Whether you’re an outdoors person or not, there’s no denying the appeal of a well-created backyard space. With the right approach, your backyard space can be just as inviting as your cosy living room.
Luckily, changing your backyard space can be as simple as putting up a gazebo with an alfresco table. Or you could simply invest in the outdoor blinds Melbourne residents are adding to their patio areas. There’s no shortage of ideas for sprucing up your outdoor entertainment area and we share the top ones that are trending this year.
Create a Cosy Outdoor Space in a Few Simple Steps
The best news about creating your backyard space is—you don’t need a massive budget to do it. All it takes is a little bit of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking and you’ll have a unique space that your family and friends will love visiting.
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Add Blinds to Your Patio Area
Have your outdoor area protected, without losing the idea of being ‘outside’. For example, if you have a patio or deck area that forms part of your outdoor space, consider adding motorised outdoor blinds. This adds versatility to the space, so you’ll utilise it much more often.
Blinds on your patio enable you to use the space all year round without the hindrance of bugs, weather or nosy neighbours. It’s also an excellent way to protect any furniture or appliances you keep on the patio.
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Include a Fire Pit
For the summer nights when the gang doesn’t feel like sitting on the patio, it may be a good idea to create a section where you can build a fire pit. Build your fire pit on a gravel surface to avoid any fire-related accidents. Be sure to include comfy seating and a few small tables between the chairs for drinks and snacks.
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Spruce up the Seating
Matching chairs and perfectly colour-coordinated slipcovers might look stylish in the living room, but they can be a bit stifling around your fire pit. Time for the outside-the-box thinking part of your décor plan. Consider the following ideas:
- Swing sofas
- One or two hammocks if you have the trees to support them
- Sweetheart benches
- Comfy chairs with brightly coloured, oversized cushions—any designs welcome!
- For people who don’t want to sit in chairs—blankets with comfy cushions to lie on
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Hang String Lights
Lighting is important for those late summer nights when the fun goes on until late. However, strong motion sensor lights will just spoil the mood. Why not invest in cost-effective string lights and hang them all over the patio, facing outward? That should provide striking, yet discreet, lighting to your outdoor space.
String lights can also be draped across gazebos, trees or even pergolas to create the perfect ambience. Since they come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and designs it’s easy to find the perfect string for your outdoor theme.
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Opt for a Viking Table and Bench
Every outdoor space needs a table where your guests can enjoy the delicious meals you’ve cooked up on your new grill. Instead of buying a run-of-the-mill table and chairs, opt for a Viking table and benches.
Viking tables are simple, but durable wooden tables with backless benches where your guests can sit during the meal. You can keep your Viking table as simple as it comes or spruce it up with table cloths and bright kitchenware.
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Add Natural Colour
Part of an enjoyable outdoor experience stems from the décor being as natural as possible. After all, it shouldn’t feel as though you’ve brought your living room outside.
An easy way to achieve this is to opt for natural colour. Plant brightly coloured native shrubs and blooms at different heights in the space. Use planter boxes, oddly shaped flowerpots and hanging plant baskets to spread colour all around.
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Provide Paths
To protect your lawn and garden from foot traffic, it’s always a good idea to incorporate stone or gravel paths. Not only will they add to your outdoor décor but it’s an excellent way to tie everything together. You can also add solar garden lights along the paths so that guests can easily see where they’re going.
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Prune Trees to Frame the Space
If you have trees around (or in) your outdoor space, you should prune them higher up than you would the other trees in your yard. This will not only look neater but will prevent taller guests from having to duck around branches.
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Add Small, Personal Touches
For another way to enhance the feeling of getting back to nature, consider adding bird feeders, bird baths, solar outdoor lights and garden decorations. Opt for items that show off your unique personality, so you’ll enjoy spending time there.
Final Thought
An inviting and comfortable outdoor space provides the perfect setting for a summer night hang-out; especially on those evenings when no one wants to be in the stuffy interior spaces. Creating the perfect outdoor space will ensure that your outdoor space becomes everyone’s favourite home away from home this year!
