Here are just a few quick and easy ways that you can transform your backyard into a family-friendly outdoor space that kids, adults, and pets can enjoy year-round.
Choose the right fencing
When it comes to designing an outdoor space, plants, outdoor furniture or even a backyard pool are probably the first things that come to your mind. But safety should be the foremost consideration – especially for families with younger children or pets. And securing your backyard means investing in sturdy fencing.
It's a good idea to select fencing that’s easy to maintain and can withstand harsh Aussie summers without warping or discoloration. This is precisely why it’s so common to see PVC fencing panels in Australia, as heavy-duty PVC is water- and heat-resistant, making it an attractive low-cost alternative to metal or traditional timber fencing.
It’s also impossible for PVC fencing to experience rust, which means that your family will be less likely to be exposed to health issues like tetanus. And when designing a family-friendly backyard space, it’s always best to use materials that are both durable and non-toxic.
Define the space
It's important to create a sense of definition when planning a family-friendly outdoor space. This can be done in a number of ways, such as using hedges, fences or walls to create boundaries between different areas around your backyard. Alternatively, you could use physical features like trees or bushes, or even planters or pots filled with colourful flowers to organically control the flow of traffic and activity in your garden space.
Another good tip is to consider what ground cover or flooring materials you’d like to use in your backyard. For example, wooden decking with furnishings communicates that this area is for outdoor dining and entertaining. Contrastingly, open lawn space or astroturfing is more likely to be an allocated play area for kids.
And keep in mind that shelter considerations are just as important as selecting your surfaces. In other words, it’s imperative that you include sheltered play areas as well – just to ensure that your kids stay sun smart when enjoying their family backyard.
Select the right garden furniture
When it comes to designing a family-friendly outdoor space, the furniture you choose can help you communicate just how you’d like your garden to be used. So what should you look for when selecting furniture for your backyard?
To start, we recommend selecting furnishings and decor that are durable and easy to clean, as well as being comfortable and stylish. For seating, opt for chairs with cushions or built-in padding that can be wiped down with ease. And for dining, you can’t go wrong with large trestle tables and benches with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces.
There’s one other functional furniture consideration that families should make and that’s outdoor storage. Consider investing in furniture with integrated storage to help maximise on your outdoor space. This can be items like benches with built-in storage or stylish stacked shelving for storage that utilises your vertical space.
Another consideration is style. You want your backyard to be inviting and relaxing, so be sure to choose colours and textures that reflect this when furnishing your outdoor space. Incorporate fun and interactive features like water fountains or bird baths. And once again, don't forget about the importance of shade. Alongside pergolas, large trees or beach umbrellas can help keep your outdoor space cool and comfortable on hot days.
Add some fun elements to the space
As we mentioned, a family-friendly outdoor space should be both functional and fun. To achieve this, it is important to incorporate some elements that will appeal to both adults and children. For example, a fire pit can provide warmth on cool evenings and also double as a marshmallow roasting station for kids.
A raised garden bed can give everyone a chance to get their hands dirty, or perhaps even plant their own fresh herbs. Similarly, an outdoor kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests. And a swing set or trampoline is a great way to encourage physical activity. And if you have the budget for it, you might even consider adding a pool or spa! Just make sure that the demand is high before you invest in this more costly backyard amenity.
Don't forget to add some lighting to the space
Finally, if you’re looking to create a backyard space that can be enjoyed year-round, then it’s important to invest in outdoor illumination. The best way to encourage your kids to be outside for longer in the colder and shorter winter days, is to make sure that they have plenty of light to support their evening play.
There are a few different options when it comes to lighting, and it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, solar lights are a great option because they're environmentally friendly and they don't require any additional wiring. Floodlights or spotlights can also be a great investment for both safety and security.
And if you want something a little more decorative, you can opt for string lights or lanterns. String lights are also a fantastic way to add ambiance to any outdoor space. They can be used to highlight certain areas or can simply be strung up around the perimeter of your space for a whimsical feel.
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As you can see, creating an outdoor living space that reflects your style and personality doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. There are a few simple things you can do to add some pzazz to your backyard or patio. By following these simple tips, you can easily create an outdoor living space that is both stylish and inviting.
So get designing, and remember to ask for input from your friends, family, and any other loved ones that you’ll be curating this space for!
The entire August 30, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
The entire August 30, 2023 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!
