A dacha or a country house with a plot of land is not only a place for growing vegetables and fruits. With the correct and thoughtful organization of the space in the courtyard, here you can create a cozy recreation area that will appeal to both adults and children, while not taking away free space, and will bring original originality and originality to the landscape of the courtyard.
Advantages and features of recreation areas at their summer cottage
Most often, a place to relax in the yard is chosen at the stage of creating a site project, but it can also be organized with an already erected house and a planted area. The indisputable advantages of the recreation area in the country are:
- The possibility of organizing the process of eating in the air, especially if there is a barbecue, barbecue or a place for a fire in such a section of the yard. This assumes a roof and a table with chairs or benches;
- Holding events and celebrations in a cozy outdoor environment;
- Practicality, due to the use of furniture and building materials in the interior of the recreation area that were not useful in the house;
- Variety of designs;
- Ergonomics tailored to the specific needs of the residents;
- Relatively low costs (depending on how to make the zone and what to use for this);
- Convenience and comfort.
The summer cottage period will become unforgettable, comfortable and fun for both children and adults with a relaxation area created based on the needs of all family members.
The photo shows do-it-yourself recreation areas in the country:
It should be borne in mind that choosing furniture for such areas of comfort is one that is not subject to the destructive effects of moisture. It can be artificial or natural rattan, which are practical and comfortable. If upholstered furniture is supposed to be used, then it should be taken into account that all pillows and elements capable of storing water can, if necessary, be quickly and easily removed and removed into the house. Moreover, they must be able to be washed in a washing machine.
As a table, you can choose any structure, both metal, and using other materials or a combined type that will not deteriorate from moisture and the sun.
Attention! A safe area for the location of the barbecue should be provided in such an area, which can be either stationary or portable.
Recently, it has been fashionable and stylish to use an outdoor fireplace, in which it is possible not only to bake meat, but also to cook other types of food.
Various weaving plants are also actively used for the design of such a recreation area, which, growing up, braid the frame of the gazebo or walls, making shade inside and giving coolness and freshness. The most common plants are varieties of climbing roses and ivy, grape varieties, lianas, clematis, hyacinia, nasturtium, kobei.
Varieties of recreation areas and their features
Depending on the peculiarities of the location and type of arrangement, recreation areas built on summer cottages can be conditionally divided into the following types:
Patio
This is a kind of courtyard. Traditionally, it is equipped with such elements as a table and chairs, as well as a barbecue. Usually the patio is equipped with a open air and is not fenced off from the rest of the courtyard space by partitions.
Patios can be equipped with such convenient and practical elements as pools, sun loungers, umbrellas, lawns, flower beds, figurines, fountains. It all depends on the imagination and capabilities of the owners, as well as on the availability of free space in the yard.
An option for self-creation of a patio in the country is presented in the video
Alcove
The traditional way of organizing a place for recreation at domestic dachas is gazebos, which, unlike their old types, are becoming more elegant, original and refined. The gazebo can be braided with curly greenery, or built using transparent roofing materials, be equipped with a table and benches, barbecue, barbecue, or other types of elements for comfort. It all depends on preferences and capabilities.
Closed area
Such a zone is practically a room in which there may be no roof or some walls. Usually, light and durable materials are used for its construction - polycarbonate, metal profiles, reeds and others. It separates the rest space from the work areas.
Terrace
A properly equipped terrace can also be an excellent recreation area. Such a platform adjacent to the house makes it possible to install furniture and various interior items that contribute to comfort. It can be both open and closed type.
Attention! The recreation area is settled both near the house and a little further away.
In the second case, when visiting guests, their noise will not disturb those who are already resting. But if there is a playground in such a section of the yard, it is better to build it closer to the house so that you can watch the children from the window.
Conclusion
An ideal solution for each site can only be an individual arrangement option, which will take into account both the features of the house and the features of the yard, as well as the material component. Depending on the preferences of the owners, the recreation area can be assembled by them independently or with the assistance of specialists. Even the darkest and most remote area can be turned into cozy corner relaxation and comfort, which you will never want to leave.
For some summer residents, a personal land plot is almost the only corner on the planet where you can isolate yourself from the bustle of the city and spend a weekend in nature. That is why one of the main objects in the country is a recreation area. Even if the site is small, it still has space for a gazebo or a canopy of the simplest design. And on large area whole complexes are being created, including barbecues, playgrounds and flower arrangements with ponds.
