We’re pretty fortunate in Sydney with the weather. Sure, we have our fair share of storms and rain, but we can use our outdoor spaces a lot more than others around the world.
For many homes, the outdoor living space becomes an extension of the inside, and with the right style and design, it can become a beautiful oasis that everyone – from couples to kids to groups – will love to spend time in.
Whether you have a balcony, deck, a sprawling backyard or a combination of all three, there are many ways to transform your outdoor space into a place of relaxation and entertainment.
Define your purpose
Before you begin redesigning your outdoor living space, it’s important to define your purpose. Think about how you are going to use the space. Is it a place to relax? Entertain? Is there a view you’d like to enjoy? What do you require in the space – outdoor kitchen, dining area? What about the kids or grandkids? Do you need a play area for them?
It’s a good idea to check out local designers to see how different elements may work (or not work) and to get some inspiration.
Choose the right furniture
Furniture can make or break a space. Choose the wrong kind of furniture and we can guarantee it, you won’t end up using the area at all. When choosing furniture, it’s essential to consider pieces that are comfortable, stylish, and functional. Sure, you want things to look nice, but equally as important is their ability to be utilised.
For example, if you want to entertain outside, you may need a proper six to eight-seater dining table and perhaps even a lounge area with some lovely outdoor couches. But if you want the area to be more functional for kids, a smaller dining table with an extension will also do the trick.
A key consideration for smaller spaces is choosing multi-functional furniture that can serve multiple purposes.
Plan for all weather
Part of the appeal of living in a climate like Sydney is the ability to enjoy the outdoors. Take a look at the outdoor space we helped create in Clovelly, in the picture above. Nice, right?!
Winter is relatively mild so it means if you have the right coverage, you should be able to use your outdoor space all year around without freezing your fingers off.
Whether you opt for awnings, retractable roofs or an all-seasons folding roof, there are plenty of options available to perfectly fit in with the area and your lifestyle.
Green the space
Even if you have a balcony or a deck with no green speck of grass in sight, there are still many ways to make your outdoor area look lush.
Plants and flowers are a great way to add life and colour to your outdoor living space. They also provide a natural source of shade and privacy and can help to create a sense of peace and serenity. And if you have space for it, artificial turf can be a fantastic addition, making the space look beautiful while also being very low maintenance. It’s also a very kid-friendly floor surface and non-slippery when wet.
Importantly though, when choosing plants and flowers, you need to consider your local climate and choose species well-suited to your area.
Head to your local nursery to ask which plants are best for those who can’t keep plant life around. There are plenty of low-maintenance plants like succulents or herbs that will suit.
Light it up
Lighting is an important aspect of any outdoor living space, and it can help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It can also make a huge difference when using the space at night.
When choosing the lighting, remember to install different kinds. For example, flood lights to make sure the backyard can be completely lit up at night if required, mood lighting along the floor, some nice pendant lights if you can on the deck or balcony and even some wall sconces.
Each lighting element will help create a different mood and they all serve a different purpose. Just make sure they can all be turned on independently of each other so you don’t always have to use all of them at once.
Redesigning your outdoor living space may seem daunting. But the possibilities really are endless. A relaxing retreat, a place to entertain your guests or a fun backyard for the kids to enjoy, there are loads of ways you can make any and every space work for your needs.
