Life hacks for a summer cottage: how to decorate a recreation area beautifully and originally. Choosing a recreation area at the dacha Relaxation area under a tree at the dacha

Modern owners of a summer cottage often want not so much to grow fruits and vegetables, but to have the opportunity to relax in silence and clean air. This is possible thanks to the equipped recreation area in the form of a cozy corner, where household members can enjoy a warm evening without fuss and problems, enjoying the taste and aroma of freshly prepared kebab. The arrangement of such a zone will be determined by its purpose. Let's take a closer look at this topic.

More and more people come to their dachas not to plant potatoes, but to relax from the bustle of the city

Types of recreation areas

Privacy in a closed area

The walls in such a “room” appear in the form of light curtains or flowers and plants climbing along trellises, or in the form of a natural bamboo screen. The lightness and airiness of the entire structure will create a harmony of unity with nature, but at the same time it will do an excellent job of protecting the owners and their guests from the wind.



Cozy place to relax

Outdoor activities

There can be many options for designing a recreation area, but we will analyze the most popular and convenient ones. We will start with an open area, where lovers of an active lifestyle will be able to realize their dream of combining a sports competition and a cozy pastime. For children, you can arrange a sandbox and swings, or, in the best case, a children's playground with a shallow pool. Organizing open areas is the best way to spend time with your children, participating in common games and fun. And in the evening this will be a great place for a disco.



Lawn, barbecue, town and pergola with a bench in the open area

Advantages of a mobile platform

Mobile furniture made of wood, plastic, and metal allows you to move the recreation area to a new location in the blink of an eye. A closed room easily turns into an open area, ready to receive a dozen guests. The frames of the structure can be portable or collapsible. Collapsible canopies and platforms are good, as well as light sets of chairs with a table, which are widely available in stores for outdoor recreation.

The mobility of the structure allows you to locate the resting place at any point in the summer cottage. The flexibility of design changes allows you to adapt the site for a different number of guests.



Light, practical furniture will allow you to create a resting place in any part of the site

Patio is modern

Initially, the patio was meant as an enclosed courtyard; this was the custom back in the ancient Mediterranean. Nowadays, at a summer cottage, this happens a little differently. However, even today the basis of the patio remains a flat stone platform. Such a recreation area is placed between the buildings on the site. The walls of the house and adjacent buildings in this case play the role of protection and fencing.

In such a closed and cozy space it is pleasant to hold family gatherings, host a dinner party, or simply sunbathe in privacy and silence. A characteristic feature of the patio in the modern sense is the use of exclusive design solutions in the design of the recreation area. The most successful way to place such an area is behind a private house, where there will be no noise from cars and dust.



Four seasons patio behind the house

We arrange it ourselves

Choose a cozy place

The choice of place to relax will depend on the capabilities of the dacha area. It is possible to organize an “oasis” both in the front part of the garden and in its very depths.

The comfort zone, located in the shade under the treetops, will undoubtedly become a favorite place for both household members and all visiting friends. A place in the shade is ideal for older people.

When choosing the most suitable location, consider the following points:

  • accessibility and short distance of the recreation area from the house;
  • the ability to isolate yourself from the outside world and prying eyes;
  • availability of sufficient area for the selected option.


We relax everywhere: on the terrace, observation deck, swing, on a sun lounger by the sauna and pool

A general purpose recreation area should be arranged on a flat area of ​​the garden, where it is possible to place not only a barbecue, but also a canopy with a table and benches. For fans of active recreation, it makes sense to provide the opportunity to tie a volleyball net, secure a basketball basket, or place a small football goal on the lawn.

We divide the site into comfortable zones

An important component is the base and paving

The simplest and most cost-effective way is to make the basis for the “frontal” area from a soft lawn. This natural covering will delight bare feet and allow you to have a light picnic directly on the grass. Places intended for placing tables and benches should be paved with stone, log cuts, tiles, special bricks or plastic panels with a checkered structure. In Western countries, the choice is often made in favor of wood pre-treated with special compounds. The most reliable, but at the same time expensive and prestigious method of paving is decking.