How to choose a place for a recreation area
Where to make a recreation area largely depends on the size and. But there are well-established principles, following which helps to find a suitable place for this.
What to consider when choosing a place to stay, 5 rules:
- Remoteness from the carriageway will protect against dust and noise penetration;
- The presence of a canopy makes it possible to turn gray in the fresh air in inclement weather;
- Concealment from neighboring areas and the street guarantees an atmosphere of confidential, confidential atmosphere;
- The leeward side provides peace and comfort in windy weather;
- Convenient approaches allow you to quickly reach the resting place;
- Proximity to home allows you to quickly move things, dishes or food out of the room.
Analyzing the reviews of experienced summer residents, there are three possible options for the location of the recreation area in the country: under a canopy in the yard, in the garden under the trees and, most successfully, in the interval between the house and the garden. The convenience of the latter option is that the site is protected by a wall on one side, and trees on the other. No dust or street noise can be heard here. Ornamental vegetation is planted along the fence from the side of the neighboring site, which will also create a reliable, impenetrable curtain.
Important. It is least suitable for leisure activities as it borders the street. If there are no other options, you need to isolate this part of the cottage, fencing it off with a blank fence and tall shrubs with a dense crown.
The principles of creating a recreation area
Big land plot gives great opportunities to equip a recreation area for all occasions. Here you can distribute sites for various purposes throughout the territory (rest with friends, with family, with children, for privacy). Or you can do the opposite: collect everything in one place, highlighting sub-zones for active rest, feasts with a noisy company, children's games.
A site on a small plot of land is equipped with all the attributes necessary for recreation, as well as on a spacious plot. The only difference is that everything is very compact. On a modest area, space is cut for flower beds. Of course, you do not need to completely abandon them, the type of flower garden is simply adjusted. Low curbs along paths and fences will do. They use undersized varieties tagetes, zinnias, lavaters, gazania... Shrubs with a lush crown are replaced by climbing plants such as ipomoea, kobei and ornamental beans.
The playground for children is located close to the recreation area for adults, so that the kids are in the field of vision of the parents. A soft base is created on the playground: sand is poured, a grassy lawn is arranged or an artificial turf is laid. Depending on the age of the children, slides, sandboxes, swings, a small gazebo with benches are installed in the play area.
Varieties of recreation areas in the country
Officially, no one has yet classified resting places in summer cottages, but it is quite possible to carry out a conditional division. According to the design method, 5 types of recreation areas can be distinguished: a terrace, a patio, an open gazebo, a closed gazebo and a green room.
Terrace
The open terrace is, as it were, part of the house, and at the same time is outside of it. The air temperature on it is practically the same as outside, so there is every reason to consider the terrace a place for outdoor recreation. Convenience lies in the proximity to living quarters and the kitchen, so that dishes and other necessary items are always at hand.
The effect of being in nature is created by plants in flowerpots and hanging pots placed around the perimeter of the room. To make the feeling of unity with nature complete, a garden with flower beds is laid out on the site in front of the house. The composition can include a fountain, waterfall or body of water. By equipping the terrace as a dining room, you can enjoy the fresh air several times a day.
Patio
In essence, a patio is a patio near a residential building, adapted for relaxing over a cup of coffee or tea. Sometimes the patio is called an open-air room, since not in all cases it is equipped with a canopy.
A small round or rectangular area is laid out with paving slabs or poured with concrete, surrounded by lattice walls entwined with vines, and a classic-type patio is ready.
Elegant furniture is installed inside: a table, chairs, a chest of drawers for dishes. The walls can be replaced with sheer curtains: light cambric or tulle fabric is hung from the beams of the pergola.
To create a little shading, the fabric can be stretched to form a dome. The diffused shadow cast by the fabric favors a pleasant, comfortable environment.
Open gazebo
The rating of the most ordinary gazebo always remains high. This building is a platform fenced around the perimeter with a parapet high about 80 cm, and a roof mounted on uprights. The floor is laid slightly above the soil level to prevent the building from being flooded with rainwater.
In the center of the gazebo, a table is installed, sometimes of a stationary type, and benches are located around it. The beauty of the structure is that it takes up little space and can be installed anywhere in the garden. Gazebos come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate up to 6 or more people.
