Outdoor Living Areas

Extending your living space from the inside to an outdoor space is a big design trend for homeowner’s who want to make the most of their property and the climate. A great way to achieve this is by adding or incorporating an outdoor living area into your design. It will not only add value to your home, but create a great place for entertaining guests or spending a quiet evening outdoors.

An outdoor living space doesn’t have to be limited to construction on flat level ground. There are many different styles of outdoor living rooms but typically they are a covered deck/patio which leads off the main house living areas. Why not be creative and design your outdoor living spaces on multiple levels with an outdoors theme or build a standalone room with a pathway leading up to the area.

Outdoor living spaces can contain anything you like, which means it can be personalised to suit you. Many homeowners are now creating their outdoor living areas with entire kitchen areas complete with refrigerator, BBQ, heating/fire pits, stereo and a TV. Making it the perfect place to entertain or just relax.

When selecting your furniture and finishes its important to select weather resistant outdoor furniture that is durable in most climates to ensure you won’t have to replace them anytime soon. Why not add a bench or wall seat as they not only have eye appeal but also provide additional storage space.

Outdoor fireplaces, pizza huts or fire pits not only provide warmth and a place for cooking, but create a great place to gather. These can either run on gas or be wood-burning for a more rustic ambience.

When selecting the flooring for your outdoor living area, this should be based on if the area is going to be covered, uncovered, a combination of both, quality, style, budget and maintenance. If you research products such as wood, concrete, brickwork, vinyl, ceramic and red cedar this should help you to establish the best material to use. If you still have trouble finding the right finishes, try talking to someone at your local hardware or landscaper and they should be able to point you in the right direction.