Garden paths harmoniously flow into the playground

Nice additions

Sit comfortably with friends in the gazebo, enjoying tea or freshly ground coffee. From the gazebo it is nice to watch the surrounding landscape. Having a roof over your head in the hot sun or in rainy weather brings special pleasure. Such an island will be appreciated by all guests of your dacha.

Climbing plants entwining its walls will help create romance and mystery in your gazebo. Preference should be given to such beautifully blooming options as honeysuckle, climbing rose and clematis.

If you want to pamper yourself and your friends with delicious barbecue from time to time, you should think about such a necessary accessory as a barbecue. Having a fairly large area at your disposal, you can start arranging an outdoor fireplace, which will be an alternative to a kitchen stove. In outdoor fireplaces the fire is closed, which means they are as safe as possible compared to other methods of cooking.



Cozy closed gazebo

For the soul and body - patio and sauna

By organizing a patio next to the Russian bathhouse with your own hands, you will forever give yourself and your loved ones the joy of being at the dacha. There is nothing more beautiful than sitting after a steam room in the fresh, clean air in a cozy chair and waiting for a fragrant kebab. The combination of pleasure, comfortable design and pleasant company will make any evening in the garden unforgettable.

To build a bathhouse, glued laminated timber is usually chosen. This material is the most resistant to moisture and fungal deposits, and is also of high quality.

Consider creating all the amenities in the bathhouse complex: steam room, bathroom, shower, relaxation room and patio, which will be securely closed from prying eyes, and, therefore, will give all vacationers the harmony of nature and modern technology. It is better to finish the internal walls with linden clapboard.

Sunbathers can afford to build their own beach right in the middle of the garden. It is advisable to create such an intimate resting place behind a private house, away from prying eyes. The area under the “beach” should be paved in the form of a platform, then rainwater will not stagnate there. A terrace board or stone is perfect for paving.



Sun loungers for a summer house can be easily built with your own hands

You can “furnish” your own beach with sun loungers and portable sun umbrellas. Add a couple of benches and a table to make your stay in such a cozy place even more comfortable. The convenience of staying at the dacha will increase noticeably if you equip a small pond, a swimming pool, and perhaps a fountain. Our Photos show you how to do this.

Garden furniture, light and comfortable

To make your holiday at the dacha pleasant and comfortable, experts advise choosing lightweight and practical furniture options. Products made of wood and plastic are ideal as garden furniture. Exquisite forged and wicker decorative elements are good in their own way.

Garden furniture is easy to maintain and, in addition, perfectly withstands exposure to sun and rain. It is possible to decorate hard backrests and create maximum coziness and comfort with the help of soft pillows and bedding. The mobility of such elements allows them to be quickly hidden in case of bad weather.



Garden furniture should be practical and light

Important little things or selection of accessories

It has long been established that it is the little things that create a feeling of comfort. Here the design is limited only by the limits of your imagination: ringing bells, cute animal figurines, bird feeders and birdhouses, decorative lanterns, etc. Don't forget about flowers, they always decorate any interior. In the evening it will be a great pleasure to watch the gentle play of light from various lamps and luminous stones. Examples of design are shown in the photos.



True relaxation is an old, forgotten wonderful hammock

In conclusion, we note that the main rule that must be observed when organizing a vacation is the need to ensure harmony with the house, buildings and landscape of the area. We believe that there is no point in dragging everything that “glitters brightly” into your favorite corner. It is easy to demonstrate good taste if you decorate the recreation area slowly, taking pleasure in displaying the missing accents.

Reading time ≈ 10 minutes

On the Internet and on the pages of magazines you can find many projects with photos, according to which it is proposed to create a comfortable and functional recreation area on the site of a private house with your own hands. Registration may vary in level of complexity depending on your skills and financial component. A little imagination, time and effort will result in a cozy corner where you will be happy to spend warm evenings with family and friends.

A cozy place to relax in the backyard.

Options for arranging a recreation area

Depending on the purpose, recreation areas can be arranged differently. For example, for active entertainment, late-night get-togethers with friends, or relaxing with children, areas with different designs will be required.

Gazebos and other covered structures

Gazebos and other structures with a canopy will be a reliable protector from bad weather or the scorching sun - you can sit in them for hours on end chatting and drinking tea. If possible, the gazebo should be located in the most picturesque corner of the site.

Gazebo in an open area.

