10 Backyard Additions to Get You Outdoors
Spend more time in your backyard as the warmer weather rolls in by making it the best 'room' of the house
Emily Hutchinson
22 September 2015
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra wow-factor to feature. I love hearing all about the design process behind these projects.
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff. I am always on the lookout for homes with that extra... More
Hands up if you’re ready for some hotter weather? Bid farewell to winter in Australia, and give spring a warm-hearted welcome. If you have a courtyard or backyard, now is the best time to start getting it ready for some lazy days outdoors. Here are some additions to make your outdoor space the place you’ll want to while away the hours in.
1. A fire pit
Take advantage of balmy nights and good company by entertaining guests in your backyard – and as the night progresses, pre-empt the falling temperature with a fire pit. You can pick them up at local hardware store, or have a go at making one yourself. They’re available in a range of styles – freestanding, tabletop and concrete – and price points.
Take advantage of balmy nights and good company by entertaining guests in your backyard – and as the night progresses, pre-empt the falling temperature with a fire pit. You can pick them up at local hardware store, or have a go at making one yourself. They’re available in a range of styles – freestanding, tabletop and concrete – and price points.
2. Comfy outdoor furniture
The key to not being tempted to go back indoors is to make the outdoors equally as comfortable. Couches, lounge chairs and coffee tables all suit the outdoors. Better yet, if you have the means to install a hammock, there’s no doubt you’ll stay out for longer.
To ensure your timber, wicker, fabric and metal outdoor furniture keep for longer and always look their best, take a look at this handy cleaning guide.
The key to not being tempted to go back indoors is to make the outdoors equally as comfortable. Couches, lounge chairs and coffee tables all suit the outdoors. Better yet, if you have the means to install a hammock, there’s no doubt you’ll stay out for longer.
To ensure your timber, wicker, fabric and metal outdoor furniture keep for longer and always look their best, take a look at this handy cleaning guide.
3. Outdoor rugs
If you want even more comfort, a rug is both soft underfoot and adds another layered texture to your outdoor area. Make sure you choose a material that can hold up against sun exposure, resist mould and can withstand high traffic. Natural fibres and synthetic coverings are your best options.
If you want even more comfort, a rug is both soft underfoot and adds another layered texture to your outdoor area. Make sure you choose a material that can hold up against sun exposure, resist mould and can withstand high traffic. Natural fibres and synthetic coverings are your best options.
4. An umbrella
The sun can pack some bite in the peak of summer and makes many of us cower indoors. If your backyard space is lacking in shade, invest in a sturdy outdoor umbrella. Always consider how much shade you need when choosing its size and where it’s going to go. For example, if you only have a small eating area you would like covered, it’s not worth bringing home a three-metre-tall umbrella.
The sun can pack some bite in the peak of summer and makes many of us cower indoors. If your backyard space is lacking in shade, invest in a sturdy outdoor umbrella. Always consider how much shade you need when choosing its size and where it’s going to go. For example, if you only have a small eating area you would like covered, it’s not worth bringing home a three-metre-tall umbrella.
5. A pergola
A pergola is a flexible option for those without verandahs in their outdoor space. You can also get pergolas with operable louvres, which means you can control the amount of sunlight coming through.
If you prefer a more traditional version, grow some creepers along the top. Devil’s ivy, creeping fig and Virginia creeper are all good options.
A pergola is a flexible option for those without verandahs in their outdoor space. You can also get pergolas with operable louvres, which means you can control the amount of sunlight coming through.
If you prefer a more traditional version, grow some creepers along the top. Devil’s ivy, creeping fig and Virginia creeper are all good options.
6. Foliage
When it’s a sweltering day, there’s nothing worse than being surrounded by concrete. The heat radiates from it and offers little to be inspired by. Try adding some foliage to your outdoor space. It not only absorbs some of the radiating heat, but also makes the area look more lush and inviting.
When it’s a sweltering day, there’s nothing worse than being surrounded by concrete. The heat radiates from it and offers little to be inspired by. Try adding some foliage to your outdoor space. It not only absorbs some of the radiating heat, but also makes the area look more lush and inviting.
7. A vegie garden
Need an excuse to be outside? What if your vegetables’ lives depended on it? Now is a great time to start planting your vegie garden so that it flourishes during the warmer months. Come summer, your fresh produce will need watering and harvesting, which will see you spending more time outdoors than you’d expect!
How to plant a vegie garden
Need an excuse to be outside? What if your vegetables’ lives depended on it? Now is a great time to start planting your vegie garden so that it flourishes during the warmer months. Come summer, your fresh produce will need watering and harvesting, which will see you spending more time outdoors than you’d expect!
How to plant a vegie garden
8. An outdoor kitchen
The smell of a sizzling barbecue can conjure up fond memories of summer for many people. But if you don’t want to stop at simply a barbecue, an outdoor kitchen could be the go-to room for outdoor entertaining. No need to run indoors for a cooking utensil or cold beer, the mini fridge and handy drawers have you covered for hours of outdoor time.
The smell of a sizzling barbecue can conjure up fond memories of summer for many people. But if you don’t want to stop at simply a barbecue, an outdoor kitchen could be the go-to room for outdoor entertaining. No need to run indoors for a cooking utensil or cold beer, the mini fridge and handy drawers have you covered for hours of outdoor time.
9. Lighting
If you love being in your backyard during the day, it can be even better when the sun goes down. The cooler temperatures at night make it a great hangout area and the right lighting makes it even more enjoyable. If you don’t have the funds for light installation, fairy lights or battery-powered candles will do the trick!
More reasons to use outdoor lighting
If you love being in your backyard during the day, it can be even better when the sun goes down. The cooler temperatures at night make it a great hangout area and the right lighting makes it even more enjoyable. If you don’t have the funds for light installation, fairy lights or battery-powered candles will do the trick!
More reasons to use outdoor lighting
10. A projector
Take advantage of bare outdoor walls on the exterior of your house and set up a projector, then invite your friends and family around for movie nights. Just remember to stock up on mosquito repellent or citronella candles.
If you don’t have the budget to buy a projector, you can rent them from companies such as ATS Rentals and Mr. Rental.
TELL US
What do you plan on adding to your backyard for the hotter weather? Let us know in the Comments.
MORE
17 Outstanding Outdoor Rooms
Give Me Shelter: 10 Ways to Take Cover Outdoors
Outdoor Living Rooms Come of Age
Take advantage of bare outdoor walls on the exterior of your house and set up a projector, then invite your friends and family around for movie nights. Just remember to stock up on mosquito repellent or citronella candles.
If you don’t have the budget to buy a projector, you can rent them from companies such as ATS Rentals and Mr. Rental.
TELL US
What do you plan on adding to your backyard for the hotter weather? Let us know in the Comments.
MORE
17 Outstanding Outdoor Rooms
Give Me Shelter: 10 Ways to Take Cover Outdoors
Outdoor Living Rooms Come of Age
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The Contour Bench is the perfect addition to your outdoor space.
The timber slats will blend well with your decking, beautifully offset by the white steel frame.
Please have a look at our site for a closer look:
www.FORRESTdesigns.com.au
Contour Bench · More Info
Contour Bench · More Info
Contour Bench · More Info
'The Contour Bench' is a sleek, elegant and sculptural design perfect for any indoor or outdoor space.
The bench floats above the ground, cantilevered by a steel frame.
The minimalist design surprises and delights from multiple viewing angles.