Welcome to the outdoor living area. Most of us would love to create a relaxed area outside of the home where we can enjoy some peace, feel the warmth of the sun or watch the rain fall - without getting wet! From entertaining on warm, balmy nights to quietly reading on a Sunday afternoon - an escape to the outdoors brings instant relaxation.

Besides the good value and quality Spinners is known for, I particularly appreciated the security of dealing with a brand I can trust. Thank you for looking after us and considering our special needs - Sandra Smith

So welcome to the Outdoor Living area! Over the past decade, Australians have transformed the way gardens are used. The possibilities are now endless when it comes to getting back in touch with nature in your own backyard.

The outdoor living area concept covers a whole range of ideas and options to suit your lifestyle, budget and space. You can choose from decks, patios and pergolas to the Outdoor Living Room that really makes use of your garden or courtyard. Whatever concept you decide is right for you, read on to find inspiration on designing your perfect outdoor escape.

First you need to look at the space you have available, and decide what type of outdoor area you would like.

If it’s the Outdoor Living Room that would really make a statement at your house, then consider where you would like to build the room and how big you would like it to be. This “room” can be attached or separate from the house and is normally built with either a weatherproof roof cover or using movable louvers; although, whilst the Outdoor Living Room is weatherproof, it isn’t full enclosed.

If it’s a deck, patio or a pergola that would suit your lifestyle, then consider where to place it, whether you would like it covered or uncovered, are you looking for a private retreat, or something more open, and how much lighting you will need? To help you determine the answers to these questions, consider what you’ll be using the deck for? Are you planning on entertaining a crowd or a couple?

So start by looking out your back window, and see if you can visualise the room, deck or patio. Remember, the structure is permanent, and needs to suit your lifestyle come winter or summer, rain or sunshine. It needs to be something you enjoy using, and the area needs to work for you.

Also when you are visualise your outdoor area, consider a structure that highlights, rather than hinders, existing features of your property. For example, will what you have in mind accentuate the natural lighting, or block it? Will the structure obstruct your amazing views, or will the structure become your amazing view?

So take the time and imagine yourself in all of the different outdoor living area options. Of course, if you ever feel like a change down the track, you can easily replace the outdoor furniture, pot plants or even the paint colour.

Depending on whether you choose a deck, patio, pergola or an Outdoor Living Room, consider how you might like to landscape the area.

For an Outdoor Living Room, landscaping leading up to the entrance and surrounding the room should be taken into account, so that the room appears to have grown – and belongs - in the garden.

If the ‘room’ is separate from the house, think how you could link the room with the house. If it is attached to the house, the surrounding garden needs to embrace the room to maintain the outdoor feel. In either of these situations, lighting is a great feature to consider – it connects the ‘room’ with the house and garden, and allows you to enjoy the view of your Outdoor Living Room at night or during the colder months from the comfort of indoors.

If you have a deck or patio, you can landscape around them and even on them. Consider grouping different size and shaped pots together on the deck to create a “cluster” effect and ensure that you choose plans that suit the climate and amount of sunshine your deck will receive each day.

Visit your local Garden Centre and see the large variety of outdoor feature pots and furniture now available. To help you plan your landscaping, and how you can connect everything together, Garden Centres are a great source of inspiration, even if you are not a gardener!

You will need professionally drawn plans for Council approval for decks or Outdoor Living Rooms, but first you need some assistance with the design and advice on the different materials available and, of course, a cost for what you have in mind.

At Spinners we can offer you complete service, from the design and Council approval process, right through until completion of your new outdoor living area.

We’d love to discuss your outdoor living area ideas with you. So call one of our friendly team members on 13-SPIN (13 7746), or simply complete our online form and we’ll contact you.

Visit our Gallery to view some of our work.