All kinds of additions to the gazebo in the form of curtains and climbing plants will create a more comfortable atmosphere, protect from gusts of wind and hide your vacation from prying eyes.

A cozy gazebo on the site of a private house.

Open area

When building an open recreation area on the site of a private house with your own hands, you can be guided by the most original projects and photos. For example, an unusual solution is to design a corner in the shade of trees using wooden flooring.

An original seating area under the trees.

Another win-win option for an open area is to use homemade furniture from pallets.

Outdoor seating area with homemade furniture.

The inconvenience of such corners is that in bad weather you will not only have to run for cover, but also take away all the things that could be damaged by the rain. Also, under the influence of natural factors, wooden products will gradually deteriorate.

Children's recreation area

If there are children in the family, you should definitely take care of space for games, active entertainment, and sports. The playground should be located on a flat area, which is partially illuminated by the sun and partially in partial shade, so that it is comfortable to be on it at different times of the day.

Outdoor children's playground on site.

A win-win option is a covered playground located at the back of the house: neither rain nor hot sun can interfere with the kids’ active recreation. To arrange the site, you can use wooden houses, ladders, ropes, sandboxes, various equipment, and swings.

Closed version of the children's playground.

Mobile rest areas

By mobile rest areas we mean those that can be quickly dismantled or removed from the rest area. Mobile rest areas can be portable or collapsible. Often, metal or wooden structures are used for this purpose.

Mobile relaxation corners are best suited for lovers of novelty and constant rearrangements in the territory of a summer house or private home.

One of the mobile design options is a folding umbrella.

For example, if your site has a nice, flat area with grass, you can place garden furniture directly on it.

Light furniture is easy to rearrange.

BBQ area

A barbecue area is an open or closed area on which a barbecue or grill is located. Here you can prepare meals outdoors.

When locating the barbecue, it is advisable to take into account the wind rose to avoid “smoke” in the playground, gazebo or terrace.

A stationary barbecue must be located on a platform paved with tiles or stones (the grass in this place will simply be trampled), away from trees and a residential building, but close to the gazebo. If the site area is large enough, you can combine a barbecue area with a covered recreation area.

Barbecue area combined with an open seating area.

If space is limited, purchasing a folding barbecue would be a great idea. It is quickly assembled and disassembled, stored in a compact, folded form and is very convenient to use on picnics.

Portable barbecue is easy to transport.

Patio

A patio is an enclosed courtyard, most often adjacent to the walls of a house, surrounded by a fence or other buildings. Due to this “closedness”, the patio becomes a very secluded, cozy place for meeting friends and relatives, holding creative evenings, and receiving guests.

Classic patio option.

In the classic version, a patio is a platform without a canopy. But for greater convenience, it is still better to equip this corner with a canopy from the sun and rain.

Patio option with canopy.

You can get more design ideas from the following video:

Stages of registration

Decorating a sitting area is a step-by-step process that begins with choosing a location and ends with purchasing and arranging accessories.

Selecting a location

A corner for relaxation should be selected based on the size of the site and the location of other objects on it. You can follow these general rules:

  • The rest area should be located on the side protected from the wind.
  • The recreation area should be conveniently accessible from the house and yard.
  • The terrain should be flat, but with a slight slope to prevent accumulation of precipitation.
  • The site must be protected from the views of neighbors and passers-by.

The recreation corner can be located both in the depths of the site and in the front, front area. If the yard area allows, you can make several zones (for example, a playroom for children, an area with hammocks, a table and a barbecue), united by one stylistic solution. If the parameters of the site are more modest, you need to think about a different functional recreation area that would take into account the wishes of all family members.

Territory zoning

Zoning will allow you to delimit areas with different functions and make the courtyard area more neat, well-groomed and comfortable. To designate different zones in landscape design, the following techniques are used:


Seating area separated by a wooden fence.

Choosing a floor covering

Comfort will largely depend on the type and quality of flooring in the recreation area, so you should approach its choice responsibly.

When choosing a coating, you need to take into account the load, the effects of temperature and precipitation, and the purpose of the recreation area. The coating should be comfortable, easy to maintain, durable and affordable.

