Your outdoor spaces can affect your home’s appeal so it is important to create areas that complement your home’s architecture and aesthetics. Garden design can also affect your lifestyle and enjoyment as the garden becomes an extension of the space in which you entertain and recharge. The right plants, decking or paving and lighting can add colour, texture and functionality to your garden.

Once your home is built, it’s time to you start designing your outdoor space. Take time to gather design ideas and decide what it is that you want to achieve from your outdoor areas. If you love gardening or cooking, raised flower beds or an edible garden are the perfect ways to use your space. Edible gardens can also be planted in smaller areas making use of walls and pots. Current trends include sustainable gardens, edible gardens and chicken coops.

If you have children you may want to make use of a more open garden. Luscious lawns and architecturally-designed swimming pools will make your outdoor living space an oasis for family and friends. The backyard is for entertaining and playtime, so incorporate decking for seating and dining areas, barbecue and outdoor kitchen facilities, play spaces and sunny relaxation spots.

When landscaping your front yard it’s important to make a good first impression. Your design should be inspiring, well thought out and consistent with the style of your home. A flower garden has great aesthetic appeal but keep in mind they take maintenance so consider building in an automatic watering system. You can also simplify the process by opting for low-maintenance succulents, bushes or hedges instead. Water features, wooden fencing or stone walls will add variation.

Privacy in your backyard can be achieved through fencing, screening, hedging and planting trees. Opt for a strong, dark coloured fence to create a dramatic impact against your greenery. Don’t be afraid to experiment with garden lighting and colour. These elements can tie into the style and ambience of your home. And don’t forget about outdoor furniture! An outdoor weatherproof chaise lounge, chair or sofa in a garden makes a great meditation or reading area and create an inviting area for soaking in the sunshine.

A Natura Homes house is purpose-built to support and sustain your outdoors lifestyle and we’ll take the time to discuss with you the type of space you require and what you hope to achieve with your outdoor and garden areas. We’ll make recommendations on key aspects such as the location of the home on the block, the orientation of the home to maximise light, shade and air flow and we can provide expert advice if you have a sloping block. Talk to us today.