Being outside not only makes us feel better, it has a number of health benefits, but sadly outside of the summer months we don’t always spend enough time in our gardens. Many of us spend a lot of time making our garden look great, and then it gets ignored for most of the year while we sit inside. However, there are ways that you can turn the garden into an additional living space, so it feels more like part of the house. By consulting with alfresco builders in Perth, you’ll find there are many ways you can enjoy the outdoors all year round, from building shelters to patio heaters. Here’s how you can create additional living space in your garden.
Create zones
Creating a zone in your garden for relaxing or dining will help you make the most of the space. Many of us have areas of the garden that aren’t used, or are cluttered with junk, so clearing some space that you earmark as a living zone will help you make a plan. If you get stuck, it’s worth speaking to alfresco builders in Perth who’ll be able to help you come up with a design. Outdoor living areas often work best if they’re attached to the house, as this means a better flow into the garden.
Decide on your features
Have a think about how you’d like to use your garden, and what would work with the space. Some features you could consider include:
- An outdoor kitchen
- Built-in gas BBQ or pizza oven
- A sheltered area
- Decking or a patio
- An outdoor lounge
- An outdoor dining space
- A pool area
What can be achieved will depend on your budget and the amount of space available, but there are always options. Look for style inspiration such as alfresco patios in Perth, and see what your neighbours have done with their space to help you decide what to choose.
Think practically
While it’s easy to think about designing an alfresco space in summer when it’s lovely and sunny, it’s important to think about how things will hold up in winter. While winters in Perth and Western Australia are usually mild, there can certainly be frosty points, and the rainy season can also put a stop to going alfresco in Perth. However, by adding shelter from the rain, and maybe accessories such as a heater, you can enjoy the outdoors for most of the year. If you’re planning to have furniture in uncovered areas, make sure it’s suitable for outdoor use, and that you have somewhere to store it during the wettest time of year.
Outdoor living areas
From sunbathing to reading a book, there’s lots you can do in an outdoor living area. One of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors, it can be as simple as adding decking in Perth to your home. If you have French doors that open onto your decking or patio, it’ll feel like an extension of your living room. However, you’ll probably want some sort of shelter, as sitting directly in the sun can be uncomfortable. Adding an awning or permanent gazebo is a great solution to make it feel more like a living space. You can even add a ceiling fan to cool you down on the hottest days of the year.
Outdoor kitchens
Another popular style is the outdoor kitchen, which is great not only for those who like to BBQ, but also those who regularly entertain. The great thing about outdoor living in Perth is that you have so much more space. It’s easy to organise a get-together, and an outdoor kitchen can have a built-in BBQ, worktops, storage, fridges, and much more, essentially giving you a second kitchen. Because the area is sheltered, it means you can have a BBQ all-year round too, whether it’s baking hot or raining, and you don’t have to worry about sudden gusts of wind.
Alfresco dining
Meals are much more fun when you can enjoy the outdoors. If you don’t spend enough time in your garden, then creating an alfresco dining area helps you get more fresh air. How open the space is depends on you. Some people add timber patios in Perth in a shady spot, and then simply add a few features such as garden furniture to create a dining space. Others prefer to have a more permanent shelter, which means they can enjoy the space more often and don’t have to worry about changing weather.
An alfresco dining space can be attached to an outdoor kitchen, and features such as patio heaters can be added to keep it comfortable even on chilly nights. Adding some basics such as outdoor lighting also makes it easier to use the space, and you can have the space designed in a style to suit you.
Outdoor furniture
The finishing touch should be your outdoor furniture. It’s important that you choose items that are hardwearing, and have weather-resistant finishes. It’s worth spending a little more on items such as garden tables which will be used for many years. You can even get outdoor soft furnishings to use on your patio in Perth, usually made of water-resistant material, which can be removed from the furniture when there’s a downpour. From reclining chairs to outdoor sofas, there are lots of style options available.
If you want more space to relax and entertain, consider transforming your outdoor space. With 300 sunny days a year, outdoor living in Perth will help you make the most of your garden. No longer just a place for the kids to play and plants to grow, alfresco living turns your garden into part of your home. Whether it’s enjoying a family dinner, or lounging and enjoying a few drinks with friends, there are many ways that your garden can be enjoyed all year round. From a simple patio, to a full shelter, there are options to suit every budget and even small gardens can be transformed.
