10 Ideas for Creating a Dream Dining Spot Outdoors
Outdoor dining is part of the Australian lifestyle, so here's how to use what's around you to its best advantage
Kate Burt
12 April 2017
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and various magazines. I'm now excited to part of the editorial team at Houzz UK & Ireland, bringing the best of British and Irish design, interiors and architecture to Houzz.com.
Houzz UK. I'm a journalist and editor, previously for the Independent, Guardian and... More
Whether you have – or are planning to add – a dining area to your sprawling lawn, tidy patio or even on an itty-bitty balcony, there are some great ideas on Houzz. Here are some to give you food, ahem, for thought.
1. Tap into texture
The striking oxidised metal walls are (almost) the star of this outdoor dining spot, just as a feature wallpaper might be in an indoor eating area. But what really makes this impressive garden sparkle are the textural and visual contrasts. The peekaboo panel in the right-hand wall panel allows for a lush collision of burnt orange and vivid green. While on the ground, the planting amid the smooth floor tiles gives height and tactility – for a similar effect, avoid grass and look into lawns made from alternatives including clover, Irish moss or camomile.
The striking oxidised metal walls are (almost) the star of this outdoor dining spot, just as a feature wallpaper might be in an indoor eating area. But what really makes this impressive garden sparkle are the textural and visual contrasts. The peekaboo panel in the right-hand wall panel allows for a lush collision of burnt orange and vivid green. While on the ground, the planting amid the smooth floor tiles gives height and tactility – for a similar effect, avoid grass and look into lawns made from alternatives including clover, Irish moss or camomile.
2. Say hello to architectural salvage
There is no need for a rolling garden to create an elegant outdoor eating area that is surrounded by plants.
The owners of this neat patio space have approached the decoration as one might approach an interior. The unusual flooring – unusual in this context, at least – instantly gives this dining area real character. The brass fisherman’s wall lamp, painted furniture and those statement planters each add a layer of refined style. Swerve traditional garden centres and, instead, scour architectural salvage yards and websites for treasures that will elevate the status of your outdoor space. Think stone sculptures, old chimneys to use as pots, antique fountains, encaustic tiles and vintage furniture.
There is no need for a rolling garden to create an elegant outdoor eating area that is surrounded by plants.
The owners of this neat patio space have approached the decoration as one might approach an interior. The unusual flooring – unusual in this context, at least – instantly gives this dining area real character. The brass fisherman’s wall lamp, painted furniture and those statement planters each add a layer of refined style. Swerve traditional garden centres and, instead, scour architectural salvage yards and websites for treasures that will elevate the status of your outdoor space. Think stone sculptures, old chimneys to use as pots, antique fountains, encaustic tiles and vintage furniture.
3. Make use of a tree
Let nature do the hard work of setting the scene. Not only can a mature tree like this one provide dappled shade for a leisurely summer lunch, but it can also be employed to support bunting, fairy lights or even candle-filled lanterns. There is something magical about being surrounded by lush grass too, rather than hard landscaping – but if you don’t have a lawn, throw down a few rugs to create a soft surface underfoot.
Let nature do the hard work of setting the scene. Not only can a mature tree like this one provide dappled shade for a leisurely summer lunch, but it can also be employed to support bunting, fairy lights or even candle-filled lanterns. There is something magical about being surrounded by lush grass too, rather than hard landscaping – but if you don’t have a lawn, throw down a few rugs to create a soft surface underfoot.
4. Create a sense of seclusion
Tall, solid fences, corner trees, a pergola waiting to be covered with verdant climbers… this is how to create a hidden spot for dinner in an urban garden that would otherwise be overlooked.
Building a structure like this pergola also gives plenty of opportunity for atmospheric lighting. Fix up-and-down lights to your posts, or drape outdoor festoon lighting to create a twinkling canopy. Plants such as wild grasses that will rustle in the breeze will also add to the enchanted-evening atmosphere.
Which pergola is right for you?
Tall, solid fences, corner trees, a pergola waiting to be covered with verdant climbers… this is how to create a hidden spot for dinner in an urban garden that would otherwise be overlooked.
Building a structure like this pergola also gives plenty of opportunity for atmospheric lighting. Fix up-and-down lights to your posts, or drape outdoor festoon lighting to create a twinkling canopy. Plants such as wild grasses that will rustle in the breeze will also add to the enchanted-evening atmosphere.
Which pergola is right for you?
5. Be pale and interesting
If you have a pocket courtyard, don’t be discouraged by its weeny proportions – you may still be able to create a luxurious-feeling space to sit and eat. Look out for space-saving furniture, such as these stools that tuck right away under the table, and atmospheric lighting.
If you have a pocket courtyard, don’t be discouraged by its weeny proportions – you may still be able to create a luxurious-feeling space to sit and eat. Look out for space-saving furniture, such as these stools that tuck right away under the table, and atmospheric lighting.
