Outdoor spaces in Melbourne homes are more than just extensions of the house. They’re the heart of your living environment, where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the fresh air. With outdoor living such a great part of our Australian lifestyle, and such a great way to enjoy free time, these spaces can be used in many different ways. Whether you have a patio, verandah, or pergola, there are countless ways to make these areas functional and beautiful, and plenty of fun and creative ways to use your outdoor spaces.
You’re truly only limited by your imagination. So, here are some creative ideas to help you make the most of your outdoor living structures (verandahs, patios, decks and pergolas).
Dining and entertaining
Outdoor dining areas
Dining outdoors regularly (especially during the warmer months) can be an absolutely lovely way to add variety to family or household dinners. Surrounded by nature, fresh air, the gorgeous sights of your backyard and tree leaves blowing in the wind, and birds flying around, you can have a truly peaceful evening (especially if you have an early dinner).
Here’s how you can design it:
- Set up a weather-resistant dining table with comfortable chairs.
- You also might want to consider adding a second smaller table for serving food or holding condiments.
- Add fairy lights for ambiance and some brighter lighting options so you can see what you’re eating.
- Incorporate a centrepiece like a vase of flowers or a lantern for added charm.
- Add citronella candles or mosquito coils to protect against the bugs.
- Or consider planting some bug-proof plants nearby.
- Add a food cover drape and/or fly detractor fans to protect against uninvited guests of the bug variety.
You can cook, prepare and plate up your meals indoors as usual, and then eat outdoors, or you can prepare share plates inside for a serve-yourself-style outdoor dining experience. Or you can try one of the outdoor kitchen ideas below.
Outdoor kitchens
As we know well from the enjoyment of BBQs, cooking a meal can be half the fun and relaxation, especially if it’s turned into a social activity. There’s just something about cooking outdoors that removes the chore aspect from it and turns up the enjoyment.
Design and layout ideas include:
- Install a built-in BBQ or a portable grill.
- Add a prep station — like an outdoor counter or use weatherproof cabinets with countertops for storage and food preparation.
- You could also alternatively add a tall side table that you could use for food prep.
- Add a small fridge and outdoor sink for convenience.
- Add a nearby seating area with comfortable chairs for guests to socialise while the food is being prepared, and an outdoor dining table for serving/eating.
Novelty outdoor cooking
What makes an outdoor kitchen even more fun? Novelty outdoor cooking! Here are some fun novelty cooking ideas for the outdoors.
- A fire pit with outdoor fire roasters (such as an overfire grill grate, fish roaster, fire/coal cooking trays, or even a meat rotisserie)
- A stone pizza oven (bonus points for making it into a DIY make your own mini pizza party!)
- Adding a large pressure cooker or meat smoker.
Create an outdoor bar
An outdoor bar can add a super fun touch to your outdoor dining and entertaining.
- Add a small bar counter with high stools.
- Use string lights or lanterns to create a cosy atmosphere.
- Stock the bar with glassware, a mini-fridge, and a selection of drinks.
- A drinks fridge and/or a wine rack.
- Add a range of drinks to make it fun (think cocktail bar).
- Add a drinks/mixers fridge.
- Consider adding cocktail making elements like a blender, cocktail shaker and more.
- Storage cabinets can help protect all of the key ingredients and appliances from the elements.
- Be sure to incorporate tall storage and maybe even locks if you live with children or have them visiting often.
- Cool glasses/cups, and funky reusable straws can add an even more fun touch, as can fruit for garnishing.
- Be sure to have plenty of comfortable seating for enjoying your beverages.
- Add some throw rugs and outdoor cushions for comfort and warmth.
- Don’t forget the music! An outdoor speaker or portable bluetooth speaker can really add to the atmosphere.
Fireplace/fire pit gathering spaces (for open-roof pergolas and open-air outdoor spaces)
For obvious reasons, fires may not work for all situations, but if you have an open-top pergola or another open-air outdoor space, adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is an excellent way to add extra enjoyment to your outdoor living — especially for those colder evenings.
- Add a fire pit (portable or fixed).
- Or add/build an outdoor fireplace.
- Arrange ample seating with outdoor sofas and chairs.
- BYO marshmallows and roasting sticks!
Entertainment
Outdoor cinema/sports viewing area
For under the stars movie nights and enjoying the game with friends and family, you can turn your verandah or patio into a wonderful movie night experience!
- Set up a projector and a blank wall or portable screen.
- Arrange seating with bean bags, cushions, and blankets.
- Consider adding outdoor lounges, and even a daybed.
- For added cosiness, you could even roll out an outdoor mattress or swag and top it with outdoor cushions and throw blankets.
- Provide a table for snacks and drinks.
- Add a popcorn machine for extra points.
- Don’t forget speakers for sound.
- For watching sporting games, you can even add a whiteboard for people to add their tips and predictions!
Relaxation
Hammock haven
Hammocks are relaxing and a great day to enjoy the sunshine days on your verandah, patio or pergola.
- Hang a hammock between two sturdy posts or get a free-standing hammock.
- Add a small side table for drinks and books.
- Add a small outdoor cushion and throw rug if needed.
Your own spa retreat
Why not bring the relaxation and indulgence of a spa to your own backyard? This is great for relaxation and a social event with friends.
- Install a hot tub or spa with easy access from the house.
- Add privacy screens or tall plants to create a secluded feel.
