Whether you’re an avid entertainer, or you just love the thought of relaxing in your very own outdoor oasis, there’s a lot to love about outdoor living. A well-designed outdoor area effectively becomes another room in the house; and with a few simple tips, you can extend the use you get from it throughout the year.

Here are the hottest trends to help you set up an outdoor area for maximum functionality, usefulness and ‘wow’ factor:

Cover all bases.

There’s a lot to be said for covered outdoor areas – particularly in Melbourne and southern Victoria where the weather can be fickle to say the least! And we’re not just talking about a surprise thunderstorm; these days it’s just as important to avoid the baking hot sun on scorching summer days, particularly to stop kids getting sunburnt. To keep your family and guests dry, or avoid heatstroke, a large covered outdoor area will give you lots of options.

Fly away!

Aussies love the outdoors. Flies and mosquitoes, not so much. Installing a fan keeps flies away as well as providing relief on hot summer days.

BBQ bliss

If you’re going to have an outdoor area, you may as well do it right! For most of us, that means a robust barbecue setup that’s good to go at a moment’s notice. Avoid the camping vibe (and the hassle of filling, storing and testing portable gas bottles) – create a permanent BBQ setup (and a better barbie experience) by installing gas points and hot and cold taps.

Fire pit!

Need we say more? Nothing says ‘outdoor living heaven’ like an outdoor fire. It provides warmth, comfort, light and a beautiful spectacle. Light it up and watch the conversation flow! Forget those 44-gallon drums cut in half – there is an incredible array of fire pit designs that border on artistic creations.

Blurring the indoor / outdoor divide

There’s a huge trend to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Big windows and natural light overlooking your backyard help bring the outdoors inside. And large sliding doors connect the two spaces, providing a seamless transition from inside to outside so you can maximise your outdoor enjoyment time.

Start your journey

Make your home journey a reality with Fairhaven Homes. We’re here to guide you through the home-building maze so you can move into your dream home sooner, with less stress and more confidence.

For expert advice on outdoor living, and all other aspects of your new home, book a consultation with one of our New Home Consultants or call us: 1800 Fairhaven (1800 324 742)