This Is The Life

Give yourself a lifestyle upgrade with a well-designed outdoor area to indulge in cooking, dining, lounging and entertaining

- Karen Booth

Outdoor entertaining spaces don’t have to have all the bells and whistles. Nor do they have to be large or lavish. What is essential, however, is that yours suits the way you like to entertain and makes the best possible use of the available space. What it comes down to is good design and proper planning.

“We spend so much of our leisure time outside it’s important to have a space that allows us to relax and entertain exactly how we want to,” says Phil Antcliff, director of Fifth Season Landscapes. “Having a well-designed entertaining area is about considering all the factors, such as space, budget and how you want to use your garden, deck or patio. By thinking all of this through before making any decisions, you can create the perfect outdoor entertaining area for you and your family.”

Outdoor Secrets landscape architect Isabel Rundle says that without a detailed, well-thought-out design, a family can miss out on many practical and aesthetic inclusions that could add value to their outdoor space — and mistakes can be made. “Incorrect placement of elements, for example, can lead to spaces that feel awkward and underwhelming, and extra costs when things have to be rectified later.

“The backyard is where most of our childhood memories are made and if you design a space that’s fit for purpose and always ready to be enjoyed by family and friends, then entertaining becomes easier for everyone, which in turn adds value to your lifestyle.”

THROUGHOUT THE SEASONS