Closed gazebo
If the summer cottage is also used in winter, it is better to build a closed gazebo, which is equipped with an entrance door and windows.
True, the glazing should occupy most of the walls, so that in the summer period the sash can be thrown open and fresh air into the room.
In addition to a barbecue (barbecue), a closed gazebo is equipped with a fireplace or wood-burning stove, so that it is comfortable to relax in it in winter. Naturally, in this case, good ventilation should be provided in the project.
Green room
An innovation in the landscape design of summer cottages is green rooms. The recreation area is divided into several areas, which are separated from one another by walls of green spaces, thin curtains or trellised pergolas entwined with vines.
If you need to create a completely closed secluded place, it is fenced with an impenetrable tall green hedge of deciduous shrubs. (privet, barberry, chubushnik) or conifers ( juniper, thuja).
There can be one, two or more rooms (or bosquets), depending on the possibilities of the garden and the needs of its owners. Open-air premises are furnished with comfortable furniture, decorated with flower beds, garden figurines. If there are several such "offices", each of them is equipped according to its intended purpose: a playroom for children, a family barbecue, a relaxation corner.
How to equip a recreation area
A comfortable pastime in the country depends a lot on how comfortable the garden furniture is. Usually, plastic, rattan, wooden or metal tables and chairs for the garden are used in the design of the recreation area. But there are also other pieces of furniture that add a touch of chic to the setting.
With hammock
The hammock is quite an exclusive thing, although it is not an innovation in summer cottages. It can be hung on a terrace or in a gazebo and used as a complete piece of furniture along with chairs and benches.
But the best option the use of a hammock is to create a secluded spot in a secluded corner of the garden. With this application, the hammock does not need a sophisticated setting, since the natural environment is the best environment for creating a romantic mood.
With swing
The swing is used as an additional or main item in the design of the resting place. For example, when arranging a barbecue area, even the most spacious swing is not enough. Therefore, they are installed as an add-on element to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
The swing can be placed on the spacious terrace, under the pergola or in the garden for privacy. Staying in nature will be even more pleasant if you put cushions and bolsters on the seat.
With sun loungers
If the recreation area is more intended for relaxation and recuperation, it is equipped with furniture for lying. These are a variety of sun loungers, trestle beds, couches and sofas. They allow you to completely relax, spend time reading or just take a nap on the soft pillows.
Advice. Plastic and wooden trestle beds and sunbeds are additionally equipped with fluffy blankets or mattresses. Their presence will make your leisure time more comfortable.
With barbecue and barbecue
It is impossible to be in nature and not cook meat on an open fire. For a barbecue or barbecue, a place is allocated not far from the covered area, so that the "chef" has the opportunity to communicate with the company without stopping from cooking.
Having a specially equipped hearth on the site, it is not necessary to cook delicious meals every time. You can simply fry sausages or boil water for tea.
It is permissible to arrange a place for cooking inside a closed gazebo, and then bad weather will not interfere with rest. It is only necessary to provide for the removal of smoke through the chimney and make good ventilation.
An interesting idea for a recreation area with a garden oven. The design resembles a Russian stove in appearance and is suitable for creating a rustic style in the country. It is laid out from brick or natural stone. In the lower part, a place is arranged for storing firewood, coal, shovels and skins. In the central part there is a fireplace with a chimney, and on the sides there are shelves for storing dishes. The stove can be built in an open area and in a spacious gazebo.
Recreation area design ideas
The aesthetic side in arranging a vacation spot is no less important than the practical one. The design of the environment should be calming, encouraging to unwind and enjoy the pleasant scenery. The terrain and the availability of free space will tell you how to fill the landscape.
Pools
The pool has a big plus - you can cool off in the summer heat. The space near the water itself and the recreation area are laid out with tiles that do not slip when wet, and the entire adjacent territory is sown with a lawn.
A polycarbonate canopy over the water will create a greenhouse effect, and the water will keep warm longer. You can complement the furnishings with a bar counter and several sun loungers and umbrellas.
Important. For safety reasons, the area around the pool should be well lit in the evening. For this, landscape sealed LED lamps are used.
Creating a recreation area with a pool is a good but expensive idea, so an artificial pond is often set up instead.
Bodies of water
On a hot day, it is much more pleasant to relax on the shore of the reservoir, even if it is not suitable for swimming. Coolness emanates from the water, the air becomes fresher, and this is not the only reason to create an artificial pond in the country. A landscape with a reservoir always looks more interesting than without it, and vegetation planted near the water looks lush and attractive due to its special microclimate.
