One of the best things about living in Australia is our beautiful weather and our relaxed approach to outdoor living at home. It’s not surprising that a recent home renovation study reported that one in two Australian homeowners use their outdoor space for entertaining, which was the highest ratio of the 13 countries surveyed. 

Even when the temperature drops and the cooler months arrive, the good times can continue to roll in your outdoor areas at home. A well-designed outdoor space that is fully functional throughout the seasons will increase your property's resale value, and you don't always have to retreat indoors for three months of the year!

The expert design and renovation team at Balnei & Colina creates outdoor kitchens that embrace all-season entertaining. With intelligent design and thoughtful space planning, you can enjoy this extension of your home in complete comfort regardless of the weather. 

Want to get more use out of your backyard, balcony, or deck? In this month's B&C Home Journal, we consider design and styling ideas for an outdoor kitchen renovation that delivers quality alfresco living all year round. Enjoy!

The Team at Balnei & Colina

 

Balnei & Colina | Lower North Shore Outdoor Kitchen Renovation

Outdoor Living In Winter: How To Create A Cosy Atmosphere

1. Layout and shelter 

An easy flow from the inside of your home to the outside will encourage use of the exterior space, regardless of the season. An accessible outdoor entertaining area positioned close to the house will make it easier for you and your guests to relax.

Overhead shelter protects you from the elements and defines the outdoor kitchen and living area, making it feel like an outdoor room and a true extension of your home's livable space. Awnings, pergolas, arbours or an extension of the roofline can create a covered outdoor area that allows you to keep grilling and entertaining even when it rains.

A fully-equipped outdoor kitchen that incorporates a BBQ, sink, ample bench space for prepping meals, storage, and a conveniently-sized fridge provides everything you need for stress-free winter entertaining with everything on-hand and ready to go. At Balnei & Colina renovations, we pride ourselves on designing and building stylish custom outdoor kitchens that function seamlessly and make life easier for our clients. 

Fun Fact: The research previously mentioned above, reported that Australians and Italians were most likely to update their outdoor spaces with outdoor kitchen elements such as grills, built-in cabinetry, sinks, and refrigerators. 

 

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

 

 

Image via Pinterest

2. Heating

Keep your family and guests toasty and warm with well-placed heating sources that can be fired up when the temperature goes down. 

Nothing makes a statement like a custom-designed outdoor fireplace. As a design feature that can generate an abundance of warmth, a fireplace will draw people in and add a wow factor to your space. Whether you choose a wood-burning stove or go with gas, a custom fireplace joinery designed by the experts at Balnei & Colina renovations can seamlessly fit the dimensions of your space and reflect the style of your home. 

If space is limited and a fireplace is not an option, radiant heating is an efficient option for small outdoor areas like a covered deck or balcony. Strip heaters are usually mounted on the ceiling and are great for spot-heating a dining table or lounge area. 

Consider how the sunshine moves over the space and how the light changes over the days and seasons. You can harness passive solar energy by orienting the BBQ and seating areas to capture as much winter sun as possible.

Fun fact: Passive solar heating uses free heating direct from the sun to dramatically reduce the estimated 40% of energy consumed in the average Australian home for space heating and cooling.

 

Image via Homes To Love

 

 

Image via Elle Decor

3. Lighting and cosy layers 

Place permanent lighting fixtures to properly illuminate the outdoor cooking area, seating zones, and pathways. Install smart LED lighting for the added convenience of controlling the settings from your mobile device. Adding layers of lighting with strings of festoons and candle-lit lanterns will create a cosy, inviting ambience for your outdoor kitchen renovation. 

Comfortable seating arranged around a heating source will also create a welcoming atmosphere. Make sure your stools, dining chairs, armchairs, and lounges are adequately padded and well-maintained. Layer up the softness with extra cushions, throws and outdoor rugs, and keep a basket of blankets and throws handy. Pull a warm blanket around your shoulders and settle in when it gets cool.  

 

Image via Better Homes & Gardens 

Image via Amber Interior Design

Want to speak directly to an outdoor kitchen renovation specialist about your outdoor entertaining area? The experts at Balnei & Colina can help! 

Book an outdoor kitchen design consultation today at 1300 450 320, send us your project details via this contact form, or book a call to discuss your outdoor kitchen project in more detail. You can also email us direct via info@balneiandcolina.com.au. 

To keep up with the latest outdoor kitchen trends, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or sign-up for our newsletter.

Image via Pinterest

Image via Minted Elevated