The weather in the UK hasn’t exactly been predictable in recent weeks and although the Bank Holiday wasn’t a total washout for everyone, it’s possible you and your family didn’t get to spend quite as much time in your garden over the weekend as you perhaps may have liked. For those of us who do have an outdoor space to call our own, it can be incredibly frustrating not to be able to take full advantage of it when the weather is less than inviting. And, while a traditional garden umbrella won’t offer your much in the way of protection from the elements there are a number of innovative and stylish ways you can protect your al fresco downtime. Here are just a few design options to help you maximise the use of your outdoor space that you may or may not have considered before.

A conservatory

Conservatories and orangeries date back to the 16th Century but they’ve come a long way in terms of design advancement in recent years. Over the last couple of decades, single panes have been replaced first by double glazing and now with triple glazing, helping you to stay warm and dry whatever the weather outside. For the ultimate flow of light throughout the home, many property owners are now choosing to build in bi-fold door access to conservatories that are attached to their homes as extensions. Choosing designs like these from Vufold can help your home feel brighter and more spacious throughout the seasons.

Orangery designs have also transformed somewhat and are generally now reserved as spaces for relaxation and entertainment rather than for growing fruit. Thanks to changing trends, these typically freestanding garden homes are now more likely to be brightly painted, eye-catching yet elegant structures that demand attention rather than the subtle summer houses of the past perched at the bottom of the garden. They are usually far better furnished than your average shed too! According to Projects 4 Roofing, a tiled conservatory is a great way of not only creating a comfortably usable area but also a desirable space.

An igloo

Igloos belong in the Arctic, don’t they? No longer the reserve of the Inuits, the UK has adopted the humble igloo as an alternative garden structure over the past few years. Sitting in a glass igloo-shaped canopy to read a book is becoming much more common in gardens across the UK with models like this one in sale on the BOUF website providing ample shelter for you to relax in a Jacuzzi, entertain guests for a dinner party al fresco or acting as a warm spot to protect plants against inclement weather. Garden igloos might be a little more unusual than the common garden shed or the classic conservatory but they may just be quirky enough to catch on here long term.

Retractable canopy

If you don’t have a lot of outdoor space to play with, erecting a structure that takes up part of your ground area may seem like a commitment too far. With a retractable canopy or awning, you can sit outside safe in the knowledge that there’s protection available if rain starts to fall. Simple awnings are available very cheaply but if you’re a regular host of barbecues or you love to spend time outdoors playing with the kids, you may want to invest in a remote-controlled retractable awning that saves you space and can be put into action quickly when showers threaten to stop the action.

Teepee

If you’ve ever been glamping or attended a wedding where teepees have been part of the proceedings, you’ll be aware just how warm, cosy and inviting these clever little structures can be. Kids love making dens or camping out in teepees and high street retailers have begun to cotton on to their growing popularity, with the likes of House of Fraser marketing brightly coloured wigwam playhouses that are perfect for housing rainy day picnics. Colourful teepees are great for inspiring kids’ imaginations and make fantastic secret hideaways on those bad weather days when children may otherwise be stuck indoors. They can be fun at night and can be used to camp out in the yard as long as you have flashlights to see in the dark and get back to the house. Along with the more expensive wooden varieties, many shops and supermarkets now sell tent-like tepee structures that can be erected and taken down quickly and easily, though these do tend to vary in terms of waterproofness. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to buy a teepee, you could always have a go at making and decorating your own!

Has the changeable weather we’ve had lately been frustrating you and your family?

Do you have a conservatory or a more unusual spot outdoors where you can take cover when the weather takes a turn for a worse?

If not, would you perhaps like to add an unusual igloo or a terrific tepee for the whole family to enjoy?

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