The Australian people enjoy the outdoors and being with family and friends. But not all houses have a big alfresco or large back yard. Fortunately, if you have a small patio, courtyard or balcony, it can still be a cozy space to entertain.
The key to this is to design your outdoor space based on your lifestyle. Select furniture that is functional, ensure adequate shade and design to promote easy circulation. Even a small area can be used for weekend barbecues, family dinners and everyday relaxed evening meals with the correct design selections.
Remember, if you’re looking for small outdoor entertaining ideas for Australian homes, there are three tips to keep in mind:If you want to create small outdoor entertaining ideas for your Australian home here are 3 tips to keep in mind:
1. When shopping for furniture, make an arrangement before your buy.
First of all you need to assess the space you have to work with outdoors. Think about seating arrangements, circulation and how much space is needed for a barbecue or service table.
Depending on the furniture and layout, a dining set for four people will require around 3 metres in length and 3 metres in width. Leave sufficient room for easy chair clearance and keep pathways clear.
Always try and get the dining space near the kitchen door if possible. This will make it easier to serve food and take dishes out to eat.
If the patio is quite small, a rectangular table put up to a wall or perhaps a smaller round table that can be moved more easily would be an alternative. Don’t fill the room to capacity with furniture, as it can make it awkward to entertain.
You can make the right purchases in the right sizes before wasting cash, with a basic floor plan.
2. Try to select an outdoor furniture set that saves space. Select space-saving outdoor furniture.
A small outdoor entertaining space is where furniture is an essential part of the design. Find items that are versatile and space-efficient.
Folded-up benches with storage below offer additional seating and ensure that cushions and outdoor games and accessories stay tidied and organised. Folding bistro tables and stackable chairs also are useful, as they can be stored when guests are gone.
Use materials appropriate to the Australian environment. Powder coated aluminium is light and teak has a natural look. Choosing the right synthetic rattan is also suitable when you pick products that are meant for outdoor applications.
Look at the manufacturer’s care guidelines and think about the direct sunlight, rain and coastal exposure your furniture will get.
Neutrally colored furniture can provide an ageless look. Give the area colour with cushions, outdoor rugs and decorative pots to create a welcoming area.
3. Add Shade for Comfortable Summer Entertaining
An open patio area in Australia’s summer can be difficult to deal with. So, when designing your outdoor entertaining space, consider shade.
A shade sail can provide a shade in a seating area without the need of a large structure. A cantilever umbrella offers flexibility in coverage for a dining table or lounge space, or it may be used for other occasions.
For a permanent addition, you might want to add a pergola. Consider adding appropriate climbing vines for additional green cover; however, plant cover may be slow to establish itself.
If you are considering a shade solution, make sure to determine the sun’s direction during the day. A shading structure that blocks the midday sun may not be sufficient to shade your table at lower afternoon sun angles.
Also, choose products for local wind conditions, and install them as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Where applicable refer to council requirements, especially permanent structures.
4. Design a smaller outdoor cooking space. Plan for a small outdoor cooking site.
A barbecue can be the focal point of an outdoor entertaining space. But it’s not necessary to have an outdoor kitchen if you want to cook for guests.
If you’re cooking in a courtyard or small patio, a small barbeque and a nearby preparation surface might be a good fit. Include a narrow kitchen cabinet to hold cooking utensils, plates and cleaning materials.
If possible, have a separate cooking area away from the seating area. This enables guests to maneuver easily as the cook prepares the food.
Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for the clearance and keep a safe distance from walls, fences, eaves and combustible material when using a barbecue. Do not use the outdoor gas appliances indoors unless the manufacturers have stated in their instructions that it is allowed.
For permanent gas connections, use a licensed gasfitter. For very limited space, a portable BBQ can provide more flexibility as long as it is used safely at an appropriate outdoor location.
5. Use screens and plants to enhance privacy.
If your patio is facing the next house, privacy can help make it more comfortable.
Slatted timber screens, decorative outdoor panels or climbing plants can provide a visual barrier without closed up spaces. A simple fence becomes more interesting with a trellis and a good choice of plant to grow.
Another great use of tall potted plants is for flexible screening when needed. Select plants that can do well in your sun exposure, climate, and container size.
Do not have excessive large planters surrounding seating. Rather, place them carefully close to unguarded boundaries or corners.
The aim of a good privacy design is to achieve a balance between screening and ventilation/natural light. This can help to make an outside space more tranquil but not dark or confined.
