outdoor room

Most people love to entertain outdoors or just venture outside to relax especially here in Australia where the weather is kind

A growing trend that has been gaining in popularity is the emergence of the "outdoor room"

Gone are the days of placing a couple of fold up chairs, with a rickety table under a canvas umbrella or 'rustic' leaky timber pergola, today's outdoor room is a sophisticated refined space, which allows easy access from the inside of the house


The main design emphasis of today's outdoor room is the creation of a stylish, functional and flexible space which can accommodate a variety of uses from hosting a family BBQ, a large party, or just a relaxing retreat or cosy place to sit and read

A successful contemporary outdoor room will include some of the following items:

• kitchen
• counter
• bar
• feature lighting
• artwork
• t.v. / music system
• sofa, dinning table, chairs 
• water feature
• pizza oven/fireplace
• garden/potted plants

I believe there a some design principles to include if the outdoor space is to be a success, these are some of my tips:

• must be located close to the interior of the house to ensure easy access
• should be accessed from the living areas of the house
• must be highly visible from the living areas of the house
• should be surrounded by at least 2 walls to allow weather protection
• should have a roof over and also a ceiling if possible
• users of the space must feel connected to nature, e.g. close to a garden or have a garden or water feature within the space
• if possible the floor level should flow seamlessly from inside the house into this space

I have included the following images to show a variety of examples of outdoor room designs - enjoy!