The task of creating a stylish outdoor space can be challenging if you don’t know where to begin. Take your home to the next level with these five ideas to enhance your outdoor entertaining space.

1. Feature ceilings

Lining your ceiling with a cladding product can strengthen the atmosphere of an outdoor space and adds a visually pleasing design feature that you and your guests will love. 

Timber has a great aesthetic however it requires a lot of maintenance and tends to weather easily. Certain timbers can be an issue in bushfire-affected regions, so we recommend choosing solid aluminium cladding such as DecoClad with a natural wood-grain finish. 

DESIGN TIP: The ceiling will appear darker than the true colour because it is underneath the roof, and this should be considered when choosing a colour.

2. Create a Private Retreat

Privacy is key to the design of a successful outdoor space. There are many options available to stop the prying eyes of your neighbours while welcoming sunshine and shadows into the space.

A timber-look screen can add warmth to your outdoor area and looks great paired with plants and other materials such as concrete and stone. DECO’s range of battens can be installed vertically or horizontally and are highly durable with very little maintenance required. 

DESIGN TIP: Choose narrow spacing between battens for limited see-through ability and wider spacing for a breezier, more open impact. Mix and max our batten sizes for a stylish design feature.

3. Add a deck

For the ultimate outdoor entertaining space add a functional area to your backyard where the family can gather and enjoy the warmer months. If there is one thing Aussies love it is an extended living area that flows beautifully outside onto a deck. 

Timber-look aluminium DecoDeck is an Australian made decking system made for Australian weather conditions. This premium, durable and attractive product will give you many years of effortless, beautiful living.

DESIGN TIP: Consider including built-in storage and seating that utilises the decking material for a seamless design. 

 4. Add visual interest with mixed materials

Get creative and enhance a plain wall of the backyard by using different materials, textures and colours. Different finishes that contrast can give an edgy look to your home and create a statement feature. For example, the warm tones of timber with neutral colours create a stunning effect, or use a concrete finish like DecoCrete to create a cool industrial vibe.  

5. Make it usable all year round

Make your backyard functional all year round by installing an opening roof system. With the luxury of opening and closing your alfresco roof you can control sunlight, shade and rain throughout the seasons. The Eclipse Opening Roof by Opening Roof Specialists is a first-class system finished in our durable, weather resistant DecoWood woodgrain finish.  

There is a mountain of building products and materials out there, but we recommend choosing products that are approved by the building codes and are well-suited to the environment to ensure longevity.