Summer is the season for entertaining, and nothing elevates your hosting game quite like a well-designed outdoor space destined for soirees under the setting sun. Whether it’s an inviting alfresco area, a pristine pool, or proximity to breathtaking beaches, your outdoor setup can become the ultimate hub for summer fun while boosting your home’s value too. Here’s how to make the most of your outdoor spaces this summer:
- Amp up your alfresco area
An alfresco dining space is an Australian summer must-have. Invest in durable, stylish outdoor furniture that exudes comfort and complement this with soft furnishings like outdoor rugs and throw cushions. Invest in robust shade solutions like pergolas or retractable awnings to keep guests from melting on hot days and outdoor heating to keep the party going well into the night. Adding to or upgrading an alfresco area can significantly boost your home’s market appeal and resale value, making it a smart long-term investment.
2. Leverage proximity to beaches
If your home is near a beach, make the most of it by hosting casual gatherings that start beachside and transition to your backyard for post-beach beverages and BBQs. Become the ultimate house-near-the-beach host by providing beach gear like cool beach tents, picnic sets, beach mats and beach-friendly games. Installing an outdoor shower for guests to rinse off before traipsing sand inside your home could just be a worthwhile investment in your sanity, too!
3. Make a summer splash
A backyard pool is a big win for summer entertaining, and keeping it sparkling and well-maintained serves as a major focal point for your outdoor space. Elevate your pool surrounds with comfortable poolside seating and sun loungers, stylish umbrellas, and convenient outdoor storage for towels and toys to create a resort-inspired vibe. These additions will level up your poolside gatherings and add lifestyle appeal for future potential buyers. Don’t forget to make safety a priority, too, by ensuring fences adhere to your local regulations. Considering adding a pool to your outdoor space? Get inspired with these picture-perfect pool ideas for your backyard.
4. Host the ultimate summer BBQ
Nothing says (or smells like) summer quite like a classic Aussie BBQ. For the ultimate setup, and if space allows, install an outdoor kitchen complete with a built-in BBQ. For a more affordable option, pick up a moveable outdoor bar cart that can double as your prep station. Add to your ultimate BBQ hosting space with outdoor speakers, creative lighting, and a dedicated drinks station. A well-organised BBQ area can transform your space into an entertainer’s paradise, a feature many buyers value highly.
5. Create a garden retreat
A lush garden makes for a stunning backdrop for entertaining while bringing a sense of calm, ambience and valuable shade to your outdoor area. Add vertical gardens, a water feature or a raised garden bed of beautiful fragrant blooms to enhance your private oasis. A well-maintained and flourishing outdoor landscape is also a surefire way to boost first impressions of your home and curb appeal if you’re looking to sell now or in the near future.
6. Outdoor tech for modern living
Whether it’s an outdoor fridge for chilled drinks at arm’s reach, wired-in speakers to bring the party vibe, smart outdoor lighting at your fingertips to set the scene, outdoor TVs for movies under the stars or app-controlled irrigation – choose your tech and create a modern haven destined for entertaining and easy living. Adding bells and whistles to your outdoor living space is an investment guaranteed to set your home apart from the rest.
7. Safe space for the kids to play
We all want our kids to spend less time in front of screens and more time outdoors, so to make this more appealing, designate a zone just for fun. Whether you have space for a soccer pitch, a play house, some old-school monkey bars, a sandpit, or a simple paddling pool, position it in your line of sight so that you can watch them play safely while the adults get a chance to play, too.
8. Prioritise privacy
From aesthetics to creating a sense of seclusion, adding privacy features like supersized planters, fences, hedges, outdoor blinds and screens can block out neighbouring properties and transform your outdoor area into a cosy haven. Privacy features can really define your space, transforming it from a haphazard arrangement of outdoor furniture into a designated outdoor living zone. Privacy is a significant selling point for buyers and can boost your homes security, too.
Style your space with purpose
By maximising your outdoor spaces, you’ll enjoy the summer months to the fullest and add value to your property. Whether upgrading an existing area or showcasing your home for sale, these tips ensure your property stands out for all the right reasons. For more inspiration, our blog on styling your outdoor spaces has everything you need to know to take your outdoor space from blah to bliss.
Our local First National Real Estate experts may just hold the key to your ultimate outdoor entertainer. Contact us, and we’ll help you find what you’re looking for, whether beachside, poolside or ripe for your transformation.