When designing your alfresco, you will need to think about the materials you want use on your floor and on your ceiling. The materials you choose will affect the look you create, the amount of light you let in, and your budget. So why would you want to choose a contrasting floor and ceiling in your alfresco?

Creating a contrasting design

One of the main reasons for choosing different materials for your ceiling and your floor is to create contrast. If you have a timber floor and a timber ceiling, it may give the illusion there is just too much timber there. The same applies when combining light floors and light ceilings. The overall look may just be too bright on the eye.

By choosing contrasting materials for your floor and your ceiling, you may be able to create a look that is easier on the eye. A look that contrasts, yet goes well together. That may mean having a gyprock ceiling with timber lined floors, or it could involve having a timber lined ceiling with light pavers as a flooring.

There are many different combinations, each offering a different look and a different feel. The only way to work out which combination will work best for your design is to research other designs and find out which ones you like. You can also speak to a Patio Living design expert for more advice.

Making the most of the light

When deciding on the floor and ceiling materials you will use in your alfresco, you will also need to think of the lighting aspect. If you have a north or west facing alfresco, you will usually enjoy a lot of light, and may need to think about choosing darker materials in your alfresco to keep it shaded. This could involve choosing timber or darker materials.

If you have a south or east facing alfresco, your alfresco may not have as much light, especially towards the end of the day. This may mean you want to make the most of the light you have, in which case choosing lighter materials for your alresco’s flooring and ceiling may be a better idea – even if that means you don’t have a contrasting combination.

Exceptions to the rule

As with most things in life, there are exceptions to the rule. There are many examples to be found where a matched timber floor and ceiling looks amazing (again, this can have a lot to do with the light available), and where a light floor and a light ceiling work well together. Take a look at the following examples to see what you think.