How to create a luxury outdoor living space.

Over the past few years, the humble Outdoor living space, also known as an Alfresco, has transformed a simple outdoor add-on into the most valued and versatile room in the home. With Australian’s spending more time at home – whether by choice, lifestyle shift, or the continued rise of hybrid working – the desire for beautiful, functional outdoor living grows stronger.

No matter what your stage of life or where you live, an outdoor living space offers a flexible, year-round area for entertaining, relaxing, dining and connecting with the outdoors. MyChoice Design Studio’s Kristy Gilchrist says, “An outdoor living space has become a must-have feature in our clients’ new home builds, adding both lifestyle appeal and functional living space.”

Let’s explore why the Alfresco continues to be at the top of so many homeowners’ wish lists.

What is an Outdoor Living Space?

An outdoor living space is an outdoor room or an extension positioned under the main room of the home. It is usually a part of the original structure of the roof and not only improvers the aesthetic of the home, but it also increases the useability of your block of land.

McDonald Jones Homes Retreat Grande on display at HomeWorld Leppington NSW.

What should you consider for your Outdoor Living Space?

A good outdoor area ticks all the boxes; it’s durable yet comfortable and offers both shelter and a connection to the natural work.

A covered outdoor living space with a great BBQ or outdoor kitchen is ideal for long lunches and dinner parties, where you can entertain friends and family, and celebrate in style. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, an outdoor living space is the ultimate spot to relax with a good book and a cup of tea for a bit of ‘me’ time.

Kristy says, “Consider designing your outdoor living space around a feature, like an outdoor fireplace or kitchen. Having your own furnished Alfresco area provides you with more room to live and entertain, allowing the outside in whilst you switch off and relax.”

Mojo Homes Horizon 32 on display at Sovereign Hills NSW.

Outdoor living ideas

Here are our top 5 style tips to create your perfect Alfresco or outdoor living space.

1. Create an all-weather room

   Maximise your Alfresco area by creating a space that can be used year-round and in most weather conditions.

   • Include ceiling fans for the warmer months.

   • Install retractable clear awnings or shutters to protect from rain and wind.

   • Future-proof for the colder climate by considering features such as fireplaces or heat strips.
     

2. Multiple uses

   Your outdoor living area should be a space you can enjoy throughout the day, at any time. Consider zoning your space to maximise usage, like defining to serve different purposes, and don’t forget to think about maintenance, care and upkeep when selecting materials and furniture.

Brighton Homes Preston 35 on display at Kinma Valley, Morayfield QLD.

3. Close connections Extending your Alfresco or creating seamless connections from the backyard or adjacent room will serve to create a beautifully harmonious space and make it practical to enjoy.

   • Use timber battening to extend your Alfresco space further.

   • Consider similar materials to continue the styling from the inside to your outdoors ensuring the spaces flow and are cohesive to the rest of the home (eg. Bricks, stone, timber accents).

   • Add steppingstones or paving to direct people from your Alfresco area to the backyard.
     

4. Alfresco styling Bringing great design home shouldn’t stop at the backdoor! Continue the unique style of your home from inside through to the outdoor living space, whilst creating a calm, uncluttered and relaxing environment.

   • Opt for feature tiles to make a statement.

   • Experiment with natural materials and textures to blend the inside and out.

   • Choose furniture that will withstand the weather but also convey a more relaxed style that you might have inside.
     

5. Greenery and landscaping your alfresco

Whilst you think about how to connect your internal and external spaces, don’t forget to consider what kind of landscaping and greenery suits your core style and visual aesthetic. The best Alfresco areas seamlessly link the home to your backyard through integrated landscaping and plants.

• Consider architectural plants in pots or a statement green wall to soften the voids.

• Research what type of plants will provide you with the best shade in the warmer months and privacy year-round.

• Plant a deciduous vine or creeper to climb a pergola or screen.

Arden Homes Savoy 40 on display at Woodlea Estate, Aintree VIC. 

Ready to turn your outdoor Alfresco into a stylish and functional extension of your home? Consider investing in some of these key styling tips that can help bring year-round comfort to your outdoor space and make the most of your brand-new home.