You should not give up the reservoir in the country because of the seeming complexity of its creation. If you don’t have the courage to tackle the project of a dynamic hydraulic structure (stream, waterfall, cascade), you can create a small static pond.
It is easy to build it from a suitable container: an old bathtub, a plastic tank, a wide basin. The vessel is dug into the ground, covered with a thick film and filled with water. The edges of the film are masked with stones, pebbles, sand or gravel, and vegetation inherent in natural reservoirs is planted around.
Gabions
A mesh filled with stones is not a new, but still rare, way of decorating a garden landscape. Gabions are a solid wall, impervious to wind, noise, dust and prying eyes, completely isolating the resting place. As a rule, they are mounted in areas with elevation differences as retaining walls. But a cozy corner with gabions can also be made on a flat area, by enclosing a resting place with them on one or two sides.
Advice. In a landscape with gabions, flower beds should be used. Otherwise, the composition will turn out to be somewhat gloomy.
Additional details
Small, sometimes unexpected details add color to the recreation area. They are often not practical, but help to create a picturesque, unique landscape. Flower beds in pieces of furniture have become a fashionable element of the landscape.
Very cute look daisies or viola peeking out of the drawers of the chest of drawers, or petunia planted on the bed in the form of a bedspread.
Old rubber boots, teapots, chipped cups are fitted under flowerpots - they are hung on trees, placed on the porch of the gazebo, simply placed in a flower bed.
Themed garden figurines are always in place. For example, frogs, fish, and water birds look interesting on the bank of the pond.
Other animals can also find a place in the garden, near benches, in flower beds.
Solar-powered garden lights are worth mentioning. They are used where there is no way to conduct electric light. Lanterns are stuck in the ground along the paths and around the resting place, and illuminate the area as soon as dusk falls. Thanks to them, you can navigate the garden well at night, sitting up late for a conversation.
How to do it yourself
Garden furniture made of pallets
After the construction of a country house, materials always remain: bricks, building blocks, timber, boards, etc. They can be used to create a seating area with a pergola (awning). Brick is used in the creation of garden paths, retaining walls, raised flower beds, and lumber is useful in the construction of a simple tent.
How to make a canopy:
- Wooden posts or bars with a cross section not less than 10 cm dug in at the corners of the marked area;
- The space between the supports is leveled, covered with rubble and poured with concrete. Instead of a concrete base, you can make a wooden flooring on the logs;
- The pillars are connected at the top with transverse crossbars, on which the crate is mounted;
- A roof is laid from boards, polycarbonate, or a fabric awning is stretched;
- For the stability of the canopy, the supports are additionally connected to each other in the middle places, but not on all sides: a passage is left on the side most convenient for using the canopy.
At first glance, an unassuming structure can be easily turned into a cozy corner. Furniture is installed inside: a table, chairs, benches. They can be made from scrap materials, or you can buy finished products.
Climbing perennial plants are planted around the perimeter of the hut. Of course you can plant girlish grapes, but it is too often used for landscaping such places, and, moreover, it gives a lot of growth. It is better to use something more exotic, for example, Kampsis, actinidia, evergreen ivy.
A dacha is not only vegetable beds, but also outdoor recreation. Where, if not here, you can relax after a week of work, spend time with your family outside the bustle of the city, organize a picnic with friends. To make your leisure time as comfortable as possible, the recreation area must be properly equipped - choose a suitable place, think over the design, choose the decoration. There is a mass interesting ideas how to make an open area in the country. The main thing is to have patience and inspiration.
Placement options for recreation areas
Depending on the preferences, the number and age of family members, the "relaxation corner" can be located:
- in a completely open space;
- under a canopy;
- at the walls of the house;
- near a tree;
- near the reservoir.
For quiet family gatherings and meals, daytime walks with children, the area near the back wall of the house is best suited. If an emergency door is located there, this will become an additional bonus - it will be possible to quickly take out and bring in dishes, food, toys, and pieces of furniture. It is advisable to move the site for noisy parties with friends away from home, so as not to disturb other family members in the late evening.
Comfortable and stylish area with a fireplace
An ideal place for romantic "tete-a-tete" will be a secluded cozy corner under a beautiful tree. It is advisable to equip an open area at the dacha of an elderly couple at the central entrance.
