Creating the perfect outdoor living space is an art, but it’s one that can pay off significantly — especially when it comes time to kick back, relax and enjoy Melbourne’s gorgeous autumnal evenings.
With 25 years experience in transforming outdoor living spaces in Melbourne, this is something we excel in at Discounted Patios. So, we’ve put this experience to the task of creating the top 7 outdoor living design tips to make the best of relaxed evenings in Melbourne.
Here are our top 7 tips to transform your outdoor areas into the perfect space for relaxation and enjoyment.
1. Start with structure and shelter
Relaxing outside gets pretty un-relaxing quickly if it starts to rain and you don’t have an overhead shelter. So it makes sense that the biggest impact you can make to your outdoor living space is building and perfecting your outdoor living structure.
Whether it’s a freestanding structure like a pergola or freestanding patio in the middle of your yard or a traditional verandah or patio which is connected adjacent to your main home, installing a patio, verandah or pergola with overhead coverage is going to protect you from the elements — in clear skies or otherwise.
There are many roofing options to choose from for patios, verandahs and pergolas — Melbourne’s most popular outdoor living structures — from flat roof and gable roof options to insulated roofs and customised options. If you’re based in or near Melbourne and need any help with this part of your outdoor living design or want some advice that’s customised to your home, lifestyle, wants, needs and space, outdoor living structures are our area of expertise, and we’d be more happy to help. Just give our team a call or send us a message, any time.
The most important thing when choosing your outdoor living structure is to consider how you want to use your outdoor living space, and from there you can figure out what features and functionalities will be the best fit.
2. Consider shelter from the side
On those windy days or nights or whenever the rain comes in from a sideways angle, you’ll likely be super grateful you considered this step! Simply consider if there is some protection you can give yourself from the elements on the sides of your outdoor living space.
This could take the form of installing outdoor screens, whether they are decorative or privacy screens (the latter of which have the added relaxation benefit of knowing you’ve got privacy), outdoor blinds and louvres (which can be manual or remote operated, movable or fixed), or even putting something up between the supports of your outdoor spaces. (If you’d like to learn more about some great options, check them out here: outdoor living solutions, or get in touch with our team)
This could also take the form of strategically placed greenery, like shrubbery and other large foliage coverage plants strategically planted next to your outdoor living spaces, a raised garden bed or planter box, or a living green wall.
3. Add lighting for ambience and practicality
Lighting sets the mood and provides a very practical element to enjoying the relaxation of your outdoor spaces.
For the best relaxation effect, integrate a mix of functional and decorative lighting.
Think dimmable overhead lights paired with candles for a relaxation retreat effect, or overhead lights paired with twinkling fairy lights. This way, you can use light when you need to see clearly (like when dining) and use a more ambient lighting effect when relaxation and enjoyment is the main thing on the menu.
Other great touches are incorporating solar path lights for walkways, pendant lights for a cosy glow under your pergola, and soft LED strip lighting around your patio or verandah edges.
These elements not only illuminate but also enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. Cue the ultimate relaxation evenings!
4. Invest in Comfortable, Durable Outdoor Furniture
Your furniture will play a huge role in creating the ultimate outdoor living relaxation zone. Select furniture that invites relaxation and withstands the elements. Opt for quality materials and comfortable, inviting designs.
Add plush cushions and throws for added comfort and warmth on cooler evenings, making your outdoor living area as inviting as your indoor spaces.
5. Add greenery and bright flowers for atmosphere
Greenery and plants make any space feel more relaxing and positive.
Add plenty of cute pot plants around your outdoor living area and a scattering of bright and beautiful flowers. This will all add to the enjoyment and ambience of your outdoor living space. Even the pots that your plants are potted in will add to the look and feel of your space.
Consider winding vines up your verandah, patio or pergola structural poles, hanging pot plants, plants which screen your space from neighbours adding more privacy (and protection from the elements) and ways to make use of your vertical space as well as the ground-level. Standing pot plant racks look great too.
To add a relaxing scent as well as look and feel to your outdoor space, consider which plants and flowers are fragrant and relaxing.
6. Add Water Features and/or speakers for a Tranquil Soundtrack
The sound of water is universally soothing. A small fountain, waterfall, or running water bird bath can provide a calming audio backdrop, masking city noises and fostering a sense of peace and tranquillity in your garden. Water is also relaxing to look at, so adding these features has a double benefit. You can also add a portable bluetooth speaker (preferably a waterproof variety) to play relaxing music and spa-esque soundtracks while you relax of an evening.
7. Repel pesky bugs
Wherever you are in Australia, the bugs will likely find you… which is why you have to kick them out from your outdoor living areas. One way of doing this is opting for some screen options which don’t just protect from the elements but can also protect from the bugs.
Another option is to invest in some bug repellant options. You can buy plug-in electronic bug repellent devices, use mosquito coils or add some citronella candles. There are many options for repelling flies when you are dining outside in the evenings or hosting a get-together. From spinning fly repellant to food covers and more.
Something you might not know is that certain plants can repel insects too — mosquitos included! Lemon Eucalyptus is one Australian native (also known as Lemon Scented Gum). Catnip is also said to repel both mosquitoes and flies, however if you have a cat, prepare that the leaves may likely get raided by your furbaby. Basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme are also said to repel flies and/or mosquitoes, so adding your own herb garden in a raised garden bed or tabletop grower is a great idea.
Your outdoor living specialists
At Discounted Patios, we’ve been improving outdoor living lifestyles in Melbourne for more than 25 years, bringing our expertise and passion to help create outdoor living designs that perfectly match the home, lifestyle and aesthetic of Melbourne homeowners and families. If you’d like advice or assistance in creating your ultimate outdoor living retreat in the greater Melbourne region, get in touch with us today or get a quote for an outdoor living structure which will transform your outdoor spaces..
