OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING

Put another shrimp on the barbie as we delve into the world of outdoor entertaining. Think decks, pools and spas, outdoor saunas and whatever else you need to ensure alfresco success

Dip your toe into summer and enjoy the great Australian backyard with an outdoor entertaining area that will knock your thongs off. John Storch, landscape architect and principal at A Total Concept Landscape Architects, believes “the most important component of the design is to integrate and unify the flow of the entertaining area with the garden and the overall property, taking into account the lifestyle of the owner, the style of the house, all aesthetic and functional considerations such as associated use areas like swimming pools and tennis courts, to create a finished product that enhances a client’s lifestyle and adds immeasurable resale value to their homes.”

GETTING STARTED

Paramount to the success of any outdoor area is careful planning that considers the physical aspects and spatial parameters of the space. This includes everything from sun and shade requirements to noisy neighbors or raucous roads and the orientation of your outdoor space (eg, north-facing, south-facing etc).

With our love of outdoor living and entertaining in Australia, homeowners increasingly look to extend usage with outdoor rooms. This could be a fixed fabric-roofed structure with a steel frame or a contemporary-style verandah to which drop-down blinds, lights, heaters and fans can be added to provide comfort during all-weather events.

Whatever it is, consistency is king. To foster a sense of cohesion, be consistent with finishes and make sure they complement the style of the home and its interior colour and material schemes. “A continual flow of the same materials (such as paving, lighting or planting) is an imperative part of the design and will ensure the property reads as a whole and looks great,” John elaborates.