Personalising your afresco comfort

It is no secret Australians love outdoor living, with alfresco areas hosting everything from backyard barbecues to sophisticated dining.

When planning for a truly exceptional afresco space, Residential Attitudes Designer Sam Au said property owners should first consider its intended purpose.

“Start with how the homeowner wants to use the space – whether it’s for quiet mornings, big gatherings, cooking, lounging or all of the above,” he said.

“Prioritise orientation and natural light so the zone feels bright, warm and inviting year-round.

“Integrate practical elements early and consider power, lighting and plumbing so the final look is clean and intentional.”

Once you have your canvas, it is time to start styling. But with the abundance of possibilities, Mr Au said there were several things to focus on.

“Choose a design style first and let that guide material and colour choices,” he said.

“Think about how often the space will be used and match the size, furniture layout and lighting to how you want to live.”

When furnishing your alfresco area, Mr Au said to keep the space flexible so it could evolve with your lifestyle.

“Select durable outdoor furniture that still expresses personality and colour, then add soft furnishings to make the space feel lived-in and inviting,” he said.

“Layer lighting – for example, lanterns, LED strips and pendants – to create evening ambience.

“Introduce greenery or pots that add height and movement without overcrowding the space.”

Effortless flow between indoors and outdoors is a common asset in alfresco design. However, this does not mean the spaces have to mirror each other.

To achieve cohesion without duplication, Mr Au said you should focus on harmony.

“Mirror or echo materials, such as flooring tones, timber accents or colour palettes to tie the two areas together,” he said.

“Keep the lines of sight clean and uncluttered, so the spaces visually merge rather than compete.

“Use similar furniture shapes or textures to create continuity without needing to match everything.”

Mr Au said detailed curation could enhance your outdoor space beyond being a simple extension of the home.

“A well-designed aldresco isn’t just an add-on – it’s a lifestyle amplifier,” he said.

“When designed with personality, purpose and style, it becomes one of the home’s most-loved spaces.”

Source: Originally published on Page 8, in The West Australian.
Date: 16 May 2026
Author: Annie Mills