There’s nothing quite as enjoyable and relaxing as spending time outdoors in the comfort of one’s home. And while summer’s the perfect time to host little alfresco get-togethers with friends and family, there’s no reason to limit the use of your outdoor space the rest of the year.
With a few touches and smart modifications, you’ll find more reasons to unwind and enjoy your outdoor space all year round. To get you started on this project, here are five of the best outdoor alfresco design ideas for 2024.
1. Install an Outdoor Kitchen
What alfresco design would be complete without a kitchen to match?
An outdoor kitchen promises you years of enjoyment — including backyard BBQs, parties, and get-togethers. If your outdoor kitchen is located right next to your indoor kitchen, you can do away with purchasing an extra fridge or freezer. You’ll probably do okay with a grill, power burner, and a sink.
Of course, if you want an outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles, and you have the space and budget for it, by all means, go ahead. You can include a built-in BBQ, smoker, bar fridge, warming drawers, and built-in rubbish bin. This way, you’ll probably turn your outdoor space into your year-round breakfast, lunch, and dinner area.
However, remember to choose durable appliances that are easy to maintain and specifically designed for long-term outdoor use.
2. Add Shade and Shelter
All alfresco designs begin with getting a reliable shady cover for your outdoor living area. This way, you’re protected from what could be harsh sunny afternoons in Australia, particularly during the summer. What’s important here is that you have a structure that provides adequate cover and protection from the elements all year round.
You have the option to install permanent (e.g., patio, porch, deck) or flexible shade or weather protection structures, such as timber or aluminium battening, covers, awnings, umbrellas, pergolas, shade cloth, and canopies.
You can also plant vines or creepers that’ll grow into natural shades in the future.
Whichever shade you choose, it should not only fit the outdoor theme or design but also be durable and easy to maintain. With the right structure providing shade and shelter, you’ll be getting the most out of your home exterior.
3. Furnish Your Outdoor Area
You can bring the inside out by adding a touch of romance and utility to your outdoor space, including your garden. Furnish it with high-quality outdoor furniture that’s guaranteed to hold up to the elements, including dust, sunlight, dirt, wind, and rain.
As much as possible, choose wood, wicker, plastic, and aluminium outdoor furnishings. Consider their care and maintenance to ensure their longevity.
Decorate the area with some of your favourite art and integrate a few blooms and creeping plants. You can turn your outdoor space into your nighttime haunt as well by adding a fire pit, fairy lights, and mood lighting.
4. Paint it Green
Well, not literally ‘paint it green’ — more like introducing fresh, natural plants that’ll enhance the tranquil atmosphere in your outdoor seating area. After all, plants are integral to outdoor alfresco designs — and for good reason. Plants not only beautify a space but also add texture, depth, and colour.
Whatever your plant selection, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers (think orchids and bromeliads) or lush greenery the moment you step into your alfresco area.
Plants like various types of palm, ficus, and ferns not only freshen the air but also provide privacy and some shade. You can also include low -maintenance plants to add a touch of variety. Another thing you can consider to go all-out zen is to have a water feature or two with your garden.
Even your guests will probably not want to leave once they experience the joy of cooking and dining with the freshness of nature all around!
5. Keep Things Flexible
When it comes to outdoor furnishings, nothing’s really set in stone.
You can swap out some items based on your changing needs for each season. Pillows, rugs, throws, lamps, container plants, and side tables can all be added, moved around, removed, and repurposed as you wish. So, always keep versatility in mind in your outdoor furnishing purchases.
To ensure your outdoor space remains a viable and cosy hangout during chilly winters, you can install a heating source to counteract the cold. Aside from installing a fire pit, you can also choose to have an outdoor fireplace or a patio heater.
With outdoor heating, you’ll be improving the usability and liveability of your alfresco area too.
Enjoy Alfresco Living All Year Round
Having your own furnished alfresco area not only provides you with more living and entertaining space. It also gives you more opportunities to simply switch off, relax, and relish the joy of staying outdoors, ensconced in your own private haven.
Your alfresco area is the ideal space for BBQs, lunch and dinner parties, and cosy family time. It could also be your quiet spot where you can read your favourite book in peace. You’ll also have a place to get your tan on, in the safety of your own home.
Whatever your reason for wanting to upgrade your backyard space or home exterior, you can use the alfresco ideas shared here for inspiration.
If you’re wanting to spend more time outside your home and enjoying the outdoors, contact The Outdoor Chef. We are your one-stop-shop for all your outdoor cooking needs, including Weber BBQs, outdoor kitchens, bar fridges, smokers, fire pits, charcoal, knives, speciality condiments and more!
If you'd like to place an order, look through our inventory, or ask any questions you may have — feel free to stop by our store on 17 Injune Way in Joondalup or our store in Osborne Park at 1/392 Scarborough Beach Road, give us a call on (08) 9217 7473 or fill out our convenient online form today!