Outdoor area ideas that work with your space

Key points: Outdoor area ideas to make your space work harder

• Take note of how you use the space naturally. Look at where everyone gravitates to and how you move around the space at different times of day.
• Divide the outdoor area into different ‘zones’ for dining, relaxing, playing and pets.
• Use storage to keep things tidy and rugs or large pots to define zones or create pathways.
• Pick a common design thread then repeat in each zone to tie the whole space together.
• Add accessories to make it feel lived in and softer.

How to understand your outdoor space

Before you start choosing furniture, take a moment to work out how the area feels. Which spots are drenched in lovely morning sun? Are there any areas that get too hot in the afternoon? Where do you gravitate to when you want to sit, eat or keep an eye on the kids?

“The biggest mistake is trying to fill the whole space at once, which can leave it feeling busy rather than welcoming,” says Jane Wright, Bunnings Trend and Design Manager. “Start by thinking about how you actually use the area, then create zones around those moments.”

Tip: Settle on your must-have zones then place them where they make the most sense for shade, access and comfort.

How to create flow in your outdoor area

A well-zoned space should feel easy to move through. That means locating the dining table close to the kitchen or barbecue, placing lounge areas away from the main walkway and positioning kids’ play zones where they can be seen without taking over the entire yard.

You don’t need walls to make each zone feel well defined. “The key is to let each area have a clear purpose while still feeling part of the same overall space,” says Jane. An outdoor rug or a cluster of oversized pots can help define a zone while keeping everything open.

Tip: Leave clear paths between the house, barbecue, dining table and lawn, so the space works when everyone is moving around.

How to keep your garden tidy

Large spaces often need to work hard, especially for families. Kids’ toys, pool gear, pet beds, cushions and sports equipment can quickly make an area feel cluttered if there’s nowhere for them to go.

Build storage into the plan from the beginning, with lidded boxes, storage benches, baskets or cabinets placed close to where things are used. Pet zones can be just as considered. “Treat pet pieces as part of the overall design, not as an afterthought,” says Bunnings Pets Buyer Jess Roche. “Choose beds, bowls, kennels or storage that work with your existing colours and materials. In summer, place them in a spot that gives pets shade, comfort and a good view of the family action.”

Tip: Keep storage near high-use areas, such as the pool, lawn or lounge setting, so tidying up feels intuitive.

How to style your outdoor space

Your outdoor furniture doesn’t all need to come from one range. In fact, mixing pieces can make a large area feel more relaxed and personal. The trick is to repeat a few design cues so everything speaks to each other.

“You don’t need everything to match, but you do need a common thread,” says Jane. “Look for repeated materials, colours or finishes, such as timber accents, black frames or a soft neutral palette, so the different zones feel connected.”

Tip: Choose two or three repeat elements, such as timber, charcoal frames and textured cushions, then carry them through each zone.

How to make your outdoor area feel cosy

Once the layout is working, add the details that make a space feel personal and lived in. Outdoor rugs, cushions, lanterns, planters, shade and layered lighting can soften a large patio and make it feel more like an extension of home.

“The goal isn’t to over-style every corner,” says Jane. “Keep it simple, choose pieces that work hard and let each zone feel useful, comfortable and connected.”

Tip: Use planting to soften edges and guide the eye from one area to the next.

For more on creating the perfect outside space

Ready to make your outdoor area feel more connected, comfortable and easy to use? Start with a clear layout, then build in practical zones for relaxing, dining and entertaining. For more ideas on planning a space that works beautifully for everyday living, check out our guide to planning your alfresco area.

Photo credit: Martina Gemmola