Here comes the sun! As the days slowly become longer and the night shakes off that cooler vibe, it’s time to start dreaming about those long summer evenings. Cowan Building discovers the art of outdoor entertaining and creating the perfect summer retreat at home.

When it comes to enhancing your home, remember to extend your living area beyond the walls of your home. Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular, particularly after the endless lockdowns of the Covid Pandemic. They offer a seamless transition from your indoor sanctuary to the beauty of nature while allowing you to capture the true essence of the warmer weather.

The great news is, creating the perfect outdoor space can be done within any budget – from the complete renovation to a lick of paint or a quick spruce up of the garden area. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cosy balcony area, there are endless possibilities to create an inviting and functional outdoor entertaining zone.

Stylish Verandah Designs

Any outdoor living space loves a well-designed patio area. From sleek and modern to rustic and charming, you can set the tone for your outdoor space with clever thinking. Consider mixing your materials, from natural stone to pavers and even decking. Don’t forget to add weatherproof seating and focal points such as mirrors and colourful pot plants. The addition of mirrors can make the space seem much larger while offering exciting focal points.

Outdoor Kitchens

Take your outdoor space to another level and increase your culinary skills with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. These are certainly on trend now and can be as simple or complex as your budget allows. Consider additional extras such as built-in grills and BBQs, pizza ovens, refrigerators, and ample benchtop space. This is a major with outdoor kitchens, with many homeowners making the mistake of a small compact kitchen with no benchtop areas. This can leave the budding chef frustrated during the cooking process. With any outdoor kitchen, consider the durability of benchtops – think granite or stainless steel and make the most of corners and sheltered areas. Consider how the outdoor and indoor kitchens flow together if the design allows. This can create an excellent cooking environment by allowing both kitchens to work seamlessly.

Outdoor Fireplaces

Who doesn’t love the crack and hum of a roaring fireplace? Including this in your outdoor entertaining area can also extend the warmer season and provide you with a space to even enjoy on the chilly evenings. Outdoor fireplaces provide warmth and ambiance and serve as gathering spots for memorable evenings with friends and family, from the multifunctional pizza oven/fireplace to the more intimate fire pit designs. There are so many options to choose from that can complement any outdoor space. Always place your firepit/fireplace away from overhanging trees and ensure you have water available. Burning the correct wood is also essential to prevent smokey uninviting fires.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture has undoubtedly grown in leaps and bounds since the 1980s. Today you can enjoy the comfort of the loungeroom in an outdoor setting with plenty of comfortable table and chair designs alongside super comfy couches. Hammocks can also provide exciting and colourful focal points, allowing for an island-feel relaxation zone. The great news is that so many weather-resistant pieces can quickly reflect your style and enhance your outdoor experience while remaining durable.

Privacy and Shade

The key to any outdoor experience, whether in a rural setting or suburbia, is plenty of shade, weather-resistant areas, and privacy. These are essential elements for creating a magical outdoor retreat; plus, with shade and privacy, you can really create a particular zone and theme. Think tropical, ultra-chic, or perhaps a touch of rustic charm – cue the outdoor bath! Privacy screens, hedges, pergolas, awnings, and trellises work wonderfully here. Trellises can be covered with fast-growing seasonal flowers and plants – allowing you to create shade during the summer while giving way to the sun during the cooler months. Wisteria works wonders here. 

Landscaping

It’s all about enjoying your space and allowing nature to blossom. This can easily be achieved with landscaping or larger pots for smaller areas. Bring your outdoor space to life with lush greenery and thoughtful landscaping. Are you stuck for space? Consider vertical gardens filled with herbs and flowers, and don’t forget your lighting. This can play a massive role in highlighting the beauty of your new outdoor entertaining area. Adding colour, texture, and vibrancy to your outdoor space. The key with landscaping is to keep on top of your maintenance and pruning and plant various species that flower and bloom at different times of the year. This will prevent your garden from looking vast and empty during certain times of the year.

Entertainment Features

Now that the stage is set and your outdoor space is looking great, it’s time to consider the entertainment features. Consider outdoor audio systems and televisions, or go to the full extent of an outdoor cinema! Allowing you, at the click of a button, to watch your favourite sports game or sing the night away.

Lighting

Good lighting is vital for outdoor areas and will allow you to extend the use of this space long after the sun has gone down. Consider string/fairy lights, garden lighting, and path lighting. Spotlighting is excellent for enhancing any focal points in your space, while warm ambient lighting in seating areas allows for a more relaxed feel. 

Water Features

The sound of running splashing water has long been a notion of relaxation and a touch of serenity. Water features are a wonderful addition to any outdoor space and can be the perfect focal point for your area. Encompassing the soothing sound of water while adding a compelling feature for the eye. Water features come in many sizes and styles to add a personal touch to outdoor entertainment.

Outdoor Décor

Get personal and add your special touch with a hint of outdoor décor. Consider throwing rugs and pillows, floor mats, and even artwork. Garden sculptures are also a fabulous addition. The key with the décor is not to go overboard! Less is best. It’s all about adding in those final touches to add a bit of warmth and personality.

Creating the perfect outdoor space can transform your backyard, verandah, or balcony into a tranquil retreat that seamlessly blends with your indoor living areas. The possibilities are endless! Whether you want to create a cosy, relaxed nook or a space for entertaining friends and family. Maximize your outdoor space for relaxation and entertainment, and let nature become an extension of your home. Need advice? You know who to call.