Live It Up

Create dream outdoor spaces that are fresh, inviting and designed to endure

Step into your own private oasis that’s comfortable, effortlessly beautiful and the ultimate go-to place for your family to enjoy.

Close your eyes. What can you imagine your outdoor spaces will look like? It could be a stylish sophisticated oasis, a classic minimalist space, or perhaps a whimsical space that’s quirky and upbeat. Your only limitations are your imagination and, of course, your budget.

Screen saviours

Sometimes it can be hard to peel the kids off the couch and away from their electronic devices, especially in the heat of summer with air conditioning making it cool and comfortable indoors.

If you want to create a space your family will love, get their input. If they have a say, they’ll be more invested in the outcome. The trick is to create outdoor spaces they’ll want to spend time in.

Designer Jo Taylor says with sizzling summer temperatures, comfort is king. “The Australian sun can be harsh and uninviting, so to lure the family outside my key consideration is always shade,” says Jo. “That might be a pergola over the dining table so it feels like a room outdoors, or a retractable awning you can adjust with the seasons.”

If you’re looking for a portable and cost-effective shade solution, outdoor umbrellas are a great option. You can sit poolside under an umbrella and watch the world go by.

Add some fresh designer décor. Plush outdoor cushions, leafy potted plants, outdoor candles, and accent pieces to tie the look together.

If your tribe love their indoor play spaces, create one for them outside. Jo says giving young children their own zone helps to get them outdoors. “An outdoor rug defines the space, while a colourful shade sail or fun awning above doubles as sun protection and adds a playful touch,” she says. “Storage is important, whether it is baskets or a bench seat that also hides toys, so the space feels ordered again at the end of the day.”

Outdoor spaces are often where friends gather to sit around the firepit or enjoy a dinner party alfresco-style. But sometimes you might want to create a quiet, calming space. Jo says when she thinks about a cosy conversation corner, comfort is everything. “A built-in banquette layered with cushions or a cluster of lounges pulled in close works beautifully,” she says. “Side tables for drinks make it practical, while layers of lighting from fairy lights to ground lights add warmth and intimacy.”

If a sparkling backyard swimming pool is on your must-have list, there’s no better time than now to dive right in. To help you decide on materials and finishes, draw inspiration from the style, architecture and colour palette of your home and exterior entertaining spaces.

You can’t go past the sheer bliss and soothing feel of a spa to relax and rejuvenate. And with a spa in your own backyard, you don’t need to visit a luxury resort to enjoy the benefits of the spa experience. With a few spare metres of space, you can add a splash of luxury to your outdoor living experience with a portable or inbuilt spa.

To create the ultimate backyard retreat for your family, you could add a sauna. Regularly taking a sauna boosts health and wellbeing and it’s something the whole family can share.

Savvy spaces

Well-designed outdoor spaces are functional, practical and visually appealing. Creating spaces that require minimal maintenance is also important. You’ll want to enjoy your outdoor spaces with your family, not be focused on constant upkeep.

Opt for quality low-maintenance furniture in durable fabrics that simply need a wipe down to refresh.
In flooring, for clients wanting low-maintenance and cost-effective solutions, Nicholas Kaiko from Kaiko Design Interiors says porcelain is a great flooring option. “It’s incredibly durable, UV-stable and easy to clean,” he says. “For a more elevated feel, we often turn to natural stone or rendered concrete, which wears beautifully and offers incredible colour flexibility.”

Choose decking with minimal maintenance. Quality engineered, scratch-resistant, warp-proof and UV-resistant decking will save you precious time on upkeep.

Energy efficiency is also important. Nicholas says when talking eco-savvy measures, outdoors is often overlooked. “Clever planting for shade, specifying lighter materials to reduce heat absorption and using dimmable, zone-based lighting all contribute to a smarter, more responsive design,” he says. “We also favour indirect lighting such as LED strips under bench seating, stair treads or planters.”

Clever exterior spaces also have a fluid indoor-outdoor connection, have generous openings, and large doors create a sense of continuity and flow. They also allow you to take advantage of the view to your new outdoor space, whether you’re indoors or out.

While you are at it, add a skylight to your interiors to increase the amount of ventilation, and increase natural light, which also serves to enhance the indoor-outdoor connection.

The view from here

With apartment living, there are some clever ways to maximise space and liveability. With well-considered material choices and inclusions it’s possible to create a balcony space that offers outdoor living. When deciding what to include, think about the things you enjoy doing outdoors on the deck, and take it from there. Nicholas says if space is tight, he’d always suggest starting with a strong spatial plan and using built-in elements to your advantage. “Integrated banquettes are brilliant in awkward corners and can double as storage,” he comments. “One of the best ways to create a multifunctional space is through an unexpected layout or surprising use of materials.”

For accessories, splash out on bespoke pieces to create a unique space. “We often go the custom route,” he notes. “It’s not just about aesthetics, it’s about longevity and avoiding the cookie-cutter look.”

Light on

Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the scene. Dario Dal Ponte, general manager of LightCo, says there are a few key factors that come into play. “The right balance of natural and artificial sources transforms a setting from flat and static to layered, dynamic and inviting,” he says.

There are a number of fabulous options for outdoors that can transform your pool and spa and alfresco areas into warm inviting spaces. With modern technology, some of them even allow you to take the light with you, wherever it’s needed. Dario says when outdoors, portable rechargeable lamps provide instant ambience for patios and balconies, with no wiring required. “Many indoor designs now also adapt beautifully to exterior use, turning decks and gardens into true extensions of the home, perfect for Australia’s love of outdoor living,” he explains. “Innovative systems such as Drop by Il Fanale or Leda by Karman add flexibility and creativity, with modular designs that bring both sculptural interest and atmosphere to outdoor spaces.”

Indoor outdoor décor

Beautiful liveable outdoor spaces continue to evolve, as the trend towards outdoor living grows. Justine Wilson, founder of Vault Interiors Property Styling, says multi-functional décor which looks just as good indoors or out is hot property right now.

“This year we are seeing more trends for multi-functional décor that works both indoors and outdoors, especially in Australia where alfresco zones really extend your living spaces,” says Justine. “Indoor-outdoor tables and chairs in easy-wipe finishes such as resin, plastic or powder-coated styles work well in both.”

Justine adds that UV fabrics also handle the weather and are great inside if you have pets or kids. “Stripes, bold solid colours or graphic patterns will be popular,” she says.

Summer entertaining

Once you’ve designed your perfect outdoor space, invite your friends and family over for the ultimate summer gathering.

Perhaps you want to keep the vibe laidback and relaxed, with select splashes of style. Designer Jo Taylor likes to keep it carefree. “Poolside entertaining is about ease and atmosphere,” she says. “Lounges under umbrellas, fresh towels ready to grab, side tables and a big tub of ice with drinks set the scene.”

Jo says to create a resort-like feel, add some lush planting. “Music, floating candles in the pool and soft lighting bring it to life at dusk,” she adds. “A long dining table nearby means guests can drift between swimming, lounging and eating, which is when the outdoors feels at its best.”

You might envision taking your gathering up a notch or two. Nicholas says for the ultimate summer pool party he likes to go maximalist. “For some reason, even our most conservative clients are more playful outdoors,” he says. “Picture oversized umbrellas in bold stripes and lush planting. An underrated addition is outdoor speakers but plan early and integrate them.”