water-resistant projects to surround sound systems connected to streaming apps. The English weather is, of course, always an important consideration for such systems, which need to be well protected from the rain in winter and shaded sufficiently that screens are still easily visible in bright sunshine.