Must-Have Outdoor Space Features

Australians are no longer settling for just "ordinary" when it comes to their outdoor design and decor. Style, comfort and modern innovations are all a part of the new outdoor space. Whether you're designing a brand new patio area or wish to give your current space a makeover, consider these five features as part of your outdoor décor.

 
Aria Dining Set

1. Artful Patio Paver Designs

It all starts with the foundation: your patio itself. Don't settle for a plain, boring cement slab or a repetitive square or symmetrical tile pattern. Today's patio pavers come in a range of colours, sizes, materials and textures to suit your taste and style. They can also be arranged and installed in just about any pattern you can dream up, from radiating designs to intricate, artful asymmetrical patterns. You might also consider different patio paver designs to help delineate areas such as the lounging area, dining area and cooking area.

2. Integrated Garden Elements

A flower, vegetable or herb garden is a beautiful addition to most any yard, but today's design trends have them closer to the patio area than ever before, so close, in fact, that there's often an almost seamless transition from one area to the next. The same applies to landscaping elements such as shrubs, stones and retaining walls. Strive for a balance of your finished patio space along with more organic, flowing greenery and flowering elements to give your outdoor space an integrated feel.

3. A Place for the Outdoor Chef

Outdoor cooking today is far beyond the realm of the simple grill. Today, patio spaces feature fully equipped gourmet kitchens with built-in workspaces, cutting boards, a grill with a griddle area and burners for warming side dishes. A refrigerator and even a separate wine chilling area aren’t out of the question. Some outdoor kitchen spaces are even equipped with a cocktail bar and access to a wood-fired pizza oven in the yard.

4. Spacious Dining and Extension Tables

When it comes to seating areas in today's patios, more is definitely better. You've outfitted your patio with so many amazing features; why not equip it to be shared with as many guests as possible? Consider a 9 piece dining settings for your outdoor space, and add an extension table so that you'll have room to grow if the party becomes even bigger than expected. Outdoor Furniture Ideas has a range of furniture styles to suit all designs.

5. Year-Round Outdoor Entertaining

With such a gorgeous, inviting patio area, why limit its use to just one or two seasons per year? There are a number of ways to keep the party going all year round, from adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit where guests can warm themselves to investing in a couple of propane heaters. Set up ideal outdoor lighting around paths, steps and sidewalks to ensure safety for your guests even during the times of year when the sun sets earlier.

Today's patio design and decor trends are innovative, contemporary and made for year-round enjoyment. Use these tips to create an outdoor living space your family and guests will love.