Cork 'Home of the Year' finalist on how to master outdoor living

David O'Brien's patio was his lockdown project last year. He tells us how to create alfresco chic in unpredictable Irish weather 

Interior designer David O'Brien's patio area was a lockdown project last year. Comfortable seating is enhanced by night with lights and a fire pit.

There we were in early March with lovely mild days to lift our drooping spirits, when the weather gods’ wrath descended and plunged us back to wet and windy hat and scarf weather.

It’s the lot, I’m afraid, of anyone living in Ireland.