If something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well, and putting the finishing touches to your backyard is no different. It’s the simple things like a fresh coat of paint, a new varnish on your deck or versatile pieces of furniture that add character to a backyard, and are the reason why you’ll want to return to it each day.

Your outdoor space should feel as though it’s an extension of your home. It’s important that it receives the same level of care and attention to detail you show your interiors, while also encouraging your family to reap the benefits of Mother Nature.

Proven to lower stress, boost the immune system and focus our attention, spending time outside has never been so important. As we grow ever more attached to our screens, activities such as tending to a garden or playing in the pool will give you much-needed downtime, as well as a chance to spend quality time with your family.

Regardless of whether you’re starting afresh or restoring an existing exterior, read ahead as Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design learns that with a few practical and cosmetic changes, your outdoor space can continue to bring you joy for years to come.

LAY OF THE LAND

Before defining zones within a backyard, Tim Sprague says the team at Kiama Landscapes & Pools encourages clients to think about how they will use the space. “With a clear vision, we will be able to work with [your] property, and consider its style, size, flow and functionality to create a worthwhile outdoor space,” he says. It’s best to include useful amenities that will complement your lifestyle, such as a pool area for recreation, an undercover area for alfresco dining and a landscaped garden to fill out the space.

When installing a pool, or simply updating your backyard, assess the area you have to work with. Are you best utilising the space? 

While fencing around your pool is required by Australian law, it doesn’t have to impact the overall appeal of your backyard. Frameless-glass fencing will ensure your pool area is safe as well as stylish, so that you don’t have to worry about intrusive bars interrupting the view from your entertaining area.

MADE IN THE SHADE 

The main objective when refreshing your outdoor area is to make it as usable as possible. That said, a vital consideration is how to protect yourself against the elements, particularly the sun and its harmful UV rays. “There are many ways to add shade to your outdoor space, including outdoor rooms, a pergola, or a less-permanent structure like a cantilever umbrella or shade sail,” Sprague says. While umbrellas offer temporary relief from the sun, if you’re looking to utilise the space in the cooler months, a pergola with retractable walls will do the job justice.

Alternatively, you can always sit back and let nature do the work. “A tree canopy can provide a beautiful filter for the sun, ensuring the perfect mix of sun and shade,” he says. Before committing to anything, address the aspect of your property – where does the sun naturally hit during key parts of the day? This is where you will need to install your shade option.

AN OUTDOOR ROOM WITH A VIEW 

Many homeowners choose to include an alfresco area, or outdoor room, that connects with their home to further expand their open-plan living space. “An alfresco area allows you to enjoy your outdoor space all year round, being perfect for dining, lounging or just taking in the view,” Sprague says. But of course, how comfortable and usable this space is comes down to how you style it.

When furnishing the area, select key pieces of furniture that will ensure the space is enjoyable each time you venture outside. Put careful thought into how you will dress the space as well. Outdoor cushions and throw rugs can add a touch of warmth, while multiple chairs and lounge options will promote communal living. To ensure they stand the test of time, it’s also a good idea to provide a place to store these items when the weather turns.

While your outdoor area is meant to be an adaptable space, it’s often best practice to establish traffic patterns and lay formal pathways. When positioning furniture, face it away from walls and turn towards the pool, which Sprague says can be a feature at all points of the day.

“LED underwater lighting will add magic to your pool at night,” Sprague says. You can further add to this atmosphere by installing “feature lights to showcase stairs or pathways and garden lights to highlight trees and other garden features”.