The main coverage options for the rest area on the site:

  1. Wooden flooring. The most common, classic covering option for terraces and gazebos. The wood is warm, pleasant when in contact with bare feet, and looks aesthetically pleasing. However, this coating must be protected from direct sunlight; the paint on it will have to be renewed annually and covered for the winter.
  2. Stone. A very reliable, durable, easy-to-care natural coating with a high decorative effect. It is worth considering that the stone covering changes the temperature in accordance with the environment, so it will get hot in the sun, and at night it will be cold.
  3. Paving slabs. A modern coating option with which you can implement various design solutions. It is characterized by strength and durability.
  4. Garden parquet. Made from wood waste and polymers. It is durable, strong and decorative. But in the heat, harmful polymers can evaporate. It should also be protected from sunlight.
  5. Rubber coating (crumb rubber). Modern, artificial turf with the highest wear resistance and decorative properties. It is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, frost, and does not heat up in the sun. Excellent for arranging playgrounds and other recreation areas.
  6. Soft lawn. Such covering, of course, cannot be done throughout the entire recreation area, but small islands of grass will look very organic. It will be nice to have a picnic on them or just relax barefoot.

Bulk materials, such as sand, gravel, expanded clay, are not the best flooring option - they are difficult to clean and uncomfortable for walking.

Video: arrangement of a recreation area on the site.

Selection of furniture and accessories

Since the furniture will be located outdoors, it must meet several criteria: be resistant to sunlight, temperature changes, and precipitation. In addition, it should be comfortable, fit harmoniously into the space and be consistent in style with the main design of the site of a private house.

Garden furniture can be made of plastic, wood, metal, rattan, stone. Each material has its pros and cons, and their costs vary significantly.

A standard set of furniture for a relaxation corner includes:

  • a large table (so that the whole family can comfortably sit at it);
  • sofas and chairs;
  • sun loungers;
  • swing with canopy;
  • various stools, ottomans.

After arranging the furniture, you need to solve the question: how to make the corner cozy and atmospheric? Garden decor and accessories will help you cope with this task. These can be all kinds of ceramic and wooden figurines, flower beds, decorative and functioning sprinklers.

Decorative bicycle with flowers.

Lighting will add the final touch to your relaxation area. It is better to replace the usual central lighting with various garden torches and solar-powered lanterns, and complement everything with garlands that will create a unique atmosphere of comfort and romance in the courtyard.

Lighting for the sitting area.


A comfortable and functional recreation area on the site of a private house, built with your own hands based on inspiring photos, will certainly become a favorite gathering place for all family and friends. Warm memories and joyful moments will be associated with this place.

Making a picnic area or area with your own hands is not at all difficult. It is enough to choose a secluded and beautiful corner. Such a vacation spot can not only be attractively decorated, but also equipped with a stove or barbecue.

How to choose a place on a summer cottage to create a recreation area

In a private home it is not always possible to organize a party for a large company. In order to properly design a comfortable and beautiful area in the garden, where you can not only relax, but also have a good time preparing barbecue or barbecue, you need to carefully consider the choice of place. For this purpose, it is necessary to evaluate the area of ​​the site, the presence of a slope for the drainage of rain and melt water, the presence and location of communications and garden plantings.

Important, first of all, focus on the possibilities of the territory and combinations in landscape design. You can set aside a cozy area for improvement in the front part of the local area, but also in its depths, almost in the garden, where you can easily hide from the prying glances of all passers-by. To protect from rain and scorching sun rays, both lightweight buildings and a regular canopy can be used. In small areas, such a recreation area should be more compact. A large garden area allows you to create a multifunctional recreation area from several diverse subzones.

Recreation area at the dacha: arrangement ideas (video)

Relaxation area in the country and in the garden: ideas and options

On a personal plot or summer cottage, a recreation area can be organized for the whole family, children or guests. The playground can be not only open, with a play area, but also closed, for a romantic getaway. New and easy to create ones can be borrowed from famous landscape designers, and then modified a little on your own.

How to create a cozy corner in your country house for a romantic getaway

This version of the site most often represents a kind of “open room” in the fresh air. A variety of decorative curtains made of transparent and translucent fabrics can be used as walls. Lattice walls decorated with a variety of climbing ornamental plants look very original. A curtain made of multi-colored beads is a very simple, but very effective way to fence off a corner for the desired privacy. Lately, more and more often Bamboo screens are used to decorate such areas, which, in combination with a variety of container exotic plants and mini-fountains, allow you to recreate the romantic atmosphere of a Japanese garden.

