Modern home inspiration for outdoor entertaining areas in Melbourne
1. Build an outdoor kitchen
If you’re a serious foodie or love cooking for a crowd, consider adding an outdoor kitchen to your home renovation plans. Install a built-in pizza oven or barbecue for pizzas, roasts, bread and slow-cooked casseroles. Add preparation benches, storage space, a mini fridge or a bar area with cabinets and a counter for preparing your favourite drinks. Use durable materials that are suitable for preparing food and beverages. For example, natural granite has a smooth, polished texture and is resistant to heat, cracks and scratches. Backyard extension ideas like these can be game changers to enhance your alfresco lifestyle and dining experience.
2. Design an outdoor fire pit
3. Integrate smart tech
Taking tech outdoors is the ultimate luxury add-on. With so many smart gadgets and features to choose from, the only limit is your imagination. Think motion sensor lights, timed watering systems, adjustable lighting, automated shutters and bluetooth speakers. Install a projector and audio system for outdoor movie nights or add durable motorised external roller shades to enclose your verandah. Our team of custom home design consultants can design a smart tech plan that integrates with your home renovation project.
4. Create a wellness facility
Lock in your fitness goals or get a home spa treatment by adding a wellness facility to your house extension. Imagine having an ice bath in your backyard to step into, relaxing in the sauna or going to your backyard exercise centre for a workout. No driving to the gym, no appointment needed—step outside and the facilities are waiting for you. Save money and enjoy greater privacy while you develop a home-based fitness regime. If staying fit and healthy is a priority, this is one of the most effective backyard extension ideas.
5. Mix up your materials
While matching colours and materials is a safe choice, using them for every element of your outdoor area upgrade doesn’t let your personality or sense of style shine through. Create your own style with a mix of materials such as wood, metal and glass, or stone and rattan that pair well in function and appearance.
One approach is to choose a primary material or colour for 60% of your space. Add a secondary material that complements the first material in another 30%, such as a colourful feature wall or wicker furniture. Then add a third decorative accent material, like artwork or a statue, to take up the final 10%. With these proportions, your space will be balanced, with interesting touches and your own sense of style.
6. Plant a native garden
Using native plants can be a harmonising design element. Apart from adding a natural touch, they’re perfect for softening sharp edges, providing shade and adding texture to your space. Try evergreen Westringia shrubs along your back fence, high wispy grasses beside a bench or a combination of native and exotic plants for a touch of artistic flair.
In addition to choosing the right plants for your outdoor area, the containers you plant them in are also part of the decor. Their size, colour and shape will impact the overall aesthetic of your patio. Consider large planters that stand as solid pillars along a path or a variety of small pots clustered together to add colour and interest.
7. Use eco-friendly materials
Iron, recycled plastic or timber
Reclaimed wood and stone
Repurposed metals
Do you need fencing or decorative elements like a garden gate or statue? Look for products made from repurposed metal such as solid furniture frames, railings in rusty metals for an artistic touch, or iron that simply needs painting, cleaning or minimal welding.
8. Incorporate natural colours
9. Boost property value with a pool
10. Use modular patio furniture
Let the patio planning begin!
Plan your new alfresco area by blending practicality, lifestyle needs and style. Choose furniture that adapts to your outdoor activities, mix textures and colours, use technology and most importantly, choose what works best for you and your family.
Are you looking for more detailed modern home inspiration to help you get started? Whether you want a relaxing escape, an entertaining space, or something in between, Spacemaker Home Extensions is a custom home builder who can help you transform your outdoor area into something special as part of your home renovation project. Contact us through our website or give us a call on 03 8873 7800 and start planning a home transformation and alfresco that’s specially designed for your family and lifestyle.