As for the "scale" of the recreation area, there are no restrictions in this matter. You can either modestly refine a small area of the territory or create a multi-level area with a fountain, pergola, swing and other "decorations".
Rest area for big company
The main types of open areas for a personal plot
What kind of postcard to choose a site for a summer residence or a country house depends on the lifestyle of the owners and their preferences regarding recreation.
Beach type recreation area
If you are planning to actively sunbathe on your site, the area "a la beach" can be arranged right in the middle of the lawn. It is better to choose a place for the relaxation zone at the back of the house - away from possible street noise and the ubiquitous prying eyes. It is advisable to design the base of the site as a podium in order to avoid stagnation of rainwater on it. It is recommended to choose a terrace board or stone as a flooring.
To "furnish" the dacha mini-beach use sun loungers, mobile sun umbrellas, a small table, benches. A swimming pool, fountain or artificial pond will perfectly complement the summer atmosphere.
Cozy area for relaxation with a sun lounger
Area for active leisure
Fans of outdoor activities will surely like the idea of arranging an open sports ground. The flattest part of your property should be allocated under it, far from windows and flower beds. Since the selected area will be subject to active trampling, it must be sown with special “wear-resistant” grass mixtures or a sports turf should be laid.
The size of the sports area is determined by the type of activity:
- for basketball it will take about 50 sq. m;
- for tennis or football - at least 60 sq. m;
- for mini-volleyball - 40 sq. m;
- outdoor exercise equipment or horizontal bars can be freely marked up to 30 square meters. m.
Using mobile sports equipment and installing it immediately before the game, you can make your active leisure time varied.
Sports ground for outdoor activities in the country
Cozy room under a tree
The easiest way to create a cozy outdoor seating area is to organize a space under a large, spreading tree. It is desirable to make the foundation of such an open area as close as possible to natural motives. An excellent solution would be to pave it with wooden saw cuts.
The choice of furniture for a resting place depends on its purpose: if it is possible to receive guests here, a table and comfortable chairs are required. For a sweet afternoon nap, a hammock comes in handy. Reading books or working on a laptop will be comfortable on a cozy bench with a couple of pillows.
The trunk bench is ideal for relaxing in the summer heat
Observation deck on the site
If your country house has a sufficiently powerful tree, a recreation area can be arranged not only under it, but also on it. Even a relatively young tree is suitable if the piles, and not the trunk itself, will serve as the support for the structure. How to make an open observation deck in the country:
- Mark the position of the corner posts.
- Saw off the posts according to the desired height of the structure and concrete them.
- Connect the railing to the uprights (top harness).
- Make a horizontal strapping at the level of the future floor.
- Attach the logs to the lower harness.
- Install the floor and walls. You can use chipboard for outdoor use.
The area on the tree will look original if you stylize it like a fortress tower or a ship deck.
Observation deck on a tree - a cozy refuge for contemplating the beauty of nature
Patio area and its features
Patio - an open-air room - perfect place for organizing family holidays, receiving guests, privacy with your favorite book in the warm season. Traditionally, such a site is located at the back wall of the house, if the walls of outbuildings or a fence adjoin it in a U- or L-shape.
But this is optional. You can arrange a patio in any convenient location, the main thing is to adhere to the main idea - to create an atmosphere of maximum security. Trees, shrubs, flower beds, hedges, etc. will help in this. An abundance of decorative elements is inherent in the patio:
- fountains;
- mini waterfalls;
- alpine slides;
- statues.
An abundance of greenery and flowers always decorates the patio
The design of such a site is chosen in accordance with the possibilities of the territory and the preferences of family members. Spacious country patios are equipped with all the necessary attributes of a pleasant feast:
- large table;
- comfortable chairs;
- canopy;
- fireplace;
- barbecue.
The perfect solution would be to install in the pool patio area. In combination with a juicy green-floral design, you get a real paradise.
Creating a recreation area with your own hands
An open area in the country should be not only beautiful, but also practical. The importance of technical issues, in particular, the competent choice of materials for paving, should not be overlooked.
What base material to choose
It is better to refuse bulk materials (sand, expanded clay, gravel). They complicate the cleaning of the territory, make light portable furniture unstable. Best suited for paving a recreation area:
- a natural stone;
- paving slabs;
- porcelain stoneware;
- clinker brick;
- concrete plates.
