There’s no arguing that Australia is blessed with one of the best climates in the world.
Even in winter, midday temperatures are sufficiently pleasant in most areas that you can enjoy the odd barbecue outdoors with family and friends. That’s why we refuse to let go of the traditional Sunday brunch, even when winter is at its coldest in the months of July and August.
To experience that intrinsically Australian experience, it’s important to create a comfortable and attractive outdoor environment at home – a sanctuary for relaxing at home in style and rejoicing in the winter sunshine. Of course you can spend many joyful hours in the same space when summer returns.
Extending your dining and entertaining areas to your outdoor space will not only help you maximise your hours ‘al fresco’, it will also add a significant amount of value to your property.
Outdoor entertainment areas help sell property
Property buyers these days are not only looking for a house with a well laid-out, stylish interior. High on their priority list is an outdoor entertainment area that can become the focal point of their new home.
That’s good news for you if you are thinking about selling your property in the long term. Along with other renovations and additions, upgrading an existing outdoor area to a practical and attractive entertainment area could add significantly to your home’s present value.
So don’t forget that investing in your home’s outdoor space will not only bring many happy hours to you and your family, but it will also deliver additional financial returns if or when the property is put on the market.
So how do you improve your outdoor living space and turn it into a sanctuary for your family and a potential source of investment return?
Thomson’s Outdoor Pine has some suggestions to get you started.
Decks
Before you unleash your inner creative landscaping genius, think about the best way to marry the new outdoor area with the style of your existing home. The last thing you want is a mismatch of styles that does not reflect the overall sense of aesthetics of the building and disrupts your home’s balance.
Once you have a homogenous scheme in mind, your next step is to ensure your outdoor area becomes an instant extension of your indoor dining and living areas.
To achieve a harmonious flowing effect, there is nothing like the natural feel of timber decking. A classic timber flooring and decking and floor to ceiling bi-fold doors will open outdoor to indoor space and add maximum light and airiness to any home. A smooth transition can be enhanced by finishing the inside floors flush with the internal sill of the doors, providing weather protection whilst maximising the flow of the space.
Screens
Once you are satisfied with the space to be created by your timber deck, it’s time to work on the borders, particularly if your view or surroundings are not too appealing and need concealing.
Installing attractive treated timber or painted screen structures to create interesting borders will not only camouflage less than beautiful views but it will also provide privacy and a seamless boundary to your backyard oasis.
There are a number of screen options to choose from including timber privacy screens, timber louvres, horizontal timber slats and bamboo screening.
You can enhance the wow factor of any of these screens by installing lights to illuminate the seating area and add ambience after dark. Remember that night time illumination does not have to match the same level of brightness as interior lighting. A good goal is to mimic the light levels typically provided by a full moon.
Pergolas
Freestanding or attached to your home, pergolas provide shelter from inclement weather and block excessive sun while ensuring your deck or patio area is in full-use all year round.
When planning the installation of your pergola, first determine its use as this can, at times, affect the design. Covered pergolas, for instance, will need lighting, heating, ceiling fans and furnishings to be safeguarded from the elements so be sure to take all your design components into consideration.
Thomson’s Outdoor Pine offers an extensive range of high quality timber pergolas in Sydney as well as do-it-yourself pergola kits and pergola roof covering materials available in a wide selection of COLORBOND® or clear and tinted heat-resistant polycarbonate sheeting. Talking to Thompson’s expert team will help you determine the type of structure and timber that best matches your outdoor space and vision.
Railings
Handrails and balustrades are not only essential safety components of decks and stairways but they can also contribute to the overall design of your home.
You can enhance the appearance of your deck, balcony or pergola with a contemporary formal look by using stainless steel wires, decorative timber or horizontal timber slats. Click here for more examples.
Remember to always take into account the Building Code of Australia’s regulations when designing your railings which require a minimum height of one metre. To find out about other compliance requirements for safety railings talk to the experienced team at Thomson’s Outdoor Pine.
Lattice screens and outdoor decorations
It’s time to dress up your outdoor oasis. Timber Lattice is the perfect way to enliven a garden or outdoor area, adding a neat and formal look to any landscape.
Vacant spaces and unattractive areas can be immediately transformed to become the main feature of your garden, using framed lattice. Grow a few climbing plants over the lattice, add a tranquil water feature, a rustic bench or statuettes and you will enjoy the peace and calmness of this newly created feature.
There are a myriad of elements you can use to add aesthetic and financial value to your outdoor oasis. Gazebos, thatches, outdoor furniture, fabrics, colourful cushions, lighting, heating, cooking furniture, shrubs hung in planters, table vases of flowers and potted greenery – your imagination is the only limit.
Ready to transform your own piece of the ‘great outdoors’?
Thomson’s Outdoor Pine can there to guide you through the very exciting process of outdoor landscaping renovations. You can count on professional advice, from technical specifications and advice about timber and building compliance, to decorating ideas, based on their substantial experience helping customers makeover their home exteriors with great results.
Talk to their experienced team of timber experts today if you’re ready transform the way you enjoy your own outdoor sanctuary like never before.
Feature image from here.