How to make an indoor play area for children

Most often, such a closed building is designed using the wall of the household, and the entrance to the recreation area is made directly from the living space.

The most convenient option is to locate the playground for children from the backyard. When setting up, sports equipment, houses, slides, and sandboxes are most often used.

Outdoor barbecue area

An open area can only be used in good, non-rainy and windless weather, so the best place to place a barbecue area is a separately erected small structure with a stone wall near the fire.

If the area of ​​the local area does not allow the construction of a separate structure, then you can place the fireplace on a small terrace or under a regular canopy, which will protect the barbecue or barbecue from rain, snow and gusts of wind. Do not place the fireplace near perennial plants and garden plantings. Also for fire safety reasons, the fireplace should not be located in close proximity to households, wooden buildings and fences.

If the barbecue area is supposed to be located under a canopy, then it is imperative to provide a high-quality hole for the smoke exhaust. Such an area should be divided into a kitchen area and an area for a comfortable stay, equipped with furniture and other interior items. In this case, it is necessary to take care of a convenient supply of main communications.

Recreation area in the country for a noisy company

The open area is most often used by families with children or large groups. To design a recreation area for a large and noisy company, you will need to allocate a sufficient area. A very good option would be a real patio, represented by a long concrete bench and plenty of cushions. Spreading with crushed stone, planting perennial grasses with soft foliage and arranging a fireplace are also carried out.

Elegant tables and chairs can also be used in decoration, and a large umbrella can be installed as protection from the hot sun. Great for decorating hammocks or hanging sofas. When landscaping, it is advisable to opt for the least demanding varieties and types of flowering or decorative foliage plants. Daylilies do not require constant watering and are most often planted on patio areas.

Recreation area at the dacha: gazebo and terrace (video)

How to make an outdoor recreation area at your dacha with your own hands

An open zone is the fastest and simplest option that does not require large financial investments and is carried out with minimal time and effort. Most often it is possible to place a seating area in the front garden, but in this case, you need to take care of creating high-quality isolation from the street through a hedge. If there are still wild trees or any shrubs in the garden area, then there is no need to rush to uproot them - such plantings may well serve as the basis for the construction of an open recreation area.

Preparatory work and zoning

When arranging your own outdoor area on a personal plot, it is advisable to place it near the household, on a paved area in slight partial shade. Carrying out preparatory work and zoning activities are carried out in accordance with the following requirements:

  • design is related to soil and natural conditions, the plan of the existing household and communications, taking into account the interaction of all elements of architecture and landscape design;

  • one of the main elements in the design is a lawn covering, which will not only serve as a decorative decoration for a personal plot, but also have a positive effect on the microclimate;
  • It is recommended that the recreation area be located among green spaces, so that vacationers are provided with comfort and relative silence;
  • The marking of the territory into separate functional zones is carried out in accordance with a pre-prepared plan and working drawings.

To zone a personal plot, it is not at all necessary to build high stone walls. It is quite enough to purely symbolically designate the necessary boundaries using paving stones against the background of lawn grass. Green spaces for the design of such a fence should be selected depending on the level of illumination and taking into account the taste preferences of the owner of a country property. Hedges created from coniferous crops deserve special attention. Such plants not only effectively complement the design of the garden area, but also clean the air well, filling it with bactericidal essential oils.

Making the base

For open-air areas, not only lawn grass can be used, but also a more permanent foundation, which must easily withstand the pressure created by the barbecue and pieces of furniture. The most correct and affordable option for such arrangement is to use a traditional concrete pad, which is being built in accordance with the following recommendations:

  • choosing a location and determining the size of the territory;
  • careful leveling of the surface;
  • marking the area for the foundation using signal pegs and rope;
  • removing the top layer of soil to a depth of one bayonet with a garden shovel;
  • installation of formwork around the entire perimeter;
  • pouring concrete mortar.

The process of complete hardening of concrete and gaining sufficient strength takes approximately three weeks. On hot and dry days, you should periodically water the surface of the foundation being built with water and cover it with a polymer film from direct rays of the sun. After the concrete pour has completely dried, the surface is decorated.

