Home owners are turning to outdoors to create more living space for living and entertainment.
As the temperature drops with Australia and New Zealand, outdoor areas are becoming a ghost town as home owners retreating into a warm, comforting indoors.
Australian Outdoor Living design and outdoor lifestyle expert Alex Hand says with the right design choices and functional additions, outdoor living can continue during winter.
“Outdoor spaces can seamlessly transition through the seasons to support entertaining, relaxing, and unwinding at any time of year,” he says.
“Yet, while outdoor living is at the heart of the Australian lifestyle, many people aren’t making the most of their backyards outside of summer. With a few strategic updates, an outdoor space can be transformed into a welcoming retreat, whether it’s a warm and cosy winter escape or a breezy summer entertaining area.”
Alex provides five tips for home owners wanting to extent their size of their home year round.
Design for every season
Choose WiFi enabled outdoor blinds and roller shutters for remote and weather preparedness. Weather resistant blinds are integral to reduce wind and rain. Also, opt for multi-functional furniture like daybeds with built-in storage for blankets or fold-away tables.
Think beyond the seasons – Create micro-climates
Plant trees that provide shade in the summer, but let in the sunlight during winter. Also use climbing plants on trellises to create wind protection and shade naturally.
Prioritise comfort, no matter the weather
Use weatherproof cushions and outdoor rugs to soften hard surfaces and add infrared outdoor heaters or fire pits for warmth in winter. Attach LED strips along pathways and seating areas for an inviting glow at night.
Bring the indoors out
Install built-in outdoor kitchens or portable bar carts to party outside with food and drinks accessible. Use all-weather lounge settings for a relaxed, indoor-style seating area and introduce shelter nooks like a corner bench with an overhead cover.
Plan with purpose and longevity
Invest in water-efficient irrigation systems to keep gardens in peak condition all year and consider a composite deck for durability and low maintenance. Additionally, install artificial lawn for small patches of greenery without needing to weed or water.
