KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Discover ways to enhance outdoor space
- Find out what stuff/material to use
- Understand in detail how they works
“Because things grow. Wherever there is air and light and open space, things grow.”
Helen Oyeyemi (novelist and short story writer)
No doubt that the pandemic made us value the things we used to ignore, and one of the great examples of it is the back area or outdoor space of our home. Many people avoid spending time in their outdoor area, and there are many reasons behind, it such as lack of privacy, uneven leveling, oran unattractive or dull look.
But these issues are not universal truths like the sun will always rise in the east and set in the west that can’t be changed. Slopes can be leveled, trees and privacy filters can be installed, and plants and flowers can make an outdoor place look beautiful.
There are many more ways to enhance outdoor space with the help of design. Let’s continue with this article and learn about them in detail.
Deal with Slopes First
Steep blocks are almost everywhere around Melbourne and Tasmania. You can’t neglect grade problems and expect everything else to work. Properties with challenging angles usually need structures like Retaining Walls Melbourne to make actual usable space. Otherwise, you’re just looking at a hill.
The material you choose depends on your house style and budget. Concrete sleepers last forever and look clean. Timber seems warmer, but you’ll be repainting or oiling it every few years. Gabion walls (those wire cages filled with rocks) fit modern places. Natural stone blends into bush settings if that’s your style.
Some people use level changes simply to break things up visually. A raised deck forms a separation between where you eat and where kids kick balls around. Fire pits work nicely when they’re sunken because the seating feels more secure. Even a couple of steps between areas tricks your eye into thinking the garden’s larger.
Terraced beds solve drainage issues on slopes. Each level can hold different plants depending on sun exposure. And you won’t slide down the hill attempting to weed them.
Split Your Yard into Actual Zones
Your outdoor area requires jobs, or it becomes wasted space. Think about what your family actually does outside. Not what you’re picturing doing—what happens in reality.
Put dining areas near your kitchen. Nobody enjoys carrying food and drinks across the whole property. Morning coffee areas need sun but also afternoon shade, unless you enjoy sweating. Kids’ play areas should be visible from wherever you spend time inside.
Hard surfaces point people where to go without needing signs. Paving forms a stable spot for furniture. Gravel guides movement and drains well. Timber decking connects well to indoor areas and feels good barefoot.
Sustainability Victoria has studied water movement through properties. Worth checking before you shower concrete everywhere. Your plants will thank you, and maintenance drops.
Block Views Without Building Walls
You’ll avoid your outdoor area if it feels like a fishbowl. Neighbours are fine people, but you don’t want constant visibility. Screening changes everything here.
Bamboo grows fast if you want quick results. Hedges take three to five years, but then you’re set. Deciduous trees provide summer privacy while letting winter sun through. That seasonal change really matters in Tasmania’s climate.
Plants aren’t always practical, though. Slatted timber screens filter views but maintain light flow. Metal panels come in attractive designs now. Full brick walls give complete privacy but make small yards feel like jail cells.
Weather Protection Matters
A roof or shade structure extends your outdoor season by literally months. Pergolas offer partial shade and help climbing plants. Shade sails block the summer sun without permanent construction. Even a simple extension over your deck means light rain doesn’t send everyone inside the home.
Place these based on your actual weather. Tasmania’s winds arrive from different directions than Sydney’s. Check patterns before installing anything you can’t effortlessly move.
Pick Stuff That Ages Well
Some materials look better after ten years than brand new. Natural stone forms character as it settles and weathers. Hardwood turns that silver colour people pay extra for. Corten steel’s rust is really protective, not destructive.
Mixing three different materials often works better than two or five. Combine textures, too. Smooth concrete against rough timber edging. Warm tones along with cool greys.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens shows this really well. They’ve got a massive variety, but it doesn’t look cluttered. Restraint beats excess every time.
Light Things Properly
Outdoor lighting transforms spaces after sunset. Path lights stop people from tripping on steps. Uplighting turns trees into features. Downlights create an ambient glow without being harsh.
Solar options work excellently away from power points. Don’t overdo it, though. Three well-placed lights beat twelve random ones.
Build in Practical Bits
Small features make daily life simpler. Built-in seating means no furniture to move or store. Raised beds bring planting to a comfortable height. Hidden storage maintains hoses accessible but invisible.
These seem little when planning. They matter constantly once you’re living in space.
Start Smart, Finish Later
Build the main structures first. Retaining walls and level changes come before anything decorative. Then paving and decks. Plants and furniture go in very last.
This distributes costs across months or years. You can also change based on how you actually use each area. Plans change once you’re living in a space rather than imagining it.
Choose low-maintenance options if you’re honest about available time. Wide paths fit wheelbarrows effortlessly. Strategic tap placement saves dragging hoses everywhere. Little planning decisions prevent daily frustration.
Begin with one area and finish it properly. Half-done projects across your whole yard help nobody.
How can I make my ‘outdoor space feel cozy and more inviting?
You can do it by simply adding soft lighting (string lights or lanterns), comfortable seating with plush cushions, and outdoor rug to define the area.
How Can I Maintain My Outdoor Space?
Just take care of a few things like maintaining regular cleaning as weeping weekly and pressure washing the surface seasonally to prevent dirt buildup, mold and damage.
What Are Some Tips for Designing Small Outdoor Spaces?
One can do it by using multipurpose, light framed furniture, creating vertical gardens, using hanging planters to save floor space, and employing light colors to make the area feel larger.