For this purpose, a terrace board can be used, but Very affordable decoration with ceramic or paving tiles is especially popular. If you decide to lay out the base using wooden flooring, then you can not fill the area completely with concrete, but instead build a shallow strip foundation. This option allows you to significantly save time, effort and money.

Placement of garden furniture and decorative elements

When choosing the most practical and easy-to-use garden furniture for a comfortable summer pastime, landscape designers strongly recommend being guided by the principles of lightness and durability. Wicker and wooden furniture can be a very good alternative to traditional upholstered furniture.

Among other things, beautiful and very reliable forged openwork furniture, as well as sets of interior items based on modern durable plastics, have recently become especially popular among owners of country real estate. As decoration and to increase the comfort of summer holidays, a variety of high-quality soft flooring and small decorative pillows can be used.

Children's playgrounds in the country (video)

How to beautifully design the area around the recreation area

Most often, a variety of climbing annuals are used for decoration. Ornamental morning glories, nasturtiums, sweet peas and fiery red beans are very suitable; they bloom luxuriantly and for a long time, and are also characterized by rapid growth and development, which allows you to turn trellises into bright flowering “walls”. Even a traditional wattle fence made of willow or bird cherry twigs can become the structural basis of a mini-tent.

Do-it-yourself recreation areas can be varied in size, shape, elements used and purpose. Many owners of country real estate prefer to supplement traditional zoning with artificial ponds and play areas, which significantly increases the comfort of spending time in their countryside.

Every home owner eventually thinks about how to improve a comfortable recreation area on their site. What could be more wonderful than relaxing or eating in the open air, and even more so, in your own, comfortably equipped territory?! Of course, if the area near the house is very small, you can organize flower beds or flower beds on it, install a barbecue or the same outdoor version of the fireplace. Well, if you have a lot of space, what’s the point of limiting and infringing on yourself in something?! Indeed, in this case, the recreation area of ​​the courtyard of a private house can be equipped with everything necessary for maximum convenience and comfort.

Here you can view a selection of photos of a recreation area in the yard with a non-trivial approach to the most ordinary elements of your landscape, designs of industrial motifs, original and unusual combinations of materials, as well as many green spaces, which together allow you to create a comfortable stay in your own yard. We will tell you about this option for arranging a recreation area in more detail.

One of the options... how to design a recreation area in the yard

You can equip a platform made of wood, which you will access from the back door of the house. And in its lowlands, organize a soft zone equipped with a canopy that protects you from the sun on hot, hot days, as well as from rain in bad weather. The entire hanging area can be decorated with soft sofas, in which the backs and seats can be removed. This type of furniture is quite practical, since it will still be in outdoor conditions, which means it will get dirty much faster than household items.

On one side, the recreation area can be enclosed by a fairly high brick fence. The arc part of the fence is constructed from concrete slabs, which hide the chimney of a fireplace installed on the street, and also serve as a backdrop for images from the projector. Having such vertical planes on your site, the main structure of your canopy will rest on it. In turn, the structure is made of metal and wood materials covered with polycarbonate.

High walls and fences allow you to create shade on hot summer days. But despite this, lighting is still required in the recreation area.

The lighting can be designed in a wide variety of modifications. For example, you can attach large spotlights to the beams, and organize local lighting from the “18 Watt” wholesale store in the fireplace area.

The spotlights, which you attach to metal channels, can be turned completely in different directions. This way you will create a unique atmosphere!

Arrange switches at the entrance to the recreation area. There should be an outlet near them if it is necessary to connect any electrical devices.

Using a projector aimed at a concrete wall, you can arrange gatherings as if in a home theater, only in the fresh air! Both a large family and a large group of friends will be comfortable here.

The table can be organized by placing 3 construction pallets. And to soften the industrialism, plant flowers and plants near the brick fence, this will “soften” the situation and bring a feeling of unprecedented “naturalness”.

You can arrange lighting under the wooden platform so that you can move around the area calmly and safely at night.

Use different plants for plantings, which will have different heights, seasonality and many or year-round flowering. In combination with an embankment of stones, the landscape design of your site will be cozy and harmonious.