- Consider adding a floating drinks and snacks holder, or a side/table to hold said snacks and drinks.
- A drinks fridge outdoors would mean you don’t need to move far.
- Invest in an outdoor towel rack so it’s easy to keep warm when you want to get out.
- A portable waterproof bluetooth speaker can be entertaining.
- Adding a waterproof comfortable outdoor couch and some throw rugs which dry easily can mean you have somewhere comfortable to relax and chat when you’re done with your soak.
- Adding candles (battery operated or real) on a side table can really increase the romance or indulgence.
- Add an outdoor water fountain or feature to add to the ‘spa’ experience.
- For a true spa experience, bring some face masks, face washers, and tubs of water.
- Don’t forget the robes, strawberries and champagne!
An inviting reading nook
- Choose a comfortable chair or chaise lounge with a side table for books and drinks.
- You can also consider adding a comfortable day bed, egg chair, or hanging chair for extra enjoyment. It’ll be worth the investment!
- Add outdoor cushions and a blanket for extra comfort.
- Add a side table for snacks/a cuppa, and a lamp for when you need a bit of light (make sure it’s protected from the elements).
- Consider installing outdoor louvres or blinds that you can use to control how much sun/shade you get and to protect from any rain that comes in.
- Position the nook in a quiet corner with good lighting, or add lighting.
Morning coffee spot / tea with friends space
Putting some effort into the design of your morning coffee spot or space for enjoying a cuppa and a chat with friends can really add to your enjoyment of your outdoor living spaces. Whether it’s designed for you to start your day in a lovely way, or designed to soak in the ambience, sights and smells of your garden, think ‘relaxation with a cuppa’. This is particularly lovely with a pergola which is covered in greenery and florals.
- Place a small bistro table and chairs in a sunny spot.
- Add potted plants or flowers for a fresh and vibrant feel.
- Ensure you have shade options for those hot mornings (such as outdoor blinds).
A space for creativeness
If you love painting, crafts, sketching, crocheting, or want to create a space where your kids can do some arts and crafts, your verandah, patio or pergola is the perfect place for it! Just make sure you have some cover from the elements in case it looks like rain (outdoor overhead louvres or blinds are a great option for this as they can be opened or closed. At Discounted Patios, we offer some that automatically close when they detect rain — so you don’t need to pause to put down your creations!.
- Include a sturdy table and chairs for arts and crafts.
- Use storage bins for supplies and materials.
- If painting or sketching is your thing, add some easels.
- Add a drop sheet if you’re concerned about marking the floor.
- Consider some portable lighting options for when extra light is needed.
- Add some potted plants or flowers in the area for added creative inspiration.
A bird watching haven
You can turn your outdoor living areas into a bird watching haven by installing bird-friendly elements in your backyard and gardens, in view of your verandah, patio or pergola.
For example:
- Hanging or standing bird feeders.
- Bird baths.
- Adding birdhouses to your trees.
- Installing trees and plants that birds love.
- Add some binoculars for a closer look.
- Add a local bird book to your outdoor coffee table so you can identify any birds you see.
You can also add bee houses (for native bees and/or honey bees), and plant flowers that attract bees or butterflies to enhance your nature spotting experience.
Outdoor living gardens
Indoor-outdoor gardens
Potted plants look great inside and on your verandah or patio. This is especially the case for those plants that want medium or low levels of sun if you have plenty of shade cover in your verandah.
- Select a lot of attractive-looking pots for your plants to go in. Those with drainage holes, accompanied by saucers to catch any excess water are easiest for beginners.
- Research which plants need different levels of shade/sun, and position accordingly.
- There are so many options for displaying your pot plants, from indoor and outdoor pot plant stands and plant shelves, to more creative ideas like wheelbarrows and coffee tables.
- You can even get climbing varieties and train them to wrap around your poles, or hanging varieties to drape downwards.
Vertical gardens
Vertical gardens can add greenery and atmosphere to your outdoor areas.
- Install wall-mounted planters or trellises for climbing plants.
- Choose plants suited for vertical growth, such as herbs and vines.
- Use a drip irrigation system for easy watering and maintenance.
Herb garden
There’s something truly special about having your own herbs grown fresh from your garden in your cooking. Your patio or verandah is an excellent space for your own herb garden.
- Set up small raised beds or pots for fresh herbs.
- Label each herb for easy identification and care.
- Alternatively, you can create some plant beds directly around your patio or verandah area.
A garden for the senses
Think about what looks and smells good when designing a garden for enjoyment from your outdoor living spaces.
- Design flower beds around the edges of your verandah, patio, or pergola.
- Choose a mix of perennials and annuals for continuous blooms.
- Add mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
- Connect your outdoor and indoor spaces by adding pot plants in your verandah or patio area, and plants nearby leading to your general backyard area.
Outdoor spaces offer endless possibilities for Melbourne homeowners. Whether you’re dining, entertaining, relaxing, or gardening, there’s a way to make your patio, verandah, or pergola a functional and beautiful part of your home. Start planning today and enjoy the benefits of a well-designed outdoor space
Outdoor living features you may want to add
At Discounted Patios, we have been helping Melbourne locals create their perfect outdoor living spaces for decades. We have a range of outdoor living solutions. We can help with:
Get in touch with our friendly team of Melbourne outdoor living specialists today to learn more.