Tips To Boost Your Alfresco Area For Summer

The warmer weather is here and if you haven’t set up your alfresco area yet, take a look at our tips to boost your outdoors space for summer.

1) Zoning

First of all, think about what your deck will be used for. Is it about entertaining, dining, relaxing or simply a safe place for the kids to play. Make the most of a deck by establishing different zones for dining, conversation and other outdoor activities. Outdoor rugs are a great way to articulate your lounge area.

2) Shade

Shade is essential in our sunny country. Set up your furniture under natural shade such as a tree. If you don’t have a tree in the right spot, you can choose from portable umbrellas, pop-up gazebos or shade sails which always look great.

3) Furniture

To make your alfresco area a place where you can relax and unwind, go for comfortable furniture. Daybeds with a shading roof are very much on trend and designed for a lazy day with a good book in your hands. Opt for a simple hammock or hanging swing chair if you would like to been rocked gently into your daydreams. The choice of furniture materials is yours, such as wicker, aluminium, steel or timber. Don’t forget about outdoor storage boxes to hide away your outdoor cushions and kids toys when not in use.

4) BBQ

No outdoor area in Australia is without a BBQ. When looking for a BBQ, consider the size of the area you have to work with, then look at the features, the number of burners, charcoal vs gas and the look you are after. Other popular options include pizza ovens and spit roasters which are both great when entertaining a large group.

5) Lights

Lights are there to bring the best out of your garden. Select bollards to light the pathway, spotlights for the BBQ and citronella bamboo torches to keep the mozzies away. With outdoor lights you can be as creative as you like, from adding fairy lights to trees to candle lanterns on your table. With great solar powered options on the market you can go overboard with your lighting while keeping the electricity bill at bay.

6) Plants

Potted plants are an easy way to define and spruce up your outdoor space. They can be placed to give you privacy and to add some greenery to your deck. Consider transforming an ordinary fence into a feature piece with climbing plants that create a vertical garden. When floor space is tight, add visual interest with hanging baskets featuring lush and flowering plants that create big impact in any space

7) Fire pit

When we get into the cooler months a fire pit comes in handy. With a few stools scattered around, this setting creates a warm and cosy atmosphere where your family and friends will love to gather.

8) Cushions and Decor

Boost your comfort level with seat cushions and scatter pillows. Weather resistant outdoor cushions can add instant colour and texture to outdoor living areas while being easily replaced when it comes time to refresh the decor. Add personality to your garden with a statue nestled among large pots and plants and use lanterns or wall mounted features.

9) Water Accent

Freestanding water features and birdbaths bring the tranquil sounds of water to your deck and are great for larger areas. Done well, a stylish fountain can become your new focal and talking point in your backyard.

10) Kids

I left the best to last. For the kids to have fun, there are portable sandpits or swings available. With picnic tables and umbrellas, your kids can have the same set up as you just in a smaller scale!