With the onset of spring, it’s a great time to focus on your outdoor area and consider what you can do to turn it into a top entertaining space.

 

With a bit of inspiration and careful planning, you can achieve an amazing set up, and it’s a lot easier than you might think.

You may have an old deck you’d like to replace, or an unused area that could be transformed into something more functional. Or perhaps your existing space is perfectly practical but could do with a few improvements to make it more inviting. Whatever your situation, it’s worth maximising your home’s potential by creating an entertaining zone to enjoy more time outdoors.

Connect your outdoor and indoor spaces

To get the most from your outdoor living area it should be easily accessible from indoors, so it feels like a natural extension of your home. Start by looking at your layout and try to get the indoor-outdoor flow working. 

If there’s a significant height difference between your indoor and outdoor area, think about connecting them with a terraced drop of two or more levels in decking or paving, rather than a long narrow staircase. Creating wide, inviting access will improve the flow and the steps can be used as seats for large barbecues or parties. A split-level deck is another option to go with, and you could consider built-in seating in the lower level for a cosy lounge-like feel, or use one area as a lounge and the other for dining.

Bear in mind that an outdoor living area doesn’t have to be enormous. You can keep the space small and intimate and let the food and atmosphere do the rest. 

Extend the use of your space

If you’re making these improvements, think about how shelter and heating can make your outdoor area work for you year-round. Winter days can still be enjoyed outdoors with a bit of planning.

A fireplace is a great feature to make your space more inviting. It adds ambience, makes a good focal point and will keep everyone warm and happy when the temperature drops. The natural charm of a crackling wood fire is hard to beat, but there are gas and electric options too – all with their own benefits. If a fireplace isn’t practical, you could look at outdoor heaters or a brazier or chiminea to keep your guests cosy.

If your space lacks privacy or has an unappealing outlook, a wall or outdoor screens will not only improve the view, but protect from wind and prevent heat escaping on cold evenings. Greenery and lush planter pots also do a good screening job and add colour and texture. It’s worth considering built-in timber planters if you’re planning a new deck.

Given our changeable weather, it’s smart to consider how you can extend the use of your area in all conditions with a roof, retractable awning or pergola and sheeting. For shade on hot summer days, something as simple as a shade sail or large umbrella will do the trick. 

Create comfort

Lounge sets are perfect for relaxation and modular settings allow you to move your furniture around to suit the occasion. Hanging chairs, seated hammocks and bean bags are all fun additions to help your visitors unwind. If dining is your focus, bench seats save on space and will accommodate more around the table, while chairs with backs win on comfort, or you could include a combination of both.

Get cooking

No outdoor living set up would be complete without a barbecue. If space allows, a built-in barbie can take things to the next level. If budget allows and you want to get really carried away, add a bar and a fridge – no more trips to the kitchen to keep your mate’s glasses filled. Now you’re talking!

If you really want to kick it up a notch, another option is an outdoor pizza oven.  Perfect with a glass of red on cold nights, homemade wood-fired pizza with friends and family is the bomb, and you’ll never order take-away pizza again.

If you’re a real foodie and don’t like missing out on the banter outside, you could even consider an outdoor kitchen. The possibilities are endless and your yard is your oyster.

Complete the picture with lighting

To keep the festivities going once with sun goes down, add stylish lighting. Nothing can transform a space as easily - it’s all about combining functionality with creativity to set the mood. From a simple string of fairy or festoon lights, to candle lanterns, path lights, deck lights and spotlights, good lighting will provide ambience, safety and highlight features for a powerful effect.

Keep in mind that an over-lit lounge or dining area isn’t welcoming. Often spill lighting – indoor lighting that spills outdoors – combined with small light sources such as a fire, lanterns or candles, is adequate for relaxation areas. The barbie will need direct light though, and an under-lit backyard can seem gloomy, so it’s essential to get the balance right.

There are plenty of options to choose from when converting your backyard into the ultimate outdoor space, and with a bit of inspiration and Mitre 10’s Easy As Guides and advice, it’s easier than you think. The hard part will be getting your friends and family to go home!