Wood flooring is also very popular. But remember: wood must be treated with antiseptic agents.
The wooden platform base looks great
The area selected for the open area is freed from turf, deepening by 15-20 cm. The surface is leveled, tamped and treated with a herbicide that prevents weed germination. The zone is filled with a layer of rubble and sand. Then the selected base material is laid and (if necessary) the curb is installed.
Drainage of water from the territory
So that the water on the site does not stagnate, the base must be made with a slope in one or two directions. If the paving is made of uneven and / or small elements, the slope should be at least 2 cm per 1 m.For smooth surfaces, 1 cm per 1 m is sufficient.
The drain itself can be made open at the edges of the site or underground. In both cases, it is necessary to provide for the drainage of water into a drainage well. Open drainage elements should be selected in accordance with the general style of the recreation area.
Arrangement and decoration of space
To make an open area for leisure as comfortable as possible, it must be properly and beautifully furnished. Furniture should be comfortable; if you like to sit in a large circle, it is very important to calculate a sufficient number of seats. A wooden or glass table with garden chairs and sofas is an excellent choice. You can also purchase several rocking chairs, sun loungers, and a decorative bench.
Open area in the style of minimalism
Arched awnings, richly entwined with flowers and greenery, will give a special charm and airiness to the open-air area. A fireplace or barbecue will make the recreation area truly warm and "complete". Adding a special chic and flavor to the courtyard will give its design in a certain style - romantic, fabulous, classic, national, exotic. Figurines, vases, souvenirs, textile decorations will help in this.
Children's leisure in the country
When equipping a recreation area, do not forget about children. A small play space will allow them not to get bored during family gatherings. You should definitely provide for a swing. The place for its installation should be chosen taking into account the swinging amplitude. The simplest option is a rope swing fixed to a sturdy tree branch.
It is also possible to install a sandbox. A huge selection of models will allow you to successfully fit the product into the overall design of the recreation area. The most convenient are plastic sandboxes - they are safe, durable, easy to clean. Their light weight and modular design allows them to be stowed away in the barn at any time.
A swing in the garden is a joy for children and adults
Stylish and fast pallet platform: master class
An excellent open area with your own hands can be obtained from Euro pallets - a simple and cheap material that has a wide design potential. To create a recreation area, you will need:
- about 50 pallets (size 100 × 120 cm and 80 × 120 cm);
- angle grinder;
- sandpaper;
- dye;
- roller.
Sand all Euro pallets with a sander and sandpaper. Use a roller to paint them in the desired color (it is better to choose light shades). It is advisable to use garden fleece as the basis for the site: this material will not allow rainwater to accumulate. When the pallets are dry, line the floor with them.
Laying painted pallets on the base
Then install and reinforce the sidewall and backrest trays. Create the seating and table size you want. To create coziness on the playground, decorate it with bright accessories, lay out multi-colored pillows on the “improvised sofa”. Garlands, candles in original candlesticks and lanterns will create a special atmosphere.
Appearance of the finished site
As you can see, a cozy corner of rest in your country house or in the country you can equip even with a minimum of waste. You just need to turn on your imagination and not be afraid of bold ideas. After all, the "paradise", created with trepidation with your own hands, will certainly become a favorite leisure place for the whole family!
Friends, today I want to introduce you to ideas varied zones rest in the country. The selection contains both budget and costly options. In a word, today we will talk about the most important thing at our dacha! After all, it is for the opportunity to fully relax and we are going out of town.
Small space comfort
The resting corners at your dacha may be small, but at the same time quite comfortable. Sometimes even a table and two chairs, brought out on the lawn next to the house, will create a relaxed atmosphere of relaxation and summer mood. Photo: Dimasik_sh / Shutterstock
Round patio with dry stone fountain
The original idea of a recreation area can be realized by you if you decorate a paved area with a so-called dry fountain. Under the stones there is a container for collecting water with a pump. Top mesh and stones. Above the patio, you can build a pergola or awning. Place your chairs and enjoy the murmur of water.
