Summer is around the corner and Australians are ready to make the most of their outdoor space so they can enjoy the longer, warmer days! Ok, it’s fair to say that we Aussies don’t fare the best in the cold, especially here in the Sunshine State. Now that things are getting toasty again, we get to put on our signature shorts and pull up a seat on our patio.
If you feel like it’s time for an outdoor change, to make this summer one you remember, follow these rising trends popping up in metro and rural properties.
Colour Is Back In
Long have monochromatic patio colour schemes ruled – now it’s time to funk things up again. Like a retro beach scene, pink and aqua tones bring some much-needed tropical colour to homes. The vintage beach aesthetic is perfect for coastal areas and can be a fun change for in-land homes too. We’re talking flamingo pink and seawater turquoise. Pantone announced that raspberry sorbet pink was one of their most popular colour predictions for this summer, along with a rainbow of other bright and fresh colours.
But these aren’t the only colours that are making waves. Grey and sunny yellows are a perfect blend of the light colours that are popular today, as well as timeless soft stone grey tints. Emerald/forest greens have also become a staple of modern interior designs and are slowly making their way to outdoor spaces.
Replacing the black, white and grey neutrals, which have dominated the Australian patio design trends for the better part of the decade, are palettes that embrace browns, soft terracottas, and muted-stone hues.
Sectioning your yard
During lockdown, many Australian homeowners found that their open-living plan was lacking when it came to practicality. After several emergency shops to Kmart or IKEA for storage and ways to divide their home again, people now want that order in their yards.
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to create a sectioned layout for your backyard and patio. Find what works inside and use that outdoors. Section off an area for dining, a spot for cooking, some lounges to kickback and other zones for playing, gardening or any other activities you plan on getting up to. Consider making these areas more permanent instead of rummaging through your shed whenever you want to do something.
Outdoor Kitchens
Sometimes your trusty old Weber is just not enough to handle the demand of a growing family or a big social gathering. An outdoor kitchen takes your home design to the next step, and it’s a great way to improve the value of your house without taking up too much space. All you reasonably need is a 600mm bench that runs along the wall of your house that includes some cabinetry, a stovetop and an oven.
This feature will offer you a lot of cooking flexibility and is perfect for night-time barbeques or meals that may be a bit too messy for indoors.
Get Green With It
Just like us, our plants probably curled up and didn’t look too flash hot during the winter. Now that summer is back they’ve likely unfolded and are looking vibrant and bold! Implement those colours into your outdoor space to bring some natural warmth to your home.
We know we said earlier that sectioned patios are rising in popularity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sprinkle some lovely pot plants or hanging potters around to ease the transition from deck to garden. Biophilic design is all about merging nature and modern living, and it’s easy to implement in large and confined spaces.
A space that gives you privacy and protection
Our yards have had to fill several roles in these wacky few years. They’ve become workout stations, a spot to unwind, workspaces and much more. No matter what people have been doing with their outdoor space, privacy has been something homeowners have been wanting more of. Privacy screens, ivy walls and even permanent tile walls are great options to keep prying eyes away from your outdoor oasis.
When it comes to protection, a patio is king. It offers shade, protection and lets you comfortably enjoy the afternoon breeze. Plus, it’s super easy to accessorise with some drapings or furniture.
A Usable Front Yard
At any stage, while mowing your front lawn or manicuring the hedges, have you wondered what we use that area for? Usually, front yards were just seen for curb appeal, and all the action happened in the back. But, many people are utilising their front yard as a spot to kick back and watch the ecosystem that is their neighbourhood move around them.
Of course, the backyard is always going to be the preferred place for private gatherings. But, if you like your neighbours, this may be a great place to get your socialisation fix while still in the comfort of your home.
A social front yard design is less formal than a structured backyard layout. All you need is a small veranda, or even an umbrella, a bistro table and a pair of comfortable chairs. If you and your neighbours are mates you could agree to install a mid-way bar between the fences. It’s a great way to add some life to areas that often look deserted and motionless.
Native Gardens
Queensland has some spectacular native plants that can be landscaped into rugged and beautiful gardens. Our foliage is used to arid conditions and is pretty low maintenance. As we become more mindful and focus on environmental preservation, we should take steps to cultivate our local ecosystems. A native garden is a perfect way to do that as it benefits native animals like regional birds and insects and keeps Australia full of Aussie plants.
Natural materials
Australians are turning towards natural furnishings like rattan, bamboo, hardwood and clay. Environmentalism is at the forefront of society’s mind, and modern designs reflect that. Raw materials add texture that just can’t be rivalled by manufactured features. They add warmth, style and can be a great way to make your patio more attractive.
A smooth transition from indoor to outdoor living
Sometimes you want to be outside without being outside. Think of the afternoon breeze rolling in without the sting of the sun, or the soothing sounds of rain without the wet. Modern homeowners want a seamless transition when they walk from their homes to the outside. Because of this, renovators are installing large open doors that lead to their patio or deck and features that flow effortlessly from one area to the next.
Instead of small, single-person doors, patio designs are on full display with wide glass doors that act just as much as windows as they do as entrances.
Functional Micro spaces
The property sizes in Australia are steadily getting smaller. Still, that doesn’t mean that investing in an outdoor area is a bad idea. You don’t need a ton of space to pull off a beautiful feature that can add value and quality to your home.
Many overlooked areas like narrow side yards, apartment balconies or small metro backyards are being transformed with functional spaces. A small veranda or overhead shade lets you borrow space from the outdoors and use it in a practical way.
Looking to make the most of your backyard all year round? SEQ Patio Group can help! Regardless of the shape or size of your backyard, our friendly team can help find the solution for you with one of our award-winning patios, pergolas or carports. Contact us today so you and your family can make the most of your backyard this summer.