6. Pay attention to Lighting to Set a Welcoming Tone
An outdoor light fixture can make an ordinary patio an attractive place to spend an evening entertaining guests.
Festoon lights overhead a dining table make for a casual atmosphere, and warm LED lights will help people to navigate pathways and steps. Warm appearance can be achieved with lights with a colour temperature of about 2700K to 3000K.
Lanterns, solar garden lights and feature lighting can also be used to illuminate plants and decoration.
Maintain useful and decorative light. Ensure adequate lighting of food preparation surfaces and that bright lights are not placed directly into the eyes of visitors or neighbouring buildings.
Use fittings that are rated for outdoor use. Install electrical wiring as necessary by a licensed electrician.
Some good lighting in the right places can do more than a lot of lighting to fill corners.
7. Empty the room completely for use throughout the year.
Your outdoor living area should be comfortable all year long. A few creative additions and you can make the space more enjoyable in cooler weather.
For colder climates, an appropriate outdoor heater could allow for further enjoyment of the season. Read and strictly adhere to the instructions for installation and use, including ventilation requirements and safe distance from furniture, plants and other combustibles.
A fire pit can be used for warmth and ambiance (where permitted by local laws). Always remember to consider council restrictions, fire bans and seasonal conditions prior to having an outdoor fire.
A storage box for accessories, outdoor washable rugs, and weather resistant cushions can also add to the usefulness of the space.
If patio receives lots of rain, think about the drainage and if furniture should be protected. Maintained by good drainage and appropriate materials.
8. Maintain simplicity and functionality in design
A nice little outdoor entertaining space that is well laid out and has few decorations.
Set up the dining table so that people can easily get to it from the kitchen. Leave space around pathways and chairs and put the barbecue to one side.
Keep the color scheme uniform throughout the furniture, paving and accessories. Then add texture with wood, plants, pillows and decorative pots.
Choose plants according to their mature size so they do not overwhelm the seating area. Likewise, do not place furniture pieces that are too large and will hinder movement.
Another way to tie the patio to the inside living room is to match the color scheme and materials. This results in a more unified home theme and makes the outdoors feel like a part of your living room.
Conclusion
Having an outdoor entertaining space in an Australian home doesn’t have to be costly or if you have a large backyard, big enough. Even a small patio or courtyard can be a pleasant space for entertaining, provided you plan for it correctly, use compact furniture, use the shade and have the lighting in place.
The first step is to measure your space and how you’re going want to entertain. Then focus on comfortable seating, safe cooking facilities, protection from the weather.
Lastly, put in privacy screens, plants and cosy lighting to make it welcoming. Keeping the design simple, and using durable outdoor materials, you can create a functional entertaining area that will fit your home and Australian lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some ideas for an outdoor entertaining space in a small backyard?
Use the space efficiently, select small furniture and designate clear areas for eating, preparing meals, and walking. For greater comfort, add shade and lighting and select a few well-placed plants.
2. What kind of furniture is the best for a small outdoor entertaining area?
Rather, practical options are folding tables, stackable chairs, compact dining sets and storage benches. Choose materials that will be able to withstand the local weather conditions.
3. What can I do to shade a small Australian patio?
Consider a shade sail, outdoor umbrella or pergola. Select the design to meet the direction of the sun, wind and any council requirements.
4. What are some ways to create a more private outdoor space?
Make use of slatted screens, trellises, climbing plants or tall potted greenery. Place these features to create an effective barrier to unwanted views but not to the flow of air.
5. May I have a barbeque in a little square?
Yes, provided that the barbecue manufacturer states that the site is suitable for outdoor use and complies with their clearance and ventilation guidelines and the courtyard is suitable. Avoid combustible materials and only connect permanent gases by qualified personnel.
6. Which is the best lighting for outdoor entertaining?
LED lights, festoon lights and appropriate pathway lighting create an inviting ambiance. Use exterior fittings and keep steps and cooking surfaces well lit.
7. What are some ways to enjoy my outdoor entertaining space in the winter?
Look for an appropriate outdoor heater, weather-tight cushions and covered seating. Please consult local fire regulations before using a fire pit and adhere to the safety guidelines for the appliance.
8. What is the price of a small outdoor entertaining space in Australia?
The charges vary with the size, material, furniture and installation. This is generally less expensive than a permanent pergola, built-in barbecue or professionally built patio. Check some quotes locally before you set your budget.
