Feature article

Outdoor Spaces That Wow: Summer-Ready Gardens and Decks

Get summer ready with these outdoor living space ideas.

25 March 2025

AI summary

Transform your backyard into a summer oasis by creating comfortable outdoor living spaces. Use weather-resistant furniture, shade solutions like pergolas, and ambient lighting for evening atmosphere.

Enhance patios and decks with a BBQ, fire pit, and decorative planters. For your garden, use layered, climate-appropriate plants and consider a vertical garden for smaller areas. These elements combine to create an inviting retreat for relaxation and entertaining, perfect for enjoying the warmer months with friends and family.

Outdoor living spaces: maximising comfort and style

A considered outdoor lighting scheme will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space both day and night.

Summer patio designs: relaxing spaces for those hot days

The conversation pit, complete with fire, is a sheltered space on the deck where intimate gatherings can enjoy the lake view while staying warm and cosy.

Garden landscaping: creating lush and inviting outdoor spaces

A mixture of plants was used in this vertical garden to create a lush, dramatic feature that will eventually grow up to meet with the flowering green roof above.

Deck decorating 101: transform your deck into a dream space

A glass balustrade with black rail allows the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s wild West Coast to come to the fore at this beachside home.

Outdoor entertaining spaces: create the ultimate gathering spot

Designed as an extension to the indoor living areas, this outdoor space incorporates a lounge area complete with comfortable sofas, blankets and ample cushions for added comfort.

Author

HOME Magazine

HOME Magazine Author