Garden Society Design duo Lyndall Keating and Nick Crowe share their tips and reflections on outdoor rooms.
Australian’s love the outdoors, especially with Sydney’s temperate climate offering a great outdoor lifestyle. We all love to have friends over for a BBQ, drink or a party and this is where the outdoor room comes into play. As the intermediate space between the house and garden, it’s defined as a balcony space, deck or paved area. Once you have identified your potential outdoor room, take a moment to consider how you are going to use it. The type of activities that take place here will help you add structure and definition as well as complete your design. Are you entertaining? Wanting an extra play area for the kids? Or in need of a quiet get away when it all becomes a little too much?
Definition
Defining the space may mean adding structure, through walls, screens, plants, stone features, or taking advantage of the existing structure. Outdoor furniture such as lounges or dining settings could also be key here. Don’t forget the overhead space either. This can act to elongate and add scale or provide enclosure to add a feeling of intimacy.
Inspiration
When designing your outdoor room, your home’s best attributes should act as your starting inspiration. This may include aspect, view or other natural features. Do you want your outdoor room to capture the summer’s north easterly breeze? Perhaps you’re trying to hide from the Southerly Buster? Or do you crave a private sanctuary away from the peering neighbours? A careful consideration of aspect will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the space all year round.
Cost
The money you spend on getting some professional advice will be a saving in the long run. The right plant selection and extra design tips will make all the difference to your finished room.
Trends
Some current trends include clusters of pots to separate areas. Try different scales and types to add texture and interest. Succulents are always a popular choice for the water conscious or time poor. They are hardy and thrive in hot and dry conditions. There are so many varieties, shapes and colours available and either mass planting or individual specimens are an exciting option. Think cacti for an individual architectural focus. Micro greens are another sensational choice. The delicate foliage looks great and will enhance any brunch menu. The key points to remember are that plants soften harsh edges, can be used as a screening option, cool the area, add shade and are a wonderful addition to any outdoor room. Finally consider soft furnishings, artwork or designer lighting as a way to project your unique personality. This is a simple way to stay up to date with current trends, reflect the changing seasons or trial exciting new ideas.