This tiny courtyard also makes great use of light neutrals to soften lines and open up this little dining space. To win at this kind of look, give it everything: pale floors, pale walls, pale table and pale seating. The mirror behind the raised, upright planting also creates a space-boosting optical illusion.
6. Get out there
The spot right outside the back door is often the most obvious place to set up a dining table. But by thinking outside the box or, rather, outside the patio, you can make the experience of eating outside much more connected to your garden. This idea could work on a smaller scale too, with a folding table and chairs for two, and everything scaled down. The principle of extending out decking or paving into the beds and lawn area is what’s important.
See more pretty patios
The spot right outside the back door is often the most obvious place to set up a dining table. But by thinking outside the box or, rather, outside the patio, you can make the experience of eating outside much more connected to your garden. This idea could work on a smaller scale too, with a folding table and chairs for two, and everything scaled down. The principle of extending out decking or paving into the beds and lawn area is what’s important.
See more pretty patios
7. Pack in the plants
If you’re building in bench seating for your outdoor dining spot, use it as an opportunity to also create planting opportunities. This crisp, contemporary design has been softened by the planting around it, as well as by the mellow brick wall and wooden floor, which add warmth to the scheme.
If you’re building in bench seating for your outdoor dining spot, use it as an opportunity to also create planting opportunities. This crisp, contemporary design has been softened by the planting around it, as well as by the mellow brick wall and wooden floor, which add warmth to the scheme.
8. Introduce interest for the evening
One of the benefits of having a small garden or courtyard is that you can potentially afford to spend less on absolutely packing it with plants. And what could be more soothing than dining in the middle of your very own verdant oasis? This courtyard garden also has strategically positioned lighting to ensure all that greenery adds to the atmosphere after dark. Think about the details in your garden that you want to pick out with light, and either fit downlights, as seen here, or get moveable uplights you can position in pots or beds.
One of the benefits of having a small garden or courtyard is that you can potentially afford to spend less on absolutely packing it with plants. And what could be more soothing than dining in the middle of your very own verdant oasis? This courtyard garden also has strategically positioned lighting to ensure all that greenery adds to the atmosphere after dark. Think about the details in your garden that you want to pick out with light, and either fit downlights, as seen here, or get moveable uplights you can position in pots or beds.
9. Big up your balcony
Lots of new-build flats have balconies with glass balustrades, while period properties like this one may have railings to let the light through. It might seem counterintuitive to fill this airspace up with something as solid as planters, but the benefits of blocking the gaze of passers-by on the street below will appeal to many. The height of this box hedge makes for an excellent compromise between privacy and enjoying the surroundings – and a view across city rooftops always feels rather romantic.
If you only have a Juliet balcony, you could even employ a planter on castors, full of indoor plants, to form a green screen. Add a couple of uplights to give your greenery after-dark drama. Set this up in front of those lovely-but-tricky-to-work-with floor-to-ceiling windows (rather than using the space for drying washing). Pop your dining table, even if it’s just a foldaway one for two, in front of it and you’ll feel like you have your own pocket garden to eat in every day.
Show your balcony some love
Lots of new-build flats have balconies with glass balustrades, while period properties like this one may have railings to let the light through. It might seem counterintuitive to fill this airspace up with something as solid as planters, but the benefits of blocking the gaze of passers-by on the street below will appeal to many. The height of this box hedge makes for an excellent compromise between privacy and enjoying the surroundings – and a view across city rooftops always feels rather romantic.
If you only have a Juliet balcony, you could even employ a planter on castors, full of indoor plants, to form a green screen. Add a couple of uplights to give your greenery after-dark drama. Set this up in front of those lovely-but-tricky-to-work-with floor-to-ceiling windows (rather than using the space for drying washing). Pop your dining table, even if it’s just a foldaway one for two, in front of it and you’ll feel like you have your own pocket garden to eat in every day.
Show your balcony some love
10. Show off
Well, with a view like this on your back door – wouldn’t you? Not many of us will be lucky enough to call a place with this kind of outlook home, but let it inspire your aspirations for the perfect holiday home this year.
Or you could always consider a lifelike seascape mural for your urban garden’s back wall…
Tell us
Which of these very different outdoor eating spots most appeals to you? Share your thoughts or photos of your own garden in the Comments below.
More
Browse outdoor entertaining areas
Well, with a view like this on your back door – wouldn’t you? Not many of us will be lucky enough to call a place with this kind of outlook home, but let it inspire your aspirations for the perfect holiday home this year.
Or you could always consider a lifelike seascape mural for your urban garden’s back wall…
Tell us
Which of these very different outdoor eating spots most appeals to you? Share your thoughts or photos of your own garden in the Comments below.
More
Browse outdoor entertaining areas
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Beautiful images and great points. Loved the one with a tree! Our idea is to use big balcony and to add a movie experience to your evening meal outdoors.
#6 is a simple, beautifully proportioned space with all the elements, just perfect.