Eaton Park, Private Commission – Aspire

Picture that villa you stayed in that took your breath away – where you sat drinking wine and eating al fresco. A luxury outdoor space like that doesn’t have to be limited to holidays; in fact, they’re a vital aspect of luxury home living.

These days, your outdoor space is more like an extension of the interior of your property and can be made just as inviting. With a little creativity, you can enjoy a unique outdoor space you want to relax and host in.

No matter the size of the garden and where you are in the UK, there’s a way to make it an entertaining space that won’t be forgotten by guests.

Create outdoor rooms

An outdoor room doesn’t have to be a ‘room’ in the traditional sense, but a structure of sorts that creates an outdoor living space.

Use zoning

Using decking, roofing, patio, furniture, and accessories, you can create unique areas that meet different needs.

For example, a multi-level deck made private by rose-covered terraces can create an intimate suntrap for morning coffee, while an open patio area kitted out with kitchenware and ample seating makes for the perfect BBQ hosting space.

When designing your zones, think about your floor plan and how areas slot together to create a balanced space. Without variation, texture, and decor, outdoor spaces lack intimacy and scale. This is where topiary, dividers, and furniture groups come in, making areas that are more private and snug, and others that are purposefully open. 

But make sure you consider the traffic patterns that will occur between zones and leave some places open for movement so that it doesn’t begin to feel overcrowded.

When it comes to luxury outdoor spaces, you’re spoilt for choice, and with a bit of ingenuity you don’t have to limit yourself! Here are some of the zones you might like to incorporate.

Eaton Square, Private Commission – Aspire

Dining & drinks areas

Is there anything better than eating dinner outside on a summer evening? How you kit out your dining area is entirely up to you, and in fact, you might like to give yourself some options.

Why not create one area for intimate dinners with loved ones nearer to the house, and another for hosting dinner parties next to your outdoor cooking setup? Think unique dining set with umbrellas and a fully-stocked outdoor bar.

Outdoor cooking area

Complementing your dining area is, of course, a high-spec cooking setup. During those hot months, turning on the oven inside is something most of us wish we didn’t have to do.

Instead, give yourself the ultimate outdoor dining experience by building in a kitchen for your cook to get creative with. Opt for large, commercial charcoal or gas grills complete with rotisserie cookers so that cooking outside yields restaurant-quality food, not burnt sausages and hot dog buns.

Living room spaces

Design a chic outdoor living room by blending aesthetics with functionality.

Think sectionals, love seats, hammocks, couches, and accent chairs. Don’t forget coffee tables and places to put your drinks down!

Consider the times at which you’ll be sitting in the garden and the position the sun will be in so you can create shade accordingly. An automatic awning is a sleek way to introduce shade, and a pergola provides a more traditional look.

However you lay out your living room space, ensure that there’s a harmony between it and the design of your indoor aesthetic. A great trick is to echo some of the features in both by pulling key colours and textures outside, like in our Coach House Lane commission below.

Unique outdoor entertainment areas

There’s no need to put limitations on designing your luxury space – after all, it’s your space and should fit perfectly around you. Some wonderful things to consider are:

• • A sun room for lounging in, giving a sense of being outdoors while still being connected to the home
  • A sauna & pool house for spa days & exercise at your leisure
  • A movie theatre including a projector and casual seating
  • A bar for cocktail-making and entertainment
  • A games area for pool, croquet, or your preferred game
  • A tennis court for exercise and 1:1 time
  • A gym for convenient fitness with a view

Kings Chase, Private Commission – Aspire

Decor and technology

When designing your outdoor space, make sure that decor and technology are front of mind. After all, these are the touches that can be the difference between inconvenience and the luxury you deserve.

Create ambience with landscape lighting, solar powered string lights in cosy areas, and bespoke fire features for cooler evenings. 

Sundials, wishing wells, and grand water features can provide soothing centrepieces in your garden space, while hidden TVs and integrated speakers bring modernity and convenience.

Underfloor heating can also be used on terraces and patios so that your space doesn’t go unused in colder weather. See — the only limit is your imagination!

Aspire to create a bespoke outdoor space

Here at Aspire, we’re a dab hand at bringing to life your vision for a versatile outdoor area. Why not take a look at our inspiration page for a glimpse into some of the gardens and homes we’ve created?

View our Kings Oak private commission, for example. Equipped with a separate pool house and wellness centre, steam room, and infinity pool, this home makes the most of a beautiful garden area.