The idea of an open room on the street
A truly stylish space can be achieved by decorating your patio with synthetic wicker furniture that resists moisture. Pillows for the night, of course, should be carried under the roof. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to spend a warm evening in the open air, surrounded by nature. Photo: Artazum / Shutterstock
Original gazebo with mosquito nets
Unfortunately, in many regions it is simply impossible to be outdoors in summer due to the abundance of mosquitoes. In this case, a gazebo with mosquito nets installed in the window openings would be a good solution. Fresh air will flow in, and any living creatures will not disturb your rest.
Wooden terrace with pergola
You can build such a wooden deck for relaxation in your backyard, overlooking the garden. For protection from the sun, you can build a pergola and put grapes on it.
Recreation area idea for sloped plots
If your site has a slope, then you can, at choice, either place the rest corner on a hill, or below, where it is cooler. If the first option is more suitable for northern regions then the idea of placing a patio downstairs is the best solution for southern areas. Photo: imging / Shutterstock
Equipped gazebo pergola
This small gazebo also serves as a pergola for climbing plants. Fulfilling a double function, the structure can also be used as a rest corner during your gardening work.
Open kitchen in the barbecue area
Outdoor patios often require cooking, roasting, and so on. Therefore, it has now become fashionable to create small kitchens in the open air, or under a canopy. The idea is very convenient, because in this case you do not have to run to the main kitchen every time to bring something or cut something. Photo: Ozgur Coskun / Shutterstock
Patio on the country terrace
By making the terrace a continuation of your country house, you will benefit in the sense that all the necessary premises, including the kitchen, will be within walking distance and you will not have to create another summer kitchenette in the garden. Photo: Santiago Cornejo / Shutterstock
Small portable grill
In some cases, a small equipped brazier can serve as a table at the same time. The rest corner itself, in this case, is made on a platform next to the reservoir. Such solutions are readily available in the Northwest, where there are a lot of small lakes.
A place for summer cottages equipped with barbecue facilities
Once again, I would like to note that equipping a stationary grill or barbecue on the patio is a very practical solution. In this case, you will always have the opportunity to immediately start cooking food, without thinking about where and how to place it all. Photo: Dimasik / Shutterstock
Covered gazebo without walls
If the main task is to protect from the sun, in an area with a hot climate, then the presence of walls will even interfere, as it will impede the free flow of air and natural cooling of the space.
Rest corner under the awning
Sometimes even a simple awning stretched over the patio will provide good sun protection, especially if you decide to have an al fresco dining on a sunny summer day. Photo: Krista Abel / Shutterstock
High borders of flower beds as a rest corner in the country
In some cases, even wide borders of flower beds can serve as a temporary, but quite comfortable corner for rest. Being able to relax somewhere in the back of your garden is a very good idea.
Pergola gazebo as a place to relax
You can create privacy with the help of pergolas, designed in the form of a gazebo, with a terrace or a platform. Your climbing plants over the summer will hide everything that happens inside the building from prying eyes. Photo: abimages / Shutterstock
Resting place with brick hearth
Every man loves fire, bonfire, and, of course, a company of old friends. Having built a round brick hearth at the dacha, you will be able to invite friends for the weekend, and, communicating in the evening by the fire, you can truly feel complete understanding and support.
Outdoor bathroom idea
An original idea for those who love swimming pools or just take a bath. On the terrace, you can place a container for relaxation. This can be, for example, a bathroom bowl brought from an apartment. Having typed water into it at a comfortable temperature, you can relax and unwind. Photo: Santiago Cornejo / Shutterstock
Traditional summer cottages
And, of course, let's not forget about the traditional options for recreation areas in the form of arbors of various shapes. In the photo we see the hexagonal structure of the summer cottage, in which you can get together with a company and have a good time.
Gazebo - canopy with bar counters
An original solution could be the construction of a canopy gazebo with a grill. Guests are accommodated along the bar counters on both sides of the structure.
Open porch as a seating area
An open porch can also be a great place for a summer cottage. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to build something in the garden, if your porch suits you completely, then you cannot think of a better solution. Photo: imging / Shutterstock
The idea of a pergola for climbing plants
Climbing large-leaved plants, now I mean grapes, are capable of covering a pergola well in one season. Of course, the vine must be mature or it will take several seasons. Therefore, if you already have a grape bush on your site, I would recommend building a pergola next to the vine.
