Adding a deck is a fantastic way to turn the outside space into a relaxing setting to escape to at the end of the week. It is also one of the most common renovations people in Australia do to their home. That being said, there is literally nothing better after a long week than unwinding with an outdoor alfresco dinner and enjoying the weather in comfort.
If you are designing your outdoor area or remodelling your outdoor space, here are 6 things to consider and keep in mind on your Renovator Store tours!.
Shade
This one is very essential, especially in Australia, when it gets sunny and warm in summer. It is crucial to get some shady cover to reduce the heat and glare outside.
Shading solutions can be permanent or flexible – depending on your budget and need for weather protection. If you want something economical, consider a shading solution that can be a part of the roofing solution or options like cloth. Think of battening made from aluminium. Think of a louvred roof. And think of growing options like a vine creeper.
Privacy
Privacy is an important factor to consider when designing an alfresco in Adelaide. Nobody wants to be overlooked by neighbours on the street. Having said that, there are a couple of ways by which you can add privacy to your outdoor area.
- Try to understand the view that neighbours might have of your place from above, and then consider your options – whether you want to counteract with roofs, screens or landscaping.
- Consider the height at which the onlooking can occur and the way you use your space. For instance, if most of the time, you will be sitting down in your outdoor area, privacy may just be required to that height, and not the entire way up.
Although keep in mind that there’s only a fine line between creating privacy and locking yourself in an enclosed space. Bringing the inside outside is what enhances the outdoor space, so work to give privacy, but not at the cost of cutting off that outdoor connection. It makes no sense at all.
Create An Outdoor Space For All Seasons
Creating outdoor spaces and decks that can be used all-year-round can improve the home’s livability, and expand its experience. There are a few ways in which this can be done.
If the winter sun is desirable, consider getting an opening and closing roof system. You can also put a heat source in the outdoor area — a pizza oven or a fireplace are some of the popular options. There are some great external heaters available in the market that can do a great job of heating in outdoor areas. For cooling in summer, install a fan.
Think About BBQs and Outdoor Kitchens
If you want to host parties and get-togethers in your outdoor area, think about cooking and access to food preparation areas.
This one is a no brainer. Make room for a BBQ or an outdoor kitchen. You can also consider locating your indoor kitchen near your deck. Hosting parties becomes easy when you are not weaving around the furniture to walk through to your kitchen.
Connect The Indoors With The Outdoors
Your outdoor area is a transition between your home and the outside world, so you will want it to integrate your alfresco area with the indoor living space as much as possible. This is essential because maximising your connection with the outside can expand the quality and environment of your home.
- Consider installing large sliding, folding or concertina glass doors that open up your living space to the outside.
- Another way to connect the indoors with the outdoors is to have the indoor space and outdoor space with the same heights.
Size It Right
When building an outdoor room, it is crucial to analyse how are you going to divide and use the space. Along with that, you must also consider the purpose of the outdoor space.
- If space is a constraint and you simply intend to create a casual outdoor lounge space, you might want to get a smaller table instead of a large one, or maybe some built-in seating, to increase the sense of the space.
- If you have a big space that you want to use for entertaining purposes, you might want to include a BBQ or an outdoor kitchen, and create enough room between the sitting and cooking areas.
Here you have it – Things to consider when designing an outdoor area.
Do you have some tips that can add value to this article? If yes, pop a comment in the section below. We would love to hear from you.
