Create an outdoor space your family will love to spend time in.
Regardless of the size of your back yard, having a space to entertain friends and family seems to be a goal we all share. Whether you already have a backyard space you enjoy using, or a blank canvas you want to transform; an outdoor entertaining oasis is perfectly achievable when keeping a few simple tips in mind.
Planning your outdoor entertaining area’s layout is key.
Thinking through how you want to use your outdoor space, and more honestly how realistically you will use it has to be the first thing you do. Don’t head out to buy anything and think you’ll work out how it’ll all come together as you go – you won’t!!
Rather go overboard on the planning phase with researching what size furniture will fit best and how much room you need to move around comfortably (including in and out of the doors linking your indoor/outdoor spaces). Then you can make your lists of things to purchase with confidence, no unnecessary returns for you!
This design included an outdoor bar area that needed stool seating, and an outdoor spa (next level!!) Note now the dining zone is placed close to the door leading to the kitchen for practicality.
Here’s another layout option for the same space, this time with different furniture options including a super comfortable egg chair.
These layouts are some examples of how you can play with your layout to create what suits your space best. Considerations such as the orientation of your outdoor entertaining space, the amount of natural light it receives, and at what times in the day, will make the difference between a space that looks ‘pretty’ and a place that is actually joyful to spend time in.
On a practical note, often choosing the placement of your dining zone (and how it connects to the place that your food & beverages will be served from) first is most helpful. Once you’ve landed on that, you can then move onto the placement of your lounge areas within the space.
Your outdoor entertaining area needs seating areas.
Just like your lounge room, your outdoor entertaining area needs zoned spaces for seating to function well. If you have a large deck for example, it’s all the more important to break this area into smaller, cosier and more intimate areas for your guests to enjoy. You may well choose to do this with designated dining and lounging areas that feel deliberate and in proportion to the overall area you are working with.
Thinking about the sizes of your furniture choices are important here. You want to prevent the spaces feeling either cramped with oversized modular sofas, or on the flip side, feeling like doll’s furniture floating in the huge expanse of decking due seating that feels way too small.
Some seating options at different price points. These have all been chosen for their suitability for outdoors.
As you can see, there are lots of different outdoor table options! Choose one that complements but doesn’t mimic your indoor dining table for a layered look
Here’s some dining seating ideas to show you how different materials, colours and textures can go together to create a cohesive space that links to your indoor style. Keeping these styles similar helps with the visual connection between inside and out, and helps everything to flow and feel larger.
Whatever your personal style, remember to mix textures and materials to keep things interesting and authentic – the aim isn’t for your guests and family to feel like they’re sitting in an outdoor furniture catalogue after all.
The little extras truly make your outdoor entertaining area feel delightful.
Now that you have your key big-ticket items in place, it’s time to consider all the small details that make your outdoor area a place where people want to linger.
Even with the perfectly proportioned furniture, appropriately chosen outdoor fabrics/materials, and all placed in the best possible positions due to the orientation of your home - without those finishing details your outdoor entertaining space will still end up feeling quite flat and lifeless (no!!!). My advice? Don’t skimp on the small but key details like:
Adequate lighting for eating.
Mood lighting for atmosphere and relaxing
Thoughtfully chosen crockery and table styling items (like napkins, table runners, candles)
Scented candles or incense for bugs prevention
Potted plants as part of your outdoor scheme (either in pots, vertical gardens or hedging plants close to your seating zones)
Outdoor rugs for zoning the different areas
Cushions and throws
Music
Shading options using umbrellas or shade cloths
Yes, outdoor rugs are a thing! They are versatile and hardy for outdoor environments, on top of that they are the best thing for zoning your spaces for a grounded and homely feel.
Even a small outdoor entertaining area can be beautiful and inviting, when styled thoughtfully.
All the small details do matter and help to create an outdoor space that actually feels like an extension of your home.
When it comes to creating a charming outdoor entertaining space for and your family, follow these simple guidelines and you’ll be well on your way. There’s nothing better than being out in your garden and hosting those you love, and now you can feel more confident doing just that!
Need a bit of help pulling your entertaining space together, or like someone to be a sounding board to your ideas? You know I’d love to help! Drop me an email at hello@designrelease.com.au or schedule a call with me on my contact page. Happy entertaining!