Ideas to help you create a dream outdoor entertaining area

1. Extend your outdoor flooring

From Hamptons-style timber-look decking to tiles or polished concrete, outdoor flooring can quickly transform a bland backyard into an entertaining marvel.

‘While you may not be able to extend the roofline of your home, extending your deck can help create the sense of a larger space. It can also help to create a more cohesive flow from your indoor living areas to your outdoor entertainment areas,’ – Andrea.

When done well, an extended deck can provide a beautiful outdoor feature, making the best use of a water-logged or patchy outdoor space. When choosing your alfresco flooring, think about how the space will be used and the conditions of your backyard. While tiles may be a more durable material, timber could be softer underfoot for young children.

3. Experiment with planter boxes and screens

Looking to dress up a boring backyard or deal with your block’s significant fall? Planter boxes and screens are a fantastic, cost-effective option.

‘Planter boxes and screening can break up a retaining wall or rear boundary fence, and provide a green outlook to your backyard,’ says Andrea. ‘For Hamptons style exteriors, opt for traditional planting and manicured hedges. For a contemporary aesthetic, choose a more relaxed planting style, incorporating lots of grasses.’

Planter boxes and screens can also be used to dress up narrow spaces along the side of your home. ‘Position the planter boxes or screens in front of windows to give your family a picturesque outlook and help bring the outside-in,’ recommends Andrea. ‘Painting your boundary fences a darker colour can also help to make your plants pop.’

Tip: Avoid planting trees or plants right up against the house, as their root systems can cause damage to the external walls.

5. Create a grand entrance

‘To create a cohesive home design, it’s really important that your landscaping considers the colours and finishes of your façade and interiors,’ advises Andrea. Find a flower that complements your exterior render or build a boundary fence using contrasting paint to your façade.

‘Widening your front path and ensuring your driveway is completed for handover are upgrades well worth considering,’ adds Andrea. ‘They ensure your home is move-in ready and make a huge difference to how you and your guests feel walking up to your front door,’ she says.

7. Install an outdoor court

Having an outdoor, all-purpose sports court provides endless hours of entertainment to kids and adults alike while adding significant value to your home.

‘At Dreamcourts, the unmatchable attributes of our tiles – including noise reduction, quick-drying capabilities, shock absorption and reduced slippage – make them a popular surface not only for basketball but for many activities, including toddler trikes, soccer pitches and tennis courts.’

Completely customisable, Dreamcourts come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colours, and can be overlaid with text, multi-court line markings, images and logos. The key is to plan – and plan early.

‘For Boutique Homes customers, the best time to start the process is at the house planning stage. By organising concrete during the home build, you can save a lot of time and expense,’ says Elle.

‘If your court is going up against a fence, containment nets may be required to avoid balls going into your neighbours’ gardens. How your play area is orientated regarding the sun and your preferred time of play will also determine the placement of your hoop system.’