From elegant alfresco dining to serene beachside escapes, Australia’s love for the outdoors is part of our lifestyle. The essence of outdoor living is as iconic as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Whether enjoying a leisurely morning on the terrace or unwinding in a private garden retreat, we take pride in thriving outside at home and in nature. It’s no wonder so many flock to our shores each year to taste the Aussie life.
When it comes to creating our own luxury outdoor living space, we’re spoilt for choice. The challenge is deciding what’s essential for your space and what’s not. A good strategy will help you decide what’s needed to make your outdoor living space perfect.
Transform Your Poolside
Start by adding spa covers to your outdoor oasis. Not only do they keep your spa clean and protected, but they can also add a stylish touch to your outdoor space. From there, enhance your pool area by incorporating native tropical plants, or opt for low-maintenance potted plants like palms and succulents.
If you have a wall or boundary nearby, a vertical garden is a beautiful way to create a lush, green backdrop without taking up too much space. For a seamless look, choose neutral-colored pots that blend effortlessly with the surrounding scenery.
You can maximise the beauty of your pool area with frameless or semi-frameless glass fencing. It allows for uninterrupted views of the pool, ensuring you can enjoy the sparkling water while keeping an eye on children or pets. Glass fencing also requires less maintenance than wood or metal options and is designed to withstand the elements, moisture and the effects of chlorine or salt.
To protect yourself from harsh UV rays while lounging poolside, invest in shaded areas. Pool umbrellas offer flexibility and can be moved to the perfect spot, while cabanas provide a luxurious touch.
If you’re looking for something more modern, shade sails or retractable awnings can offer sleek protection. For a more natural option, strategically place trees or large shrubs to provide shaded retreats without disrupting the view.
Luxury Outdoor Lounge
The right furniture is the cornerstone of any exceptional outdoor setting. In crafting a luxury outdoor lounge, balance is key. Choose furniture that seamlessly marries form with function.
The visual appeal is crucial, of course, but so is durability – especially when exposed to the elements. Opt for high-quality, weather-resistant materials designed to stand the test of time.
Think plush, comfortable seating with cushions crafted from premium, weather-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella or polypropylene. These materials not only provide exceptional comfort but also ensure your cushions stay dry and pristine, no matter the forecast.
Consider incorporating statement pieces, such as oversized lounge chairs or a sculptural outdoor sofa, that not only serve as a stylish focal point but also invite relaxation and indulgence. To complete the look, add refined touches such as a stylish coffee table and soft throw blankets.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar
Okay, you have your furniture sorted, which means you can relax with friends and family and talk away the hours. Sooner or later, you’re going to get hungry. Creating a backyard oasis built to not only accommodate meals but create them is your next challenge.
A built-in BBQ, a stone countertop that serves as a bar and makeshift tapas table, and a compact fridge to keep the drinks and desserts cold. You really can let your imagination loose with this aspect.
Again, form and function. Consider how you plan to use this space. If you like to barbecue on the lawn in the sun, get a portable BBQ. It’s about tailoring the space to your rhythm, not the other way around.
Heating and Cooling
This might strike you as somewhat of a contradiction. Hear us out. Australia’s a country that gets mighty hot and mighty cold, depending on where you live.
Sometimes, you will need help creating the perfect environment to relax and entertain. This is where heating and cooling options will come in handy. It is a luxury space, after all.
If keeping warm is your main concern, consider portable heaters or a fire pit as part of the ultimate set up for your next family gathering. Plus, the latter is a brilliant addition to an outdoor living space, given we have a collective and natural tendency to gather around the fire and connect with others.
If you do take this path, be sure to check what backyard fire restrictions are in place for your local area.
Connect to Tech
But we’re outdoors, you say. A tech-free zone. Look at it this way. If you make it tech-friendly instead of tech-free, you can integrate technology in a way that enhances the mood, atmosphere, and functionality of your space.
Consider discreet, weatherproof outdoor speakers that blend seamlessly into your space, providing the perfect audio backdrop for everything from a laid-back afternoon by the pool to an elegant dinner party under the stars.
Or, integrate a high-end smart lighting system that lets you adjust the ambiance with just a tap on your phone – whether you want warm lighting for a cozy evening or bright, vibrant lights for a poolside gathering.
Another luxurious addition is an automated irrigation system. Not only does it save you time, but it ensures your landscape design stays a beautiful outdoor retreat with minimal effort, freeing you up to enjoy your space without worrying about manually watering the plants.
You could even consider outdoor smart thermostats and climate control systems, keeping your space comfortable no matter the weather.
The Right Light
We’ve saved the best for last. The right lighting is the crowning piece in your outdoor living space puzzle. It will make the darkest evenings incredibly inviting, while giving the dawn and dusk an added touch of class and elegance.
Aesthetics aside, the perfect outdoor lighting will complement how you use the space. Accent, ambient, or task lighting; whatever you have planned, there is lighting to improve that plan. Like all the ideas in this guide, it’s a matter of choosing the lighting to suit your lifestyle.
Your outdoor space should be as relaxing and intuitive to navigate as possible; the right lighting will brighten this goal, without a doubt.
Creating Your Perfect Luxury Outdoor Sanctuary
See, spoilt for choice. Your greatest challenge will be deciding what you leave out. Or maybe it won’t. Maybe you know exactly what’s making the cut, and now your energy is focused on finding the right shade of blue for the cushions on your outdoor sofa.
The point is, there are countless ways to design an outdoor living space. To make sure it’s your kind of luxury, you must follow your gut. And be persistent. Lighting that’s not quite right won’t magically become right over time. Be patient, and your vision will come to life.
