We've experienced a pivotal shift in how we live within our homes, with the past few years giving us clarity on what we want from our spaces. And with our beautiful Australian climate, the desire for indoor-outdoor living is top priority.
"People are in their homes a lot more and want them to become sanctuaries. Being able to extend or make the most of your outdoor space is vital to that," explains interior stylist Chloe Simpson.
"People really want to feel that connection to nature; it grounds us."
Here are her tips for renovating your home with alfresco living in mind.
Work out your zones
According to Simpson, the first thing to do is survey your space to see what is functionally possible.
"Think about what you want from the area – do you want to be able to cook outside, or simply to eat or relax? Then consider how much space you have to play with in order to decide which needs can be met," she explains.
"Spatial planning will determine what you can do. It will also help with 'zoning' the outdoors. This involves where it would make sense to place the outdoor kitchen and how that correlates to a dining or living zone."
Create a seamless transition
"When it comes to opening up the indoors to the outdoors, the key component is glass doors, whether they're sliding or bi-fold," advises Simpson.
Glass doors create a seamless transition between the two areas and are a clever way to include an exterior wall that doesn't compromise views, while also allowing flexibility in your floor plan.
Use consistent finishes
Create a unified look and feel between your inside and outside spaces, which can be achieved through a consistent design theme.
"Consider the finishes, whether it be the flooring, the outdoor cabinetry or furniture. They need to tie into your existing indoor palette to create flow," says Simpson.
"For example, if you have timber floorboards inside you may want to do weather-resistant timber decking that ties in. This helps it feel like one large zone going from indoors to outdoors."
The other option to create cohesion is to mix materials but match tone.
"Tone is really important. If you have light blonde or warm honey timber flooring inside, for example, picking that warmth up in a travertine stone paver outside is perfect," explain Simpson.
Add the ambiance of a warm fire
Year-round entertainment is immediately enhanced by the addition of a natural gas fireplace or fire pit.
A stylish double-sided fireplace can serve as a design showpiece that brings instant warmth and ambiance to your alfresco living space, while also creating a meeting point that draws people.
"It's a nice way to get family and friends together, have a meal, enjoy a glass of wine; a focal point in the outdoor zone where you gather," adds Simpson.
Provide a shade system
Ensure you create cover so that you can use the area year-round.
"Adding a ceiling is not only a practical feature for shade purposes but it's also a physical extension of your main home to the outdoors. And if you can't do that, look into an awning, pergola or some kind of shade system," explains Simpson.
Include the right appliances
If you're lucky enough to have the space for an outdoor kitchen, the right appliances will elevate your lifestyle and enjoyment factor.
"If you're thinking about turning part of your outdoor area into a kitchen zone then you'll want to consider what appliances you'll need to help facilitate that, such as a BBQ, woodfired pizza oven, drinks fridge or even a wine cooler," says Simpson.
New technology such as natural gas infrared BBQs are great for steak lovers and wannabe chefs, as they can reach high temperatures quickly, cook evenly and give food the perfect char effect.
Set the mood with lighting
Simpson suggests incorporating lighting in clever ways to help delineate your zones.
"If you're going to add a ceiling to your outdoor area, you could install dimmable down lights over each zone; or a feature pendant that will sit over the dining zone and anchor the table," she offers.
No matter how you decide to light your alfresco area, Simpson says to "always opt for warm lighting."
And for those without the option of a physical ceiling, you can still create outdoor magic, says Simpson: "IP-rated festoon lights can inject playfulness and charm to any alfresco space."