International Day of Families is a gentle reminder to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate time together. In many homes, that might mean sharing a long lunch, enjoying the garden with grandparents, or simply catching up over a glass of something cold.
And while every family is different, most of us can agree on one thing: spending time together is all the more enjoyable in the right setting. A thoughtfully designed veranda can transform your outdoor area into a year-round haven for family life.
Create that Calm Space That Brings Everyone Together
It’s not always easy to get all of your loved ones in the same place at once. Busy weeks and different routines mean that weekends and special days like International Day of Families become precious. A veranda gives that sense of occasion without needing to go far.
Think of it as an extension of the home that’s perfect for a quiet morning coffee with your partner or a noisy Saturday with little ones darting between the house and garden. Add luxury garden furniture, subtle lighting, and some low-maintenance planting, and suddenly, every day feels just a little more special.
Shelter From the Unpredictable
British weather rarely gets the memo. A blue-sky morning can quickly turn grey, but a veranda provides peace of mind without disrupting plans.
Glass roofing allows the light in while offering protection from the odd shower, and with LED lighting, it’s perfect for use well into the summer evenings.
Outdoor Dining with A Bit More Comfort
Nothing says summer quite like outdoor dining. But in reality, it often means hauling everything into the garden only to dash back inside ten minutes later when the clouds roll in.
A veranda makes those outdoor meals more effortless and relaxed. There’s no worry about direct sun, wind or showers, and everything from wine glasses to salad bowls can stay comfortably in place.
And for those who love to entertain? The veranda offers the perfect backdrop for a summer garden party, complete with music, drinks, and food that stays where it should be.
Safe And Stylish For Young Families
For those with young children or grandchildren, a veranda adds a welcome layer of flexibility. It creates a semi-enclosed area where little ones can play in the shade, enjoy outdoor crafts, or even set up an impromptu tea party within easy sight of the kitchen or living space. The result is an area that feels designed, not improvised. A space you can trust for its function as well as its form.
Bringing The Indoors Out
Luxury doesn’t need to be loud. A well-designed veranda has quiet confidence. It can soften the divide between indoors and out, helping your living space flow more naturally into the garden. That becomes particularly useful when thinking about long-term garden design for families, where flexibility, access and harmony all play a part.
In larger gardens, a veranda can serve as a transitional zone. It leads the way to more open lawn areas, outdoor dining spots or play zones. And in more compact settings, it can provide a feeling of openness while still offering protection and privacy.
Personalising your garden is definitely a trend that’s gaining momentum, and art pieces and decorative elements are a great way to showcase your personality and character. Bespoke garden awnings with unique patterns and colours can be wonderful motifs. They act as focal points, drawing attention and adding a touch of elegance and a splash of individual identity to your space.
Planning A Summer Garden Party? Make It Easy On Yourself.
Hosting a proper summer garden party might sound idyllic, but without the right setup, it can prove stressful. A veranda simplifies the process. Shade? Covered. Wind protection? Sorted. A beautiful, central space that feels welcoming without requiring last-minute scrambling? Absolutely.
If you’re serving a light brunch or going all-in with a catered event, a veranda gives your gathering the structure it needs to flow beautifully. Add some soft LED lighting, floral touches and relaxed seating, and you’ve got all the makings of an event guests will talk about long after the last glass has been cleared.
A Subtle Shift That Enhances Everyday Life
Ultimately, what makes a veranda so valuable isn’t just how it looks; it’s how it makes life feel.
It encourages us to be outdoors more, which has so many benefits to one’s health and wellbeing. To pause for longer. To spend that extra hour with family without the distractions of screens or the confines of walls. A veranda becomes part of how your home works. Part of how your family connects. On a day like International Day of Families, that sense of connection feels more important than ever.
Ready to Enhance Your Garden With A Glass Veranda?
The Great British Awning & Blind Company specialises in premium, made-to-measure glass verandas that give your outdoor space timeless elegance and lasting function. Every structure is crafted to blend seamlessly with your property while enhancing daily life, whether you’re hosting a summer garden party, enjoying outdoor dining with loved ones, or just refining your garden design for families.
Do you want to create the perfect setting for family time all year round? View our glass verandas or get in touch with any questions on 0800 048 7700.
FAQs
Can a veranda be used in winter?
Yes, glass verandas – like awnings – are perfect for year-round use, providing shelter from rain and light snow.
Do verandas require planning permission?
Usually, they do not. If you want to find out more, visit our blog on the topic.
What’s the difference between a veranda and a pergola?
A veranda is typically a fixed, glass-roofed structure attached to the home, while a pergola is often freestanding and may not offer full weather protection.