15 Tips For A Well Designed Outdoor Space

The Blocks 15 Tips for a well-designed outdoor space:

1. Allocate the funds for your outdoor area
Outdoor areas are often the last thing we think about when renovating - often there’s no money left in the kitty to make it look sensational. But we can’t stress this enough - allocating enough in your initial budget to cover landscaping is essential. After all - in a country like Australia, chances are you’ll be spending a LOT of time outside. And if you’re renovating to sell, your buyer is going to pay BIG bucks to buy themselves a slice of the paradise you’ve created.

2. Hire a landscape professional
Where possible, hire a qualified landscape designer or architect to help execute your ideas. While we’re all for doing-it-yourself, in this particular area it pays to get the professionals in. “A landscape designer is very much like a builder, in my view - someone whose skill set is way beyond just design,” The Block’s head honcho, Julian Cress, recently told Domain.

3. Think about WHO will be using the outdoor space
Are you renovating a large family home? Perhaps you’re doing a small-scale reno on an apartment or townhouse? Whatever your circumstances, before you begin, think about who will be using the space. If you have a young family - or are trying to attract that buyer - you might want to include a grassed area. While fake grass looks great, it can get very hot in summer, so you’ll want to keep this in mind. Likewise, if you’re trying to appeal to young professionals, think about how they’ll want to use the area

4. Get comfy in your outdoor space
First and foremost your outdoor space should be an area you WANT to spend time in - so make it as inviting and comfortable as possible. Spend money on good quality outdoor furniture. It doesn’t have to be designer - just opt for comfort, as well as function. Outdoor furniture has come a long way since the days of uncomfortable foldable chairs

5. Create an additional outdoor living area
We’re always banging on about this, but remember that your outdoor area can effectively become another living area when designed right. If you’re planning to incorporate bi-fold doors or moveable glass, make sure you blend your indoor/outdoor seamlessly

6. Think about outdoor warmth
Outdoor areas are great in summer, but to maximise the potential of your outdoor space you’ll want to facilitate their use all year round. A roaring open fire incorporated into the design is a great way to do this, as is a fire pit placed strategically at a conversational area, making it a focal point. 

7. Get creative with your outdoor plants
If you’re landscaping - the sky’s the limit! Landscape designers will have a great idea of which plants will suit the space you’re working on. But if budget is a concern and you want to have a go yourself, think about ways you can incorporate plants in a variety of heights.

8. Accessorise your outdoor area
Your outdoor entertaining area doesn’t have to be a wasteland of durable beige-hued furniture - get creative! There are lots of beautiful outdoor cushions, throws, umbrellas and rugs available - you can constantly reinvigorate the area by changing things up and moving them around.

9. Create cosy nooks outside
If you’ve got the space, make your outdoor area a veritable treasure trove of secret nooks and crannies. Think about allocating different ‘zones’, each with its own purpose. For example, you might have your entertaining space, but also a space for lounging and reading. 

10. Light up your outdoor space
Choosing good lighting for your outdoor spaces is important - and can also have a dramatic effect when used properly. Strategically placing lighting at the front of your home, for instance, can not only serve a functional purpose, but also give your house - or a focal point in the yard, like a tree - a dramatic impact. 

11. Get native
We love a native garden, especially if your home is in the inner city - they’re a great way to attract native birds back to the area, and provide them with safe nesting spaces. 

12. Make it edible
In this day and age, maximising your garden’s ability to feed you just makes sense. Even if you have a tiny balcony, you can still have a crack at growing your own fruit and veggies - dwarf lemon trees are particularly great in pots, as are cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

13. Garden border patrol
A great way to provide structure to your garden, and a focal point, is to include ‘border plants’. These are the plants used to spruce up walkways, and help define different areas in your garden.

14. Consider outdoor furniture built-in options
You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune on outdoor furniture - if you know a good chippy or builder, think about hiring them to create bespoke pieces of furniture for your garden. Think concrete tables, wooden benches, or built-in seating.

15. Put in a outdoor pool
OK, so this one is obviously for those with two things in their favour - space, and moolah! It goes without saying that pools can add considerable value to a home. And if you’ve got the room - and the cash - it’s well worth including them.

Source: HOME INSPIRATION, DIY, THE BLOCK