Waterfall and pond in the recreation area at the dacha
Separately, I would like to say that when building a recreation area, it is recommended to immediately think over the elements of relaxation - a waterfall with a pond or a fountain. Photo: JPL Designs / Shutterstock
Decor elements in the corners of the rest
The presence of bright accents on your patios will create a unique cozy environment. Synthetic pillows, ottomans, bedspreads and rugs will not deteriorate in one season, will be just as rich in colors and attract attention. Photo: Photographee / Shutterstock
1. Gone are the days when summer residents went to work at their dacha. Now we want to get all the delights from our infield out-of-town rest when you can relax in the fresh air, breathing in the scent of nearby plants, having a heart-to-heart conversation, or reading a wonderful novel. For this and the dacha, for that and the weekend.
But our private plot very small .. But the neighboring plot is at arm's length ... And it is fenced off from ours - no, not even by a fence ... And so, symbolically, by some kind of net.
It is not decent to put up blank walls - the neighbors will think that you do not like them. Yes, and it's expensive.
What to do?
The five most popular types of recreation sites
2. In our article we will tell you about five original ideas on how to organize a recreation area in the country.
- Patio. This is an open courtyard surrounded on different sides by terraces, flower beds, hedges, etc.
Patios were common in antiquity and the medieval Mediterranean, especially in Spain. Exists big variety opportunities to organize a patio at the summer cottage. For example - an open box with two walls, a roof - a pergola and a plank floor.
(A pergola is a canopy with a lattice roof).
And here's another option for a patio: planks are nailed to the wall of the house and a wooden post dug in next to it - thus enclosing a cozy corner. The floor is filled with concrete screed.
Depending on the size of the plot and the preferences of the owners, you can put a pool or a fountain, a flower bed, a barbecue, a hearth, etc. on the patio.
- Gazebo. A traditional element of the recreation area. The gazebo roof is made of durable material that can protect from rain or hail. If the roof of the gazebo is made of polycarbonate, you can enjoy the sun's rays without leaving the gazebo.
The walls of the gazebos, as a rule, are made lattice, but certain types of gazebos do not provide for such barriers - the roof rests on the pillars, providing the owners and their guests with all the charm of open space, at the same time protecting them from the burning sun.
Climbing plants are often planted around the perimeter of the gazebo, which form a wonderful screen.
- Closed area... By and large, this is a room taken out of the house. Such a structure has a dense roof. The walls can be made of reeds, lathing, fabric canopies, etc. It is quite appropriate to look at flower beds and shrubs in the immediate vicinity of such a site.
- Rest area under the trees. This is a wonderful place to rest during the heat, when the trees cover you with their shade from the oppressive heat. However, wet weather will not be comfortable here.
- Terrace. It is also a very popular resting place among summer residents. The terrace is adjacent to the house, and is usually located along the entire length of the wall.
The terrace can be open or closed. Closed terraces have a dense roof over the entire area. On the open terrace, if necessary, you can put a mechanical extendable umbrella.
Arrangement and decor of the recreation area
3. The recreation area in the country, as a rule, is equipped with durable and practical furniture that is not afraid of the sun and moisture. Rattan or plastic furniture is perfect for this purpose. For lovers of upholstered furniture, you can suggest using special pillows.
Placed on the seat and backrest of wooden furniture, they will create the necessary comfort. The good thing about pillows is that they can always be brought into the house. Pillows with removable covers are best.
The cover, if necessary, can always be washed. In the best possible way, a hearth is suitable for such a recreation area. It can be a traditional barbecue, or an outdoor fireplace. The outbreak can be stationary or mobile.
If the space is very small, and it is not possible to even install a mobile hearth - put an ordinary flower girl in the center of the platform on a concrete pedestal, pour coals into it - here's an impromptu hearth.
Hanging bells, ribbons, bird feeders, pots with flowers will be an excellent decor element for such a site. Safe electric candles can be installed. It's a great idea to create a mini-garden in this space. The paths leading to the terrace and the sill can be illuminated with special road lights, column lights or recessed lights.
Plants for the recreation area
4. When choosing plants for a recreation area, we adhere to two rules. First, the plants should feel quite comfortable in your climate. Second, the plants need to feel comfortable with each other.
In general, we advise you to opt for unpretentious plants that do not require special care. Plants that are optimal for mid-latitudes include: maiden grapes, clematis, hops, climbing roses, etc.
Of course, any summer resident seeks to create a cozy corner on his site where he can retire and indulge in relaxation of body and soul. In our article, we talked about the most popular ideas for arranging a recreation area in the country.
