We put a lot of care into the design of our homes, using colours, textures and themes as a form of expression displayed through interior design. The focus should not be solely on your interiors, though, as the style of your outdoor space is equally as important for creating a sanctuary at home.
With 2023 in full swing, there’s no better time to begin designing the outdoor space of your dreams. A full garden renovation is unlikely to happen regularly, so creating a strong, versatile base allows for easier modifications in the future when you wish to refresh the space.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration, below, Lee Cavalier, Decking Product Manager at Dura Composites, shares the top ways to incorporate porcelain decking, both inside and out.
A long-lasting decking solution
Creating a decked area within your garden is a great way to bring functionality to the space, a flat base where you can both relax and entertain.
Traditionally, decking was formed from timber planks, but the market has moved on a long way since decking first became popular in the 1990s. As far as materials go, timber brings a variety of drawbacks that can ultimately limit the enjoyment of your space. Requiring regular maintenance and having a constant risk of UV and water damage through exposure to the elements, timber can often prove to be more trouble than it’s worth.
Timber has maintained its spot as the ideal decking material throughout the years due to its inherent connection with nature. Timber decking boards have an organic feel, meaning they fit perfectly into the outdoor aesthetic. However, with new developments in both manufacturing and construction, other materials are quickly establishing new solutions for garden decking applications, such as porcelain.
Porcelain decking is a luxurious decking solution, expertly crafted to mimic the look and feel of timber, but the composition of porcelain removes practically all of the drawbacks experienced with the traditional decking material.
Porcelain requires minimal maintenance and is immune to natural elements. The planks don’t rot or warp, and there’s no risk of UV damage or splinters. Even after heavy rain, porcelain decking boards maintain a low slip risk, making your decking area safe to walk on in any weather. Porcelain also holds an A1 fire rating, the highest rating in the classification, meaning it is resistant to fire and flames.
Porcelain decking provides a sophisticated and stylish base for your garden design, whilst its long-lasting properties make it a cost-effective solution in the long term. Once you have this versatile base in place, you open up a range of opportunities for dramatic and eye-catching garden design.
Styling your garden for 2023
In 2023, a key theme for home design will be architectural simplicity. People are appreciating a less-is-more approach, with neutral colours and clean lines. With the natural aesthetic of porcelain decking, there’s endless space for creativity when it comes to styling the area.
For those who wish to make their garden a functional space, adding a fire pit or a BBQ onto your decked area is a great way to home in a point of interest that not only looks aesthetically pleasing but adds value to your property. If you use your garden less but still wish to create a point of interest, a water feature could be the perfect solution.
Adding furniture to your decked area is another way to bring in a point of focus and functionality. You may wish to install a hammock or outdoor beanbags or think more traditionally and place a garden furniture suite or dining set. From here, you can accessorise with throw cushions or rugs to bring a pop of colour and texture to the area.
Experimenting with outdoor lighting can also help frame the space, creating a warm ambience for the darker points of the evening. Combining a variety of different light sources will enhance functionality and create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Keeping with the organic feel of a garden, incorporating various potted plants will help tie the decked area in with the natural surroundings. Not everybody is green-fingered, but there are a variety of flowers and plants that require minimal maintenance. It’s proven that having live plants within your space can relieve stress and anxiety, as well as boost your mood, so accumulating foliage in and around your decked area is a beneficial design decision.
As the weather slowly begins to brighten up over the coming months, now is the time to redesign your garden for 2023. Create an organic sanctuary for you and your family to enjoy, and let your creativity run wild.
Images: Dura Composites
