Nuria CuestaThe ‘new normality’, in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, is leading to situations that we could not have foreseen a few months ago. In a Mediterranean society like ours, summer celebrations, whether for large groups or more discreetly, are a constant in our traditions. They are important dates to get together with family or friends. But this year we must take certain precautions. One of them is that it will always be preferable to hold meetings in the open air.
That is why it is so important that, if we have open spaces in our houses, we can adapt them as best as possible for these appointments. In this sense, there are aspects that we should not neglect.
Let’s start with the furniture. Let’s bet on versatile sets, which allow us to host appetizers, lunches or dinners; but we must also have furnished the terraces or open spaces with deckchairs or hammocks that allow us to have that well-deserved rest and moment of relaxation. Another important issue to take into account is the materials with which such furniture is made. If the space is completely open and uncovered, without any kind of protection as a roof, we will have to think of surfaces that can withstand the weather, the sun or the rain. However, if our outside area has a porch, we can choose less resistant furniture. Wickerwork and natural materials are ideal for creating a cosy atmosphere.
Light is also an important point to consider. Many comfortable spaces decorated with care have lost all their essence due to poor lighting choices. It is always preferable to use indirect light, ensuring sufficient illumination and even relying on more decorative light sources, such as candles or lanterns. Lighting the central area of the table with more emphasis and leaving the indirect light for the rest of the room.
The surface area of our outdoor spaces is also essential in achieving that much-desired welcoming effect. But we must also think about their resistance, when facing the outdoors. In this matter, ceramic finishes will always be the right choice. They are elegant, they do not go out of fashion; they are easy to clean and fit in with any type of decoration, whether it be more classic or more modern. With neutral colours or more daring ranges, we will always find a range that is close to our taste.
And, finally, you have to spend some time deciding on the best air conditioning. Let’s not think that terraces and open spaces cannot be air-conditioned. For this reason, in addition to the traditional fans, there are evaporative air conditioning units, designed to cool open and portable spaces, so that we can move them around according to our needs.
Nuria Lleó
Carlos Gandía
Nuria Cuesta
Esther Valero
