Aussie summers are all about time spent outdoors, especially if you're lucky enough to have a holiday home in the family. With the right design choices and professional assistance for the bigger tasks, you can turn your outdoor living space into an oasis of fun and relaxation. 

Whether you’ll be doing the upgrades yourself or enlisting the help of the best Ocean Grove builders or contractors in your local area, the following tips should help you beautify your outdoor living areas, so you can make the most of your holiday home. 

1. Start with elegant outdoor furniture

Comfort and quality are key when it comes to designing an outdoor living space. You need to choose furniture that brings a touch of elegance to the space, but it’s also crucial that each piece can withstand the elements. 

If you have a large outdoor area, consider creating different zones with different furniture sets to make each space feel more intimate and functional. Look for furniture made from hardy materials like aluminium, weather-resistant wicker, and teak. Just be wary of importing teak and other wooden furniture items from South-East Asia, as you may face issues with trade restrictions over human rights issues and wood-boring insects. 

2. Work natural elements into your design

The beauty of an outdoor living area is that it allows you to connect with nature while still having all your home comforts on hand. To play up this aspect of your outdoor living space, work plenty of natural beauty into your design. Incorporate things like hanging plants, vines, river rocks, shells from the beach, and water features. Even something as simple as a few well-placed potted plants and a wind chime can lend a soothing and relaxing vibe to your space.

3. Play with pops of colour

While natural elements should ideally form a large part of your design, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with bright colours. Work pretty pops of colour into the design of your outdoor living area by using cushions, throws, mosquito nets, and perhaps even a bright outdoor rug. You can also consider hanging lanterns, flags, and seasonal decorations. 

Of course, if you prefer neutral tones, there’s no need to throw colour around just for the sake of it. Instead, focus on including the colours you love, even if that means working with sandy tones and natural hues. 

4. Create plenty of shade

The Australian sun can be intense, so don’t skimp on the shade in your holiday home’s outdoor space. Pergola and gazebo offer respite from the sun, wind and rain while still allowing you to enjoy the outdoors. You could also consider a deck with shading built out from the house. You’ll also find less permanent options like umbrellas and outdoor shading that can be adjusted as needed.

5. Perfect the lighting

Lighting is the final touch on your outdoor living space – breathing life into the area at night and pulling all your other design elements together. Strategically placed lighting creates a warm and inviting ambience that’s perfect for evening entertaining. Shop around for outdoor string lights, festoon lighting, or colourful lanterns to add some charm to your space. If you have a pool, underwater LED lights add a fun and festive element to evening swims.

Whether you're lounging by the pool, enjoying a BBQ with friends, or just chilling out with a book and watching the rain, your outdoor living space can be a stylish and functional retreat for the whole family to enjoy. Put these tips into action, and transform your outdoor living space today.