With most of us being cooped up indoors, we should set up our own cosy corner to reconnect with the outdoors, suggests Kanchan Mishra
The second wave of the COVID pandemic has reinforced the need to stay at home to ensure the well-being of ourselves and our families. This continued reliance on staying indoors has opened up new avenues to renovate our homes with outdoor spaces being a special focus. Whether it is to host a rooftop party or to enjoy some quiet me-time, people are now focussing on revamping their terraces, balconies and even window-side settings as a safe outlet to interact with the outside world. An open outdoor space can be transformed into various settings like a mini-nursery for flora lovers, a cosy corner to spend quality time with loved ones and a formal setting to entertain your friends. Furniture experts at Flipkart suggest these simple tips that can help you redesign your open spaces with some simple adjustments.
Your outdoor space is like a blank canvas and you can decorate it as per your requirement. Depending on the utility of the space, you can add furniture that fulfils your purpose. If you wish to use it for quality solitary time, you can add a comfortable hammock, bean bag chairs or a nice swing to enjoy the cityscape while sipping your coffee. If you wish to entertain friends and family, add a comfy sofa set to enjoy the vibe. You can also add high rise chairs and an elegant bar cabinet if you wish to entertain guests.
Rooftop dining is an exciting experience. So, if you have a terrace or a spacious balcony, add an elegant solid wood dining table to enjoy the hustle-bustle of the city from a distance while spending time with your loved ones. Install a surround sound music system to enjoy the music of your choice. You can also invest in an economical trolley to help you present and serve food.
A rooftop setup requires proper lighting. Add warm lights that not just provide adequate illumination but also brightens up your space. Go for led fairy lights or floor lamps for a social gathering and table lamps for a solitary session. If you wish to set up a full-fledged party ambience, you can even add wall/floor mounted disco lights.
An outdoor space without plants and flowers will look too gloomy. So, make sure you have ample vegetation in your nook. Flora helps brighten up the place and brings you closer to nature. Plants are also known to boost productivity, help lighten the mood and enhance creativity, making you feel happier and healthier!
Just like us, our pets also enjoy the city view from the outdoors. Whether it is to observe the cars passing by or the birds flying around, our pets love to engage with the outside world. To ensure their comfort, add a nice bed that lets them enjoy the vibe.
Outdoor furniture also requires extra love and care. Here are some tips to prolong life and keep the furniture as good as new.
Wood: The best way to take care of outdoor wood furniture is to simply brush off the dust particles and then wipe using a damp cloth with water or a mild soapy solution.
Metal: Aluminium and steel are highly suitable for outdoor use due to their resistance to rust and great structural strength. To maintain steel and aluminium furniture, all you have to do is wash with a soap and water solution, before rinsing off with clean water. For wrought iron furniture, if rust develops, brush the patchy orange spots with a DIY mixture of vinegar and water.
Plastic: Cleaning and caring for plastic furniture by rubbing alcohol will suffice in many cases. It’s important that one immediately rinses these agents away once cleaned. Extended exposure to the chemicals can fade plastic and shorten the aesthetic lifespan of your furniture.
Wicker: To clean wicker furniture use milder techniques. First, remove the loose dirt by vacuuming. Then, use a mild soap mix, a lint-free rag and an old toothbrush for the hard-to-reach places. Too much water will weaken the weave of the furniture. It is very important to let the wicker completely dry before using it again because it may take several days to regain its full strength.
Upholstered outdoor furniture: The go-to remedy for cleaning outdoor upholstery and pillows is solution-dyed acrylic as it’s resistant to water, mould, and UV rays while providing a finish that looks as luxurious as any indoor textile. To keep outdoor fabrics looking fresh, brush off loose dirt before it sets in and wipe up spills as soon as they happen. You can spot-clean outdoor fabric with a mix of mild soap and water.
(The author is Senior Director of furniture, beauty, personal and baby care at Flipkart.)