When it comes to creating the ultimate outdoor entertaining area, layout is everything. Get your layout right and the whole space will feel cohesive and inviting.
A good outdoor entertainment area will have zones to separate various activities like cooking, eating and drinking, conversation and relaxing. You also need to create an easy flow within the area.
The materials used in your outdoor entertaining area should complement your home’s existing architectural style and harmonise with the surrounding landscape. Timber decking is hugely popular for outdoor areas but can be high maintenance. If it’s not from sustainable sources it can increase your home’s carbon footprint, too.
Achieve the aesthetic appeal of timber without the environmental impact with an eco-friendly decking solution like ModWood decking, which is made from reclaimed sustainable plantation pine waste and recycled plastic bottles. Plus, it’s splinter-free making it a safe option for families with young children
Nothing says ‘ultimate outdoor entertaining area’
like a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. With a built-in barbecue, sink and
prep-area and all-important drinks fridge.
Smart home technology is becoming more prevalent, and with wifi almost everywhere, outdoor entertaining areas are no exception. From wireless speaker system to play your favourite tunes will provide relaxing background music whilst enjoying dinner table banter, or your favourite dance music.
The Outdoor Theatre Room is also a great retreat when you want to catch the game, but it’s too nice to be indoors. When the sun goes down and the barbie’s fired up, an outdoor cinema for your friends and family will make your house the perfect destination.
Part of the enjoyment of an outdoor space is in feeling sheltered and private whilst you’re occupying it. This means not being overlooked from neighbours or the street. Remember Part of the beauty of outdoor areas is that connection with outside.
Given that our blocks of land are getting smaller overall, and our recreational time is precious, creating outdoor spaces that can be used year-round is really special in expanding the experience of your home, and improving its liveability. So, get winter use in your entertainment area by putting in a heat source, a fireplace, or a pizza oven is popular. Or there are some great external heaters available on the market that do a great job of heating outdoor areas.
If winter sun is desirable, then consider the roofing or shading solution, and whether it can be flexible. An operable roof is one way, or a deciduous vine is another.
And then there’s cooling in summer – which is about making sure you can capture the breezes, or create your own by installing a fan.