Entertain outdoors in privacy

No one knows better than inner city dwellers that close quarter living can sometimes be too close for comfort. But the intensification of our biggest cities means it’s more and more likely your backyard – or balcony as it may be – gives your neighbours too much of a glimpse into your social life.

But Kiwis by nature like to keep our doors open and indoor-outdoor flow is mandatory for entertaining, so shutting the outside world out isn’t an option. So how do you keep your nosey neighbour at bay and entertain with privacy in close quarter living?

Shade Elements’ Aidan Harwood says you can address the privacy issue quite easily, while still maintaining optimal levels of light in your outdoor entertaining space by using outdoor blind systems.

“They’re a great way to be able to block that neighbour off or to block out the sun, and being retractable they tuck neatly away when not in use,” says Aidan.  

Using blinds is a relatively cheap way to enclose an outdoor area, and Shade Elements’ Shadeview Mesh screens against the sun, while still filtering light.

“Shadeview Mesh is a PVC-coated sunscreen mesh with different weave options that will give you either 90%, 95% or 97% blockout, to filter in the level of light you need.”

Using blinds to enclose an existing outdoor area also has the advantage of being easily retro-fitted. The space is simply fitted with unobtrusive side tracks, whereby the Ziptrak system can move easily up or down.

“You can just move the blind up or down by hand,” says Aidan.

The Ziptrak system is powder coated and can be matched to the colour of the house or joinery and the Shadeview Mesh comes in around 30 colours, to enhance any exterior space.  

“Shadeview Mesh comes with a 10 year warranty and doesn’t support the growth of mould and mildew, and it’s easy to clean with warm soapy water,” says Aidan.

Shade Elements has a large network of installers who install into a variety of outdoor areas, including timber and aluminium pergolas as an effective option for screening clients’ outdoor areas.

The screen system is popular with café and restaurant owners too, who want to keep their patrons shaded and dry, and maximise the use of their outdoor dining space.  

Aidan says much like cafes and restaurants, homeowners are trying to create outdoor rooms at their homes to allow them to enjoy private and sheltered entertaining all year long.

“When they add screens to existing structures they can really complete that space.”

Not only do screens provide privacy and shelter from wind and sun, but they can enhance and define outdoor spaces. For example, using a combination of different colour options together with thoughtful screen placement to define an eating space from a lounging space works well, says Aidan.

Your nosey neighbour won’t see your screen flapping in the breeze either – the Ziptrak system is held in place with side tracks and can stand up to high wind conditions, which means you can truly commit to entertaining in the privacy of your screened outdoor area, never mind what the neighbours think.

Want to know more about creating privacy in your outdoor space? Be sure to visit Shade Elements on ArchiPro today or contact their office to learn more.