Lockdown has made us appreciate every inch of our homes, making even the smallest outside area a blessing. Here are some ideas on how to make best use of limited outdoor space in a sunny climate, plus some examples of properties that do just that…

Pleasure from plants!
Plants offer the cheapest and most satisfying way to introduce visual interest and a personal touch to your terrace, solarium (roof terrace), courtyard or balcony. Planters come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so pick ones that complement the style of your space. To add variety, mix up the size and styles of both plants and stands. Fitted rail or hanging horse trough planters, not to mention baskets are especially effective on balconies or areas with railings and corners.

Choose flowers and greenery that will boost the overall appearance of your home, and for a fuller, lush effect put foliage plants close together with flowering plants. To create privacy or block unwanted views, cover trellises, arbors or obelisks with climbing plants, most of which are fast growers. Vegetables and small fruits trees are always popular too.

BBQ & outdoor kitchen
The chance to cook outside over the Easter weekend was especially welcome this year! A must-have for any outdoor space in a hot climate, pick your BBQ according to your needs and space. Small households that cook al fresco only occasionally should consider a small portable one, while larger groups who can’t get enough of grilling over coals can look at more substantial models, or built-in brick ones. Traditionalists will always opt for charcoal over gas, which is convenient for more frequent users.

Think about positioning, in terms of safety and wind direction. Why stop at a BBQ? Space permitting, serious fans of dining under sun and moonlight should think about having an outdoor (or ‘summer’) kitchen. It would make preparing drinks and meals a whole lot easier while your meat and fish were sizzling away above the charcoal. Outdoor kitchens are ideal for those who enjoy hosting parties, especially those that include a bar area – you can chop, chat and say ‘cheers’ without having to move!

Get funky with furniture
Garden furniture has come a long way over the years and can really make a difference to the look and functionality of your outdoor space. No longer plain and uncomfortable chairs and tables made of plastic or metal, today they come in a host of styles with a shift towards natural materials, including environmentally friendly rattan and teak.

In warmer climates you spend more time outside, so your terrace is part of your everyday living area. This means your furniture will be used for more than just the occasional meal. If space allows, it makes sense to have a mix of different types of seating. Daybeds, loungers and sofas are not uncommon these days. Take care picking the right table too – with many people using it for working and entertaining, including games with children, in addition to eating, it needs to be suitably strong and versatile.

Just add water!
Who doesn’t feel a sense of peace listening to the flow of water or watching it trickle gently in the sunlight? If space allows, treat yourself to a water feature, which come in all shapes and sizes. The obvious option for larger areas is a fountain, not just aesthetically pleasing but also fun because children can paddle in them!

A more subtle option could be a small pond, a great way to introduce a natural feature and some colourful fish to your outdoor space. More serious aqua aficionados might opt for a waterfall feature, bringing a touch of the exotic and serene sound of cascading waters.

Bubbles with your bubbly?
Most of us won’t have the room or budget for everything on this list, but those with a taste for a bit of luxury might fancy a hot tub (or ‘outdoor Jacuzzi’).

Is there a better way to chill out on a balmy Mediterranean evening than enjoying a sundowner or two immersed in bubbly warm water? The compact size of hot tubs makes them just as viable for apartments as for townhouses or villas. The obvious place for them is a terrace or solarium, where the views will be extra special. Just be sure that before you purchase a property with a hot tub, you check its age, condition and functionality – otherwise it could become an added cost.

The naked flame!
There’s something comforting and magical about sitting around a real fire, staring into the flames under a starry sky. A fire pit or chimenea is the perfect way of bringing this experience to your terrace or courtyard, while also allowing you to enjoy being outside even in the cooler months of the year. Of course, if it’s just a bit of warmth you’re after, consider investing in an outdoor heater!