If you’re dreaming of a space to relax and entertain, the best time to build an alfresco is now. We’ve put together 5 tips for Alfresco Design and Renovation to get you started…
1. Match the location to meet your needs
An alfresco zone extends from a room, most commonly a lounge room. How you want to use your alfresco will impact where it should be. Will your alfresco be an extension of your cooking and meals zone? Or perhaps you want a private outdoor retreat that could be extended from a bedroom or located in the garden. Wherever it’s located, qualified designers and builders can ensure the alfresco will look like a seamless expansion of your indoor living zones.
2. Furnish like the indoors
As an extension of your indoor area, an alfresco can feature almost anything that can be kept indoors. Think – an outdoor kitchen, eating area, lounge area, dedicated bar area etc. Depending on the space available, you could include several of these features! You could have in-built sections, such as bench seating or heating and cooling.
3. Withstand the weather
Alfrescos can involve structural work, which requires a registered builder. You also want to make sure your alfresco will be built with durable materials that can withstand wind, rain, and shine (sometimes all at once in Melbourne!). If you’re including furniture, you should ask your Designer about the best materials to have outdoors and how to manage rain and sunlight. An experienced designer can also ensure that you’ll get the most out of the natural direction of the sun for heating and cooling.
4. Create a grand entrance
Sliding or bifold doors will create an easy flow between your indoor and outdoor space. Open-plan living is perfect for entertaining and this layout will add value to your home. The best part is that you can easily transform between one large area and two separate spaces to suit your lifestyle. Clear blinds can be used to create walls for your alfresco.
5. Good lighting and colour selection
Lighting is a must if you are planning to use your alfresco zone at night. For easy and practical options, downlights can be installed into a lined-ceiling and floodlights can ensure areas are lit safely (e.g. near a pool). A mix of feature lighting can contribute to the ambience of the space – think an outdoor pendant light or feature lighting built into decking. Lighting and colour selection will impact the vibe and feel of the space, so it’s best to get professional advice if you’re unsure. All City clients work with Kerry, our Colour Consultant, to choose the best products (e.g. tiles, bricks, paint colours etc.) to match your home and style.
All City offer free consultations to discuss your renovation ideas, offer advice and provide an estimated quote.