Do you often have visitors at your home? Do
you love cooking for people and entertaining? Are you looking to improve your
entertainment area or backyard to make it more ‘visitor friendly’? Here are three
suggestions on how to seriously your backyard’s usability and liveability.
1.
Defined spaces
One of the cardinal rules of design –
whether inside or outside the home – is to make your space functional. If we
were talking about computer software or a website, we’d use the expression
‘user-friendly’. It’s the same principle. When it comes to renovating or even
just reorganising a room or area; think about how you use or would like to use
that space.
A key way to enhance the
functionality of an area is to divide it up by use. When it comes to your
backyard or entertainment area, there are usually three ways people use that
space, and therefore, three distinct areas that we can create.
Firstly, it’s a great idea to have
a seated / lounge-type area where you can serve morning or afternoon teas or
cocktails! This is a more relaxed, informal area and for this space, an outdoor
sofa and coffee table is perfect.
The next area to focus on is
outdoor dining. Two major things to think about here are: 1) How often to do
entertain and do you need to upgrade to a bigger outdoor dining suite? Perhaps
you just need some folding chairs and tables to store away for when you need
them? 2) What style or theme are you going for out the back of your place?
Also, what is the vintage of your property? Make sure you either dress up an
old table and chairs or buy a new setting that ties in nicely with both. For a
great range and inspiration, check out www.barbequesgalore.com.au.
The last area you need to think
about for your backyard, is room to play and move. If you’ve got enough space,
dedicate a grassed area to a bit of backyard cricket -it’d be un-Australian not
too! But seriously, if kids are in the picture, having an area where they can
burn off their seemingly endless energy is critical. Even if you don’t have
kids, you’ve undoubtedly got friends and/or family who do. Having a green patch
to simply lie down on is also a great way just to relax.
2.Heating
There is nothing worse than going to a
party or social event during the colder months of the year and being cold! It’s
hard to enjoy yourself when you’re not comfortable, so make sure you do the
same for your guests. There are so many heating options available now, so make
sure you shop around and get the right advice on what will provide adequate
heat and coverage for your outdoor entertaining space.
3.
Outdoor kitchen
If you’re entertaining, you’d rather be
outside with your guests right? Sick of running in and out of the house to get
more supplies from the kitchen? Imagine if you could simply wander over to your
‘outdoor kitchen’ and get what you need? This creates a far more relaxing
atmosphere for everyone. What’s more, guests may even be able to go and serve
themselves from the outdoor kitchen, making them feel more at home and reducing
your workload! A happy host usually means happy guests!!
If you’re unlikely to be the next
family featured on some other crazy backyard make-over show, just make use of
some of the simple ideas above to transform your backyard into another room of
your house.
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