The verandah – neither in or out – is a perfect place to host an outdoorsy party or for the family to just relax over newspapers

NT Features

A popular structure in outdoor architecture, the verandah allows a garden area or vista to be enjoyed even in less than perfect weather conditions. A veranda or a patio is a space for leisure where families spend relaxation time for a perfect family get together or just read newspapers. It offers temporary resting space to house members during the afternoon and evening time. Patio covers expand the outside space of your home by creating a place to sit comfortably and entertain guests as well.

Being a warm, tropical country, patios were a natural idea in India. The Portuguese word varandah got into the local language as verandah especially in Malayalam and Marathi. In northern India walled courtyards were used instead.

However, in the south, verandah style porches are very common, especially in states like Kerala which was influenced by the Dutch, the Portuguese influenced the Goa and Konkan regions.

Otti otherwise called verandah in the Konkan region is a semiopen space with low height seating covered with a permanent roof. It serves as a transition space leading to an enclosed environment. Sometimes the sides are covered by wooden jali walls. It offers temporary resting space to house members during the afternoon and evening time.

Types of verandahs
A chic and elegant veranda can really help to make your home look amazing and give it a new lease of life. There are actually good choices and picking the correct one is essential.

Choosing the right sort is the key, there are many different kinds of verandah to choose from and getting the right one does come down to personal preference and its use of it. By picking one that matches the choice one can have a veranda that delivers the needs.

Curved roof
A veranda which features a curved roof can take on a more unusual and elegant feel compared to the more straightforward designs. This kind of veranda is the most versatile and simple in design.

Hipped roof
Most people choose this sort for the extra overhead space it offers and scope to customise the design. The hipped roof has multiple sides which are sloped and then join together to form a ridge at the top.

Straight roof
These are traditional verandas which give a clean look and classic style, a straight roof could be the best choice. Such verandas have an angled roof which gives ample shelter along the edge of any building.

Gable roof
This roof type gives a more permanent feel and is a good option too. It requires a more in-depth design process but does deliver lots of usable space and acts as a de facto extension to your home.

Apex roof
A more contemporary look, then the apex roof is the best one to pick. It adds a real touch of modern chic to any building and can be designed to complement the shape of the house.

Spicing it up

• A railing décor around the patio adds aesthetic appeal and transforms the look.
• Use the same colour scheme to tie the large outdoor space together.
• Well chosen rot iron furniture, a swing add charm.
• Plants in decorative containers can enhance the beauty.
• A red door, red seat cushions and pots of red fl owers make it a trendy hangout.
• Transform the verandah into a rustic space with a stone fi replace and furnishings made from tree branches.