Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, there are numerous ways to transform your outdoor area into a stylish and inviting space. With a little creativity and plenty of elbow grease, you can get your space looking great for entertaining guests.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to breathe life into your outdoor space is by incorporating greenery. Plants offer more than visual appeal – with the right choices, they can provide shade, help keep the area cooler, and even contribute to your summer salads – think self-watering pots with microgreens, herbs, citrus, berries and other fruits. Bonus points for installing misters to water your pot plants and keep your guests cool on a hot day.
If you don’t have a green thumb and are considering a sizeable garden makeover, consider hiring a landscape designer – even if you DIY the planting, they can create a ‘mud map’ for planting to ensure you pop the most suitable plants in an optimal spot and provide you with care instructions.
Over time, outdoor surfaces can accumulate dirt, grime, and moss, detracting from the overall appeal of your space. A thorough pressure cleaning of your patio can make a world of difference.
Likewise, weed, sweep and clean pathways, and give the exterior walls and windows a thorough clean (be cautious using a high pressure washer on walls, as they can damage your paintwork,)
Extend the usability of your outdoor space into the evening by incorporating outdoor lighting. String lights, lanterns, or LED pathway lights can add a warm and inviting glow to your backyard. Consider installing solar-powered lights to save on energy costs and contribute to an eco-friendly outdoor environment.
Beat the summer heat and create a stylish focal point by installing shade sails, umbrellas or awnings. These additions not only provide relief from the sun but also add style to your outdoor space. Sail shades offer the most design diversity – coming in a wide range of sizes, styles and shapes (or go bespoke by ordering your own custom sails.)
If your BBQ area lacks any shade or coverage, you may want to consider installing a gazebo that can do double duty protecting guests from the rain in winter months. Gazebos come in a wide variety of materials, designs and sizes – you can even buy relatively inexpensive portable gazebos.
Elevate your outdoor entertaining game by adding a dedicated bar area. A well-designed bar area not only adds functionality but also becomes a focal point for socialising, and can be as simple as a stylish bar cart to a more permanent structure if you’ve more of a budget and some undercover space.
Dedicated outdoor storage around your BBQ area means you can keep your essentials handy. Built-in cupboards can be stocked up with your favourite beverages, glassware, and perhaps a few decorative elements to create a festive atmosphere and will make every gathering stress-free.
For those who love to cook and entertain outdoors, consider adding a portable island bench for additional prep space. This can be equipped with storage for utensils, spices, and even a small sink for convenience.
Barbecue stores sell comprehensive kits built around a BBQ, or a builder or cabinetmaker can help you create a look of your own.
As well as a dedicated bar or kitchen area, outdoor storage solutions such as weather-resistant bins or stylish deck boxes to stow away cushions, gardening tools, and other items when not in use help create a clutter-free space; key to creating a relaxing outdoor environment.
Give your outdoor furniture a new lease on life by sanding and repainting it. Choose a colour scheme that complements the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. While you’ve got your supplies out, give your decking a sand and varnish (or hire a tradie who can overhaul the lot!)
Some jobs are best left to the professionals – if you need an extra hand, hipages makes it easy to source the best tradies for a job
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