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The beauty of an outdoor entertaining space in your home, such as a garden, patio or deck, is that it can be an extension of your indoor living environment. We are so lucky in Australia to have a climate perfect for embracing an outdoor lifestyle, so whether you set up a table and dining chairs or create another living area with sofas and armchairs – it’s an area you’re going to use often through the warmer months and with careful thought and planning, into the cooler months.
Creating the perfect outdoor living space requires careful planning and attention to detail – just how you would approach interior design inside your home. Here are some steps and entertainment area ideas to help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor space for hosting gatherings, enjoying with your immediate family or simply enjoying relaxing and enjoying some solitude.
How are you going to use the space? Is it for casual family dinners, BBQ parties, formal gatherings, or all of the above? Deciding on the primary purpose for your space will guide your design choices. Will a dining area or an outdoor living room be better suited to your lifestyle?
Before making any decisions, consider the layout of your outdoor area. Make sure there is enough space for seating, dining, cooking, and any other activities you have in mind. Think about traffic flow and accessibility to and from the house. Keep the design as flexible as you can so you can adapt it to different types of gatherings and occasions.
When selecting your outdoor furniture - invest in comfortable and durable furniture that you can enjoy for years. There are so many furniture options, including lounge chairs, sofas, dining tables, benches, and dining chairs, so select the ones that suit your entertaining style. Choose low-care materials and furniture to make upkeep easier and regularly clean and maintain your furniture and outdoor area to keep it looking its inviting best. Reclaimed teak is a beautiful and sustainable choice for a dining table and requires very little maintenance.
To provide relief from the harsh Australian sun, look at shade options like pergolas, umbrellas, or shade sails, so you can still use the space during hot Summer days. You can plan for year-round use by incorporating features like outdoor heaters, fans and a stack of throws for cooler months. To make the space even more comfortable, have some sunscreen, and insect spray on hand and have some citronella candles ready for the evening to keep mosquitos away.
What outdoor space in Australia would be complete without a barbecue? There are so many to choose from so select one that is suitable for the size of your family or entertaining needs. If you have the room, take it a step further and install a full outdoor kitchen – it’s a perfect choice for the Australian climate and the laid-back way of life we all love. Barbeques are one of the easiest ways to entertain – all the salads can be made ahead of time (or get guests to bring one each) so no one must miss out on the fun, everyone can be outside. A build-your-own hamburger is a fun way to entertain. Provide the buns and all the extras, cook the burgers and then the guests can create their own favourite burger.
Is there anything nicer than dining under the stars on a balmy Summer night? After sunset, lighting sets the mood for your outdoor area, so use a combination of task lighting, ambient lighting, and decorative lighting such as string lights or lanterns to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Another way to add beauty and a sense of tranquillity to your outdoor space is with a selection of plants. Create a garden or if space is limited, use potted plants or a vertical garden planted with beautifully scented herbs. You can just enjoy the aroma or pick as needed to enhance your culinary creations or to make scented posies for the table.
If you’ve got a lawn or area large enough – get everyone involved in a friendly game of cricket or bocce before or after your meal. It’s a great way to work up an appetite or to work off the meal just enjoyed.
As the outdoor entertaining area is an extension of your home, add decorative elements like cushions, throws, and other pieces to personalise the space and give it the same love as the rest of your home. Ultimately, the beauty of outdoor areas is the ability to create a personal sanctuary that reflects your tastes, provides a connection to nature, and enhances your overall quality of life. You can relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors without leaving home.
Outdoor Collection
