If COVID-19 has taught us one thing, it’s that having a beautiful outdoor space matters.
More and more residents are staying home since the pandemic, and having a beautiful space outside has never been more important. As professional landscape designers in the Mornington Peninsula, we know how important it is to have a satisfying outdoor space, no matter the size.
Whether you have a large garden or a small patio, there are many trending design inspirations guaranteed to improve your space. Here are some of the latest trends sweeping the outdoor living world.
Outdoor Kitchens
We all know that cooking outdoors is fun, so it's not surprising that many homeowners are expanding their outdoor kitchens for cooking and dining. This includes adding outdoor kitchens to their patios, complete with BBQ grills, pizza ovens, refrigerators, and even sinks.
For those who love hosting outdoors, this trend is an excellent way to reduce time spent in a traditional kitchen and more time with guests. Our Mordialloc Project is an example of how we designed a garden with an undercover BBQ, an outdoor kitchen, and a pool.
Fire Pit and Fireplaces
Instead of an outdoor heater, why not invest in a fire structure? Whether a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, these structures add a beautiful warmth and ambience to your home. They also increase functionality by making your outdoor space usable in cooler weather.
In the example below, this outdoor space for a property in Chadstone was built with an off-form firepit as the central feature of the backyard. It’s the perfect setting for entertaining and also suits the homeowner’s style.
Pergolas and Roofed Structures
While fireplaces keep outdoor spaces warm, pergolas help to cool them down. If your outdoor space needs some comfort and protection from the Aussie sun, we highly recommend installing a well-designed pergola or roof structure.
Pergolas are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your home and can be decorated to your own unique style. Just remember to double-check if you need a permit to install your desired roof structure!
Pool and Spa Combinations
Combining an outdoor pool and spa into the backyard design is exceptionally clever, as it brings the best of both worlds - relaxation and entertainment. A pool spa is excellent for entertaining guests and can be designed even in smaller spaces.
Our swim spa project is a prime example of this. We designed an outdoor space with a modern, safety-compliant pool and created interest by adding extra elements such as stone and steel. To improve the mood, we added lighting above the seating area.
Customisation
Your home is a reflection of your character and family, and it’s always great to personalise it to your own style. Many homeowners are tailoring their outdoor spaces to their personal tastes and needs, be it an intimate seating area or a large gathering spot.
Once you have an idea of how you’ll use your outdoor living space and beautify it with your own personal touch, you can significantly improve the area’s aesthetics. For example, our very own garden is furnished with roses and tulips in memory of our mothers, who were gardeners themselves and our inspiration.
Health and Wellness
Making your garden a wellness space is another growing trend among homeowners. Health and wellness are becoming more important to residents in the Mornington Peninsula, and our gardens reflect this! Many homeowners include areas for yoga, meditation, and other wellness activities in their landscaping ideas
Consider how your outdoor space can accommodate activities such as exercising and meditation. This can include finding shady spots among the trees and adding running water features to improve the ambience.
Event Hosting
As many of us start to see the joy of home parties, we see a growing trend of people using their outdoor living space for events. Homeowners are increasingly designing landscapes with long-term plans of hosting weddings, birthday parties, and family gatherings.
Our Mt Martha Steep Slope project is a prime example of this. The home's backyard was created with entertaining in mind and had a dedicated alfresco area complete with an outdoor kitchen. The spacious area was also furnished with a firepit and seating area for guests.
Sustainability
Minimising our footprint has become important in our homes, and this extends to our outdoor landscapes. A sustainable landscape means opting for low-maintenance plants and a garden that requires minimal water.
Besides plants, many homeowners are also investing in efficient rain harvesting systems for irrigation, solar-powered outdoor lighting, and composting solutions. Being sustainable isn’t only better for the environment; it also saves costs.
Our Frankston South project is an example of a waterwise garden. By planting low-maintenance plants and adding several features to highlight the garden's interest, we created a sustainable garden that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics.
Key Takeaway
Our outdoor living spaces are a reflection of us and our homes. As we move further into the second half of the year, we see more homeowners showcasing their personal styles in their gardens and patios. We hope these trends have given you some inspiration on how to design an outdoor space that you can be proud of.
For more than two decades, Foliage Landscaping has helped homeowners in the Mornington Peninsula turn their gardens into sanctuaries for family and friends. To learn how we can improve your outdoors, request a free quote today.