For many of us, the last few years have really made us take stock of our gardens and backyards, considering how we can transform them into another living space to relax, entertain and let the kids get out some energy.
Taking time to renovate your outdoor space into functional and inviting living areas not only extends the usable space in your home, but it enhances a connection with nature, provides an escape from the indoors and, when done well, adds value to your home.
Whether you are looking to create a spacious playground, a cosy patio space or a green balcony, there are plenty of ways to create a seamless blend of comfort, style and practicality.
Over the last few years particularly, we’ve been creating new outdoor spaces across Perth, and there are some great ideas on how to transform your outdoor space into your new, year-round, living area.
Planning & Design
Before you get digging, it is important to take the time to plan and design your new outdoor living space. Consider how you want to use the area. Do you see it as a place for relaxation, a place for family fun, entertaining guests, outdoor dining or a combination of all of these? It is these plans and visions that will guide your design choices and the elements you incorporate into the final design.
So, what comes into the planning process?
The first step is to assess the space. Measure the area to understand how much room you have available, and over a few days, observe the sunlight and shade patterns so that you have a good idea of where to place different elements of your garden.
The second step is to create zones – divide the space into functional zones based on what you want to use your garden for. This may include an outdoor kitchen and dining area, lounge area, garden and play area.
Finally, you need to consider if you want a theme to your outdoor space. If you do, consider a theme or style that reflects your personality and complements the architectural style of your home. Here in Perth, we see a lot of coastal and modern themes, but there are certainly a few rustic and bohemian choices out there.
Choosing Furniture for Your Outdoor Space
Moving onto the fun part! Outdoor furniture is an important element of any outdoor living space, and it should be comfortable, durable and, most importantly, weather resistant.
We highly recommend multi-functional pieces which now only allows you to change up your outdoor space based on what you need to use it for at the time but keeps your space tidy. Furniture that doubles as storage, such as benches with hidden compartments, can help to keep the area tidy and functional.
Outside of this, the two main pieces of furniture you will be looking for are seating and dining. Again, depending on your intended use of the property, there’s a range of seating options to look at. In any instance, we recommend investing in high-quality seating options including sofas, chairs and benches made from hardwood timber, aluminium or all-weather wicker. When it comes to cushions, those with removable, washable covers can add a pop of colour while still offering the convenience of being able to wash and dry your cushions and covers easily.
When it comes to dining options, there are plenty of choices to make. If you don’t already have a patio space, consider a table with an umbrella to allow you to eat under the shade, and if you do have a covered space, we recommend a dining set with more seats than you think just to cater for those times when you entertain.
Shade and Shelter for Weather Protection
No one wants to go through the process of transforming their outdoor space, and then not be able to use it because there’s no shade or shelter to protect from the weather. Here is Perth, adding a form of shade or shelter is essential.
Pergolas, gazebos and patios are a popular choice as they not only provide weather protection, but can be used to grow climbing plants, or add fabric for aesthetic appeal. Other options are umbrellas and awnings, and retractable or moveable ones are a great option for flexible shade solutions.
Outdoor curtains are a great addition to patios and gazebos as they add an aesthetic appeal while also being able to protect from wind and rain.
Light Up the Space
Good lighting both extends the usability of your outdoor space and adds extra ambiance and appeal. We do always recommend having one or two good quality wall lights to light up the space when you need to access outdoors at night or for safety purposes, and in addition, we recommend ambient lighting options to allow you to enjoy your outdoor space without the bright lights.
There are three main options that homeowners tend to go for – string lights, lanterns and pathway lighting.
String lights or fairy lights draped across a pergola or around trees can create a magical and inviting atmosphere, while solar powered lanterns or LED candles provide soft and flickering light without the risk of flames.
Pathway lighting is both for safety and aesthetic purposes, and walkways illuminated with stake lights or embedded LED lights can really bring your garden alive.
Greenery and Landscaping
What is a garden space without quality landscaping and greenery? Vital in making an outdoor space feel vibrant and to help connect to nature, there are plenty of ways that you can add green spaces into your new outdoor living space. Some of our favourite options are container gardens, where you use pots and plants with a variety of plants including flowers and herbs as well as small shrubs. Container gardens allow easy rearranging of the layout of your space if you ever need to move things around.
For those who don’t have a lot of space, vertical gardens are a great way to maximise your green space without using valuable floor space, while for larger yards, we recommend a lush lawn of zoysia or kikuyu – its feels fantastic under foot and is perfect for the kids to run around on.
Outdoor Kitchens and BBQ Areas
While there is always space for the traditional BBQ, those who love entertaining are installing outdoor kitchens and BBQs to make entertaining year-round easier. A high-quality BBQ or outdoor oven (or even pizza oven) is a great centrepiece of an outdoor kitchen, and the choice to include counter space and storage cabinets for utensils and supplies means that you aren’t running back and forth inside all night.
Integrating Technology
Whether you enjoy entertaining friends and family at home, or you’re looking to add a little more ambience to enjoy your outdoor space, there are now plenty of technology options that can be integrated outdoors. If you have the space, outdoor TV or projector screens are perfect for AFL grand finals or creating an open-air cinema experience, while weather-resistant speakers can provide background music or audio.
Smart lighting, irrigation systems and weather monitoring systems are also starting to make their way into more homes for modern convenience.
Transforming your outdoor space into a living area is an exciting project that can significantly enhance your lifestyle. With thoughtful planning, the right furniture, and creative touches, you can create a versatile, comfortable, and beautiful outdoor space that reflects your style and meets your needs.
Whether it’s for relaxation, entertaining, or dining, your outdoor living area can become a cherished extension of your home, offering a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor charm.
If you need help getting started on transforming your outdoor space, get in touch. We’d love to share our expertise.