This summer, don’t just lurk inside your house surrounded by electric fans. Instead, bring some fresh air inside without battling the elements.

Creating the perfect outdoor area isn’t just a matter of setting up a banana lounge and a beach umbrella in your backyard.

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Burbank Homes displays presentation co-ordinator Jacqui Mallia says it’s important to consider functionality and fluidity when seeking to seamlessly combine your indoor and outdoor zones.

Ensure you’re protected from bad weather. Photo: Shutterstock

“The first thing to consider is the function of the area and how to make that work within your space constraints before tackling how to integrate these two separate spaces,” Ms Mallia says.

While many householders have traditionally used the indoor-outdoor zone as an alfresco dining space, more and more variation is starting to appear including everything from complete outdoor kitchens and barbecue areas to outdoor cinemas and quiet retreats in which to kick back after a long, hard day.

Weather-proof

Ms Mallia says whatever option the homeowner decides on it’s vital to consider the essentials.

“Does the space have access to water and power if required?’’ she asks. “And has it been furnished in a way that protects it from different weather conditions?”

The interior designer believes “weather-proof UV-resistant furnishings’’ should be at the top of the list when fashioning an indoor-outdoor space.

Valerio Cupellini, owner and designer at Red Interior Design in Melbourne, concurs it’s crucial to ensure your space is usable year-round.

“It ends up being a bit of a wasted space if you’re not able to use it when the weather turns,” Mr Cupellini says.

“There are a lot of products on the market which can be permanently left out to the elements which have synthetic fibres and mould-resistant fabrics. That way you don’t need to worry about bringing them inside when it rains.”

Meanwhile, Ms Mallia also says the look and feel of the space is important.

Plants can lift both indoor and outdoor spaces. Photo: Shutterstock

“Multi-functional furniture that is flexible and can be moved around will appeal to changing family dynamics while built-in furniture can double as clever storage spaces. Create warmth with different textures by adding an outdoor rug and patterned cushions for some interest.”

Fairy lights are also a great way to add depth and intimacy to a sprawling outdoor area.

Get green

Another way to lift the look and feel of the space is to add greenery.

“Vertical wall planters or ceramic hanging pots are both low-maintenance ways to add pops of greenery while also being used to separate an alfresco area from the rest of the back yard,’’ Ms Mallia says.

The Burbank spokesperson adds that for those without green thumbs, a similar effect can be gained by using natural colours such as greens and browns to heighten the impression of the outdoors.

“Bifold doors effortlessly open up the two different areas while levelled flooring will afford a smoother integration between them,’’ she says.

“Purpose-built floor coverings that have the look of the indoors with durability for the outdoors, such as slip-resistant tiles, are also a great way to make the space feel more harmonious.’’

Invest in statement pieces

If you really want to set your space apart from the average sungarden, consider an investment piece.

“You might want something like an outdoor barbeque with a kitchen attached so you can do all your food prep outdoors,” Mr Cupellini suggests.

“You could also incorporate refrigeration outside too with a drinks fridge.

Bring the inside out to stay on trend. Photo: Shutterstock

“Another thing people are looking at are weatherproof speakers and also putting televisions outside in a covered area.”

Ms Mallia suggests as a final touch householders might also install indoor pieces such as wall hangings or mirrors into the open-air area “to help blur the lines’’ between the indoors and outdoors.

Trends to consider

Fabrics: “Particularly with furniture there seems to be a movement away from woven wicker products to more fabric type products,” Mr Cupellini says.

Clean lines: Think sleek, streamlined pieces rather than wrought-iron or woven items.

Copy cat design: “People are trying to replicate their indoor living space outdoors,” Mr Cupellini says. “It’s about bringing that indoors outside. You want to have shade and feel comfortable. Things like outdoor rugs take the edge off hard finishes.”

– with Ebony Bowden

This story was brought to you by The New Daily using data and other information from its real estate content partner, realestateVIEW.com.au.
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