The humble backyard BBQ – Dad burning the snags, sorry, we mean turning the snags, Mum tossing up a salad, family and friends surrounding. There’s something so timeless about this Aussie family favourite.
But outdoor cooking and dining has evolved over time. Don’t get us wrong, it’s still Dad’s domain, but we think it’s time the BBQ area got an upgrade! In this blog, we’ll show you how to create the ultimate outdoor living space for Dad to reign supreme – with as much luxury and high-tech gadgets as his imagination and budget allows.
Here are 5 design features to add to Dad’s alfresco wish-list:
- Full outdoor cooking zone
There are so many options for outdoor cooking beyond the humble Aussie BBQ.
Bring the kitchen outside with a built-in cooking zone complete with BBQ, bench space, plumbing, fridge, and maybe even a dishwasher!
Choose good quality appliances designed to withstand all weather conditions and surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain.
- Shade from sun, wind and rain
Create a space or outdoor room that can be used in any season by giving serious thought to the roof.
Retractable blinds provide the perfect solution to blocking the sun in summer and letting more light into your home during the winter.
Plant shady trees like palms or Japanese maples and layer with evergreen plantings in pots to provide extra cover and a lush green backdrop
- Heating and Cooling
Go a step further to make it a truly all year round living space with built-in heating and cooling options.
A ceiling fan or two would be a great idea to keep the air circulating on a hot summer’s day.
A built-in fireplace creates a beautiful toasty atmosphere for the cooler months – imagine curling up on the outdoor lounge enjoying a glass of wine while the kids toast marshmallows mere steps from your home!
For all the benefits of an open fire on a budget, consider a fire pit or chiminea. Or for great heat with far less cleaning up, there is a huge range of attractive freestanding patio heaters to choose from.
- Outdoor Lounge
Add luxury and comfort to your space with an outdoor lounge set.
Choose easy-care pieces that don’t need regular cleaning and can take whatever conditions the harsh Australian climate throws at them.
Materials such as teak, cedar and weather cane are all good options. And stick with neutral or coloured fabric covers and cushions that won’t absorb rain or fade in the sun.
- Outdoor lighting
Lighting is crucial to finishing off your alfresco living space. The key is to give yourself multiple options so that you can light the space depending on how and where it’s needed.
Include multiple downlights over your cooking and dining areas that can be dimmed after eating to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Build on the ambiance with soft, indirect lighting – deck lights, wall lights shining up or down and spotlights lighting the garden.
