Since the Covid pandemic, all of us have been spending more time entertaining outdoors. If you have not already created an outdoor living area, you are probably thinking about doing so.
Not only are outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining, but they are also great places for the entire family to spend time.
Importance of Outdoor Living Areas
Outdoor living areas are important. This is where you can meet up with your friends to relax and have fun. They are also great places for the family to spend time in. Let’s find out more about how you can create your perfect Australian outdoor living area.
Benefits Of Adding Value to Your Home
An outdoor area adds value to your home. In a country like Australia where we spend a lot of time in our gardens, well-designed outdoor areas are something house buyers look for. In many ways, they are just as important as the bathroom and kitchen. You can say they have become the new heart of the home.
Assessing Your Outdoor Space
It is easy to jump in and start placing garden furniture and a fire pit in your yard. Before you do so, you need to assess your space.
A busy family garden may need to consist of different areas. Your kids may need somewhere to play and your dog may need an area for games. The first thing to do is to determine the available space.
Once you have identified how much space you can dedicate to your outdoor living area, it is time to find the location. Should you choose a sunny or shady spot? This is very much a personal choice. If you choose a sunny spot, there are ways to add cover for shade.
Evaluating the surrounding environment is also important. If your garden is not completely flat, consider adding a deck or terracing to your yard.
Also, don’t forget about personal needs. Maybe someone in your family group is less mobile and needs help with access. A user-friendly outdoor living area for all makes everybody feel included.
Planning The Outdoor Living Area
Never neglect the importance of setting a budget. When it comes to creating an outdoor living area the sky is the limit. However, it is best to be realistic. Make sure there is room for flexibility in your budget – just in case you find an idea you like.
What materials should you use? Increasingly, homeowners are looking for environmentally friendly materials. That’s great, but don’t forget about durable materials. Many materials that last longer are perhaps less than perfectly environmentally friendly, but you have to replace them less often.
Next, you need to decide on design and layout. If this is something you have never done before, it is best to speak to the professionals. Roe and Co Builders are more than happy to give advice.
If you have a full-time job, researching local regulations and permits takes time. Once again, using a professional construction service has its advantages. Roe and Co have local experience and can help you to obtain the permits you may need.
Should you try to do it yourself? Going DIY may sound like a good idea at first. One of the downsides of “going DIY” as we like to say at Roe and Co, is that constructing an outdoor living area takes time. Wouldn’t you rather enjoy your living area faster than spend precious leisure time building it?
Adding A Practical Feature
Thanks to new innovative building techniques, you can get creative in your outdoor living area. There is no reason why you can’t have an outdoor kitchen and dining area.
You can add separate structures to accommodate what you need. Yes, just having a barbecue is nice, but going one step further gives you an edge.
Shade and shelter are two vital components of outdoor living areas. Shade sails are one idea but you can also add more permanent structures such as covered decks and gazebos. Permanent structures often add more value.
Lighting and ambiance are also factors. You can plug into the electricity supply of the rest of the main part of your home. The alternative is to make the most out of solar power.
Should you choose a fire pit or a fireplace? This is very much a personal choice. Both can be used for cooking and keeping you warm. When it comes down to it, whether you choose a fire pit or fireplace is a design choice. It also depends on what space you have available. Gathering around a fire pit is nice but it may take up more space.
How about adding a water feature? Water features create a focal point in your outdoor living area. They are also much appreciated by local wildlife including birds.
Your water feature does not need to dominate. It can be something as simple as a pebble pool bubbling away.
Enhancing the Aesthetics
The surrounding landscaping and garden should be factored in. Should you screen off your outdoor living area from the rest of the garden? Many homeowners like to create a garden room while others prefer to have their outside living area closer to the house.
Furniture and decor influence the mood and ambiance. Take your time and shop around before you decide to go for classic or modern furniture. Also, remember that whatever you choose needs to be suitable for outdoor use.
What about color and texture? This is where you need to decide if you want your outdoor living area to blend in or stand out. If you want it to blend in, greens and browns are good colours. Bright colours will make the space look fresh and modern.
As we mentioned, a water feature can add a welcome focal point. But, so can light features and planting. Using colours to add accents is a great idea. This can include anything from colourful plant pots to a large flowering tree in a pot.
Yes, you want to make the place truly yours. What represents you? If you are a secret master chef, you may want to spend more of your budget on the kitchen or cooking facilities.
Maintaining the Outdoor Living Area
Regular cleaning helps to make your outdoor living area last longer. Choosing clean lines and going for easy-to-move-around furniture make the task of upkeep easier.
Don’t forget about seasonal maintenance and repairs. Just like in your house, there are going to be things that need fixing. Tiles may crack and don’t forget to clean your fire pit or fireplace.
Furniture and features need protection during bad weather and storms. Make sure you buy covers to protect features and furniture you spend a lot of money on.
A swimming pool can be a hazard in your garden. Make sure that all safety measures are in place including lifesaving equipment. Fire can be a problem. Avoid placing fire pits near trees and materials that can catch light.
Over time, you will need to renovate and upgrade your outdoor living area. The last thing you want is to end up with a tired and drab space. Setting aside an amount of money for general upkeep and modernisation is not a bad idea. Once you start using your space, you will always see things you may want to add or change.
Conclusion
Never underestimate the benefits of adding an outdoor living area to your home and garden. Doing so adds value and gives you another space to spend time.
The sooner you get started, the quicker you can start enjoying your new lifestyle and making the most out of all of your home. Is an outdoor living area part of your home? Very much so. Plan ahead and you soon realize your outdoor living area is an additional room.
Done right, outdoor living areas are excellent investments for most households. They add to the value of your home and give you a chance to make the most out of your property.
