Set up the outdoor room to suit your lifestyle, whether you need a place to party or a quiet corner in which to unwind alone.
Entertaining
Outdoor areas geared toward entertaining need to have easy-care flooring and plenty of unobtrusive seating for an informal crowd.
Go for built-in bench seats or broad deck steps that can do double duty as seating.
Install outdoor fans for comfort, low tables for glasses and snacks, and a bar with plenty of room for eskies.
Cooking If you want an outdoor area centred on cooking and eating consider a built-in barbecue with plenty of bench space and a generous table that can seat a large group.
If meals are long in your household make sure to add comfy chairs and cushions.
Playing
Kids play areas need to be inviting for adults and fun for children.
Install a built-in sandpit, paint a chalkboard wall and buy outdoor rugs to protect delicate little knees.
Make sure the area is well shaded and add lightweight tables and chairs for the mums and dads.
Reading
Create a place to relax and unwind by furnishing an outdoor room with a hammock, cushions and comfy chairs.
Include a softly tinkling fountain or water feature and potted palms for atmosphere, adding bamboo screens or softly floating curtains for privacy and protection from the sun.