The Importance of Outdoor Living Spaces in Australian Homes

Here in Australia we are blessed with an amazing climate that allows us to enjoy our outdoor living spaces nearly all year long.  Our outdoor space is perfect for catching the sunshine in winter and the cool breezes in summer.

 

    Outdoor Living Australia Urban Oasis (Adore Magazine)Outdoor Living Australia Urban Oasis (Adore Magazine)

Outdoor zones can add immense value to our homes, providing us with various health benefits, and a functional and beautiful space to entertain our family and friends.  Even the most basic of new build project homes have a covered patio as part of the design.

Outdoor Living Australia LivvyLand

Outdoor Living Australia LivvyLand

We encourage you to get out there and enjoy your outdoor space and following are a few tips to transform your  outdoor living are, in order to add interest, value and functionality to your home:

 

  1. Add Plants

Adding splashes of colour and life to your outdoor space is essential. With low maintenance and inexpensive options, you can’t go past plants to bring that something special to your outdoor space. Adding plants to our indoor and outdoor areas has also been proven to improve our wellbeing, our concentration, and our mental health.

Outdoor Living Australia Brighton Space The Design Files

Outdoor Living Australia Brighton Space The Design Files

If you’re wanting a low maintenance option, succulents are a great go-to. They come in a variety of shapes and colours, they are a perfect way to add interest to your outdoor space. Whatever type of plant you decide to purchase, ensure you mix it up with different shapes, sizes, and colours, to create an eclectic and lively feel to your space.  Pots are also a fabulous way to add interest and will support the plant for many years.  A few times a year I pot up annuals that grow on our verandah.  Now in winter I have colour everywhere with beautiful pansies, violas and snap dragons.  Salad greens, tomato plants and herbs are also a fantastic way to improve the aesthetic and functionality of your home and these too can thrive in a variety of pots. Not only are they a great way to get your kids interested in where their food comes from and spend time outdoors, they also add an incredible combination of smells in the air. Depending on the position of your outdoor space potted citrus trees are also lovely, they are both aesthetic and functional, providing you with fruit!

  1. Comfortable and Durable Outdoor Furniture

Your outdoor area will be a space to relax and entertain and the furniture you choose will embrace the feel of your area.  Ensure that the furniture is weather tolerant and durable.  Sometimes it is good idea to choose upholstery in a solid colour such as blue, green, charcoal or grey.

A Lush Rooftop Garden In Inner City Fitzroy Design Files Australia

A Lush Rooftop Garden In Inner City Fitzroy Design Files Australia

Outdoor furniture should not be limited to dining tables and chairs.  This is a space to chill out, relax and entertain so outdoor sofas, comfortable armchairs and daybeds are essential!  You then can add patterned and colourful outdoor cushions to liven up the space.  You can accessorise the area with stools, side tables, outdoor mats, lanterns and throw rugs.

This Waikato Home Was Designed To Maximise Quality Family Time Spent In The Great Outdoors Homes To Love NZ

This Waikato Home Was Designed To Maximise Quality Family Time Spent In The Great Outdoors Homes To Love NZ

Have fun creating your own outdoor living area and I am sure like our family it will be the most used space in your home.