5 Inspiring Ideas for your Outdoor Entertaining Area

By September 16, 2014 Outdoors No Comments

No matter the size your outdoors, it’s a space within your home you can capitalize on adding dollar value & lifestyle appeal to your property.

Embrace the Aussie lifestyle and start planning some of these ideas for your outdoors.

It’s Spring, nearly Summer, BBQ’s are fired up from their winter hibernation and the smell of fresh cut lawns are in the air.
Aussies love outdoor entertaining.  It’s the epitome of the Australian dream; friends and family coming together to share food, fun and laughter (and maybe some cheeky beverages).

Here are some inspiring and creative ways to give your outdoor entertaining space the wow factor.

Outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can be a simplistic construction or an elaborate one.

outdoor kit

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

Some may require a food prep area and spot to house the BBQ.  Whilst others may have on their wish list the full shebang; a sink, pizza oven, bar fridge and so on.  Be as creative or elaborate as you desire, or what your budget allows; either way your outdoor kitchen is sure to be an asset when entertaining.

outdoor kitchen2

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

Want something different – give your area personality with a tiled splashback using mosaics, patterned or colourful tiles.  Or continue the natural elements of the outdoors using stone.

outdoor kitchen

Above:  Mosaic splashback, photo via Pinterest

outdoor kitche

Above:  Tiled splashback, photo via Pinterest

Outdoor Flooring

Love the effect of decking, but prefer to be enjoying it rather than maintaining it?  Tile your outdoors with ceramic timber look tiles. With a vast array of styles and the look of authenticity, create the style you want whether it is a weathered reclaimed timber look, merbau, blackbutt or even a graphic coloured wood.  Many timber tiles replicate the textures and variations in natural timber with minimal to no repeated patterns.

TIP: Use the same timber look tile inside to create a seamless flow from inside to out, resulting in the illusion of a larger space.

outdoor floor

Above:  Photo via Pinterest, see more ceramic timber look tiles here.

Built in Bench Seating

When entertaining, you want guests to be comfortable and that includes plenty of seating.  Built in bench seating can be constructed in a combination of materials, some including stone, hardwood, brick and concrete. Use rendering or tiles to add colour to the finish.

bench seat

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

bench seat2

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

Bench seating can also be integrated into retaining walls or raised garden beds; mixing hardscaping with softscaping provides a balance to your space.  Be multi-functional and incorporate storage into your bench seating where outdoor throw cushions can be stored and easily accessed when visitors arrive.

bench seat3

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

Fire Pit

A fire pit is a great novelty in any backyard when entertaining – keep cozy when the sun sets, toast marshmallows with the kids, sit back with a glass of red and enjoy the ambiance.

firepit

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

Outdoor bar

With an outdoor bar, you may truly now be the place all your friends want to congregate on Saturday night – well that may also depend on who’s supplying the drinks.

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

There are many innovative ways to create an outdoor bar to suit your style and budget.  Build a freestanding or wall mounted bar, or if your budget permits, install a bi-folding window with servery mixing inside with out.

bar2

Above:  Photo via Pinterest

Implementing one or all of these ideas will have you and your guests enjoying your outdoors for hours, days and nights to come. These days, functional and multi-purpose outdoor areas are an integral part to home design and should not be overlooked.  Make good use of your livable outdoor space and reap the ongoing rewards.  Happy planning and be inspired on Pinterest.

By Hayley Norman

 

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About Hayley Norman

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