Australians are renowned for their love of the great outdoors. Many of our greatest memories have been made out in the elements; celebrations, family gatherings, festivals, sporting events; it’s no wonder we associate sunshine with joy! There are many ways you can make the most of outdoor living in your home, so that you can continue making these memories with family and friends.

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The Modern Outdoors

The outdoor area is no longer just a timber table and chairs on a deck, but has evolved with our ever-changing lifestyle to become a second living space. Your outdoor area may include:

  • A dining table & chairs
  • An outdoor kitchen
  • Sofas, daybeds and armchairs
  • A bar area

Alfresco Areas and Outdoor Rooms

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A highly coveted inclusion for new homes and renovations is an alfresco area or outdoor room. They are walled on two or three sides, with the remainder exposed to the backyard or pool area with a ceiling that extends from the roofline of the house. Outdoor rooms allow you to enjoy the outdoors while offering the benefits of shelter from the elements.

Protection from the Elements

There’s no denying that our Aussie sun can be harsh, and winds can be strong and sometimes chilly, which means we need to protect our belongings (and ourselves) from these damaging elements.

Roofing – If you are retro-fitting your outdoor area, you need to consider if you require a roof of sorts. This could be anything from a shade cloth or awning, to a steel roof with blades that open and close. Even a large cantilevered umbrella may be roof enough for your needs.

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Walls – Most outdoor areas will be walled on at least one side by the exterior of your house, but for the remainder of the area, some extra protection could be in order… especially if your outdoor area has a Westerly aspect or catches a strong wind. Clear plastic Café blinds are a great option to keep the rain and wind at bay, and can be rolled up to practically nothing when not in use. Aluminium shutters can also be used to block out extreme weather, and won’t damage in rain or harsh UV rays. Shutters can also help if you have privacy concerns.

Important Considerations

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If you are building or renovating your outdoor area, you may want to consider installing the following:

  • An external bayonet for natural gas
  • An electrical point for a fridge
  • Plumbing if you plan on including a sink in your outdoor kitchen
  • A ceiling fan for those hot summer days
  • Sufficient lighting, especially around the barbecue area

If you’ve been inspired to add a fabulous outdoor area to your home, but need a little help to make it happen, give Creative Style a call on 0416 190 792 or email [email protected] to book an appointment with Jenny.