Outdoor Living
Get the most from your outdoor spaces with our handy design tips
Metricon Homes, National
inside out WHETHER YOU ENVISION A PEACEFUL SANCTUARY OR A LIVELY ENTERTAINING AREA, THERE ARE SEVERAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING THE PERFECT OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE.
Make the most of late summer sunsets by taking your cooking outside with a good quality barbecue or pizza oven to last year after year.
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Living in Australia, we have the privilege of enjoying a comfortable climate nearly all year round, which lends us to spending a great deal of time outdoors. So, creating a space which is unique and suits your lifestyle will not only add value to your property, it will let you make the most of your space and create an area you love spending time in. From planning through to styling, here are some tips for creating the perfect outdoor living space.
BRING THE INSIDE OUT Make your outdoor space an extension of your home. Architecture, colour schemes and styling can be reflected in your outdoor room as well. If your outdoor space is an area where you plan on spending a lot of time, it’s important to think about what will make the space feel as comfortable as you would inside. Maybe it means adding a sunshade or a large fan to ward off the hot summer sun. Perhaps it will mean a fireplace for cooler evenings, or a large sofa for lazy afternoons.
McDonald Jones, NSW
FINDING YOUR PURPOSE
ON THE BLOCK
Before you dive into the design of your outdoor space, think about how you plan to use it. Will it be for enjoying al fresco meals with the family between backyard cricket? Is it a space purely for entertaining friends? Perhaps you need a tranquil space to find your ‘Zen’. Whatever your purpose, make sure it suits your needs.
Choosing the right block of land is also essential. For example, if you’re looking to mainly have a garden out back, a sloping block will be suitable but if you’re looking for a wide backyard perfect for cricket matches with the kids, a level playing field would be best. An entertainer’s backyard is easier to be flexible as there are multiple decking options to level out an uneven area if need be.
KEEP IT NATURAL Using elements of nature in your outdoor space is sure to give it life. Whether you love flowers, tending to a garden, or prefer low maintenance plants, use them! Potted plants or vertical gardens are great space saving options. Or, if your space allows, try adding a small water feature - the sound of the trickling water creates a relaxing atmosphere.
FINISHING TOUCHES From throws, to rugs or bright cushions, it’s the details of a space that really make it. Features such as a beautiful chandelier or eye-catching artwork can be a great conversation starter, while lighting also has the power to transform your space; whether that means candles, lanterns, or fairy lights,
Outdoor Living
be sure to add a little light to your space for those perfect Summer nights. There are many elements that can be incorporated into your outdoor room to ensure it is a space you love. Remember, amazing spaces can be created even in small yards, so don’t feel limited by the size or location of your space. The possibilities are endless; have fun with your outdoor space and make it a true extension of your home.
Learn more Read our guide on how to choose the right block for you and your family
Get inspired Check out our guide to the latest trends in home design.
TAKE ME OUT...
Consider additional outdoor cooling features for steamy summer days.
to entertain If you love to entertain outdoors, there’s nothing better than bright and boisterous styling. This year, raw timber, bright greens and yellows paired with white linen, iron and terracotta are ruling the backyard. The ideal outdoor entertaining space must have ample seating and various spaces that accommodate for different needs, like an area for outdoor games, plus plenty of storage, heaters, bluetooth speakers and the all important barbecue! Talk to your builder about built-in seating and an outdoor kitchen too if you plan to use your outdoor space as a second dining area on a regular basis.
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to relax If you’ve planned for plenty of room inside to use for entertaining, why not create an entirely new room outside. A retreat-style backyard can double as an after dinner coffee area or you can just keep it as a place to hide away after a big day with your favourite book. Consider how you will use the landscaping to achieve the right ambience. Plants instantly provide a tranquil feel so include ample greenery.
to lighten up If you plan to utilise your space to entertain in the evenings, choosing effective lighting is essential - there is no point in choosing something beautiful but dull. Try multiple types and various placements to fill the living areas where you will spend the most time. Try a mix of stylish flood lights on the walls plus pendant lights to add a personalised embellishment while still contributing to the overall brightness in the space.
for me time If you’ve got some extra space up your sleeve, try creating a relaxing outdoor nook just for you. Lanterns add ambient lighting to set the mood in the evening, while a day bed will ensure you get your daily dose of vitamin D. A luxurious hanging chair can also double as a feature piece for your backyard. Style it using cushions in complementing colours to your outdoor design.
Outdoor Living
Get inspired Click to find your nearest Stockland Display village for more design inspiration.
This or that? WE’VE PUT OUTDOOR RIVALS HEAD TO HEAD SO YOU CAN MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR FAMILY AND LIFESTYLE.
Metricon Homes, National
PERGOLA vs GAZEBO For a more aesthetic addition to the garden, A PERGOLA is your preferred choice (pictured left). It provides filtered shade through a lattice like roof and can be used to support vines and flowering shrubs. Pergolas can be attached to the home as a patio cover, but they don’t provide full shelter from rain or harsh weather conditions due to the roof structure. A GAZEBO is a freestanding outdoor structure that is traditionally an octagon shape. This is a good option for an outdoor room and can be a great place to entertain and relax. It requires a large backyard, so working out the right fit is important.
Metricon Homes, National
DECK vs PATIO A DECK is generally made from timber and can be attached or separate from the house structure. They can be level to the ground, built up with stairs or have split levels. Decks are perfect if you want to separate your indoor and outdoor spaces. Most PATIOS are built from a concrete slab and are a simple addition to the outside of the home. Other materials include brick, pavers and stone. This is a great way to continue the inside of your home outside.
Metricon Homes, National
OUTDOOR KITCHEN vs BAR AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN is the perfect option for big families or those who like to entertain. Most include a barbecue, prep area and a sink. Depending on your budget they can also include luxuries like attached dining areas, space for a fridge and heaters. Prefabricated outdoor kitchens are a simple way to include an outdoor kitchen without the arduous task of building it yourself. AN OUTDOOR BAR is another great option for entertaining as it’s a great spot to unwind at the end of the day, but isn’t the first choice for families with children. Consider including a sink, ice well, racks for bottles, a fridge and a freezer.
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