How the hospitality industry is utilising their outside space all year round
How to optimise your outdoor space:
- 1
Add cover
Whether it be a giant umbrella, an awning, a pergola or roof system, adding cover to your outdoor space means that it can be used year round. Adding a roof system with either louvered blades or a fully retractable roof means you can switch between open or closed cover at the touch of a button.
- 2
Have a mix of dining and lounge seating
Giving your customers the choice of comfy lounge seating or more formal dining seating is an important factor when designing your outdoor space. The mix will add interest to your space and allow customers the option to relax, spending more time at your venue.
- 3
Mixed materials
Make your outdoor space appealing to the eye by mixing materials. Outdoor furniture has evolved so much in the last 10 years and is comfier and more stylish than ever. Rattan is still a popular choice due to its low maintenance and durable properties. Hardwood is making a comeback as people want sustainable and natural materials. Rope furniture has seen a huge growth in the UK market as it is a softer look and has that inside/outside feel. Mix and match rope and timber, rattan and timber or rope and metal for a visually appealing look.
- 4
Add colour and texture
This doesn’t necessarily mean bright, out-there colours (although this is great to create a fun space). If you are going for neutral greys or beige, incorporate some complementary shades by using seat cushions, scatter cushions or blankets in patterned or coloured fabrics. These are also easy to change and instantly refresh a tired looking space.
- 5
Make it cosy
Adding heat to your outdoor space is essential in the UK climate. There are many options including wall mounted infrared heaters, free standing gas patio heaters, heated cushions and heated table bases – all allowing your customers to sit outside late into the evening. Add some blankets for the ultimate cosy feel. Add LED lighting to your umbrellas, awnings, pergolas and roof systems in either warm white or RGB which adds ambience and allows customers to use our outdoor space even when the sun goes down.
- 6
Add planting
Planters come in many shapes, sizes and materials including timber, metal or rattan depending on your outdoor design and feel. We can add castors allowing them to be easily moved giving you flexibility. Add a variety of planting with different textures and heights – we particularly love adding a mix of grasses in varying heights.
Outdoor spaces are more important than ever and with the unreliable UK weather, more and more hospitality venues are looking to roof systems as a way to provide cover of their outside space. A new take on a conservatory and a budget friendly alternative to an extension.
The roof systems are an all weather cover solution, turning an outdoor space into an outdoor room that can be used all-year round. The systems can be wall mounted and be an extension of a building, or completely free-standing. The roof consists of either louvered blades or a fully retractable roof, both controlled by remote control, to allow sunlight in and keep rain out.
There are a huge range of extras that can be added including LED lighting, heating, retractable screens and floor to ceiling glass sliding doors. The frames are made from aluminum and can be powder coated to a colour of your choice so can seamlessly blend in with the garden, the building or even the interiors.
So which should you choose – a roof with louvered blades, also known as Bioclimatic, or Pergotenda®, a fully retractable canvas. Both have unique features and advantages and respond to specific needs.
Bioclimatic pergolas have a roof featuring adjustable blades. These run on a motor and can be tilted up to 150degrees in either direction, thus allowing the amount of sunlight and the opening for ventilation to be controlled. This means the internal temperature can be altered at the touch of a button, protecting against both intense sunlight and rain.
Pergotenda® features a fully retractable canvas roof to be opened or closed as required which allows you to see the sky. This design offers maximum flexibility: in fact, you can enjoy both the benefits of an open-air area and an enclosed, covered environment. Pergotenda® is the patented system of sliding stacking/folding covers that combines innovative materials and waterproof fabric cover, cutting edge technology and sophisticated design. Pergotenda® can be wall-anchored or freestanding, flat or sloped, open or closed at the sides.
Both the Bioclimatic and Pergotenda can be fitted out with retractable screens or sliding glass panels, which are an excellent solution for continuing to enjoy outdoor spaces protected from rain and cold.
Showpiece Design can help to create the perfect alfresco experience and are suppliers of cover solutions, furniture and accessories.
To book a design visit for advice on the best use of your outdoor space contact Showpiece Design on 0118 984 3486 or visit their website.
