Regardless of the size of your back yard, having a space to entertain friends and family seems to be a goal we all share.
An outdoor entertaining oasis is perfectly achievable when keeping a few simple interior design tips in mind.
Interior Design by The Habitat Collective. Photography by Christine Michelle.
This outdoor area has been designed to comfortably fit both dining and lounge zones that feel connected, but not cramped. This results in a space that is a pleasure to use every time.
Plan the layout your outdoor entertaining area.
Thinking through how you want to use your outdoor space, and more realistically how you will use this area has to be the first thing you do for a well designed outdoor space. Don’t head out to buy items and think you’ll work out how they’ll all fit together later – you won’t!!
Over emphasise the planning phase with any interior or exterior design project to ensure you get it just right for your needs. Spend time 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!
Tips
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.
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.
After you’ve planned the dining zone, you can then move onto the placement of your lounge areas within the space.
Stylist Kristin Rawson. Photography by Maree Homer.
Here’s a great example of a space that has been designed with multiple seating ‘zones’ - dining, relaxing and pool side seating all add to how this space functions as a whole.
2. Create zones for a well designed outdoor area.
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 design 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.
Tips
Create a cohesive space that links to your interior design style. This produces a visual connection between inside and out, and helps everything to flow and feel larger.
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.
Landscape Design by Julian Bombardiere.
Designing extra entertaining areas such as a fire pit or pool side seating adds further possibilities and caters for larger groups more comfortably.
3. Don’t skimp on styling items and finishing touches.
Now that you have your key big-ticket items in place, it’s time to think like an interior designer and consider all the small details that make your outdoor area a place where people want to linger.
Even with perfectly proportioned furniture all placed in the best possible layout due to the orientation of your home - without the all important finishing details your outdoor entertaining space will still end up feeling quite flat and lifeless.
My design 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
Interior Design by Ebony Hipwood. Photography by Louise Roche.
This space is a lovely example of using a rug, plants and soft furnishings to create a cosy zone within all the hard landscaping that guest will gather and linger in.
When it comes to creating a charming, well designed outdoor entertaining space for and your family, follow these 3 simple design tips 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!