Outdoor Spaces That Wow: Summer-Ready Gardens and Decks

Creating an outdoor living space is all about blending comfort, style and functionality. Whether you’re looking to entertain guests or enjoy a quiet evening under the stars, your outdoor space should reflect your personal taste. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cosy seating areas: invest in weather-resistant furniture that’s both comfortable and durable. Consider a sectional sofa with plush cushions or a few comfy lounge chairs around a central table. Add a soft outdoor rug to anchor the seating area and bring warmth to the space.
• Shade solutions: in summer, staying cool is a priority. Consider a pergola, retractable awning or shade sail to provide relief from the sun. These structures also add architectural interest to your outdoor space.
• Outdoor lighting: enhance your outdoor living area with ambient lighting. String lights, lanterns or built-in LED lights along pathways or decks create a cosy, inviting atmosphere after the sun goes down allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space well into the night — like this outdoor space in Auckland’s Western Springs.

Patios are synonymous with summer relaxation. Whether it’s a paved area with stone tiles or a wooden deck, your patio can serve as the perfect spot to enjoy warm weather. Here are some summer patio design tips:

• Incorporate natural elements: A wooden deck or stone patio integrates beautifully with the surrounding garden. Use natural stone slabs or wood planks to create a harmonious connection between the built environment and the landscape.
• Dining and grilling zones: One of the best ways to enjoy summer is by hosting meals outdoors. A spacious dining table, paired with a BBQ or outdoor kitchen, is perfect for al fresco dining. Choose weather-resistant furniture that can stand up to the elements and complement the surrounding garden.
• Fire features: Add a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace to create a cosy gathering spot — much like this lake house by Evelyn McNamara Architecture. A fire feature not only adds warmth but also brings an inviting atmosphere to your patio, ideal for evening get-togethers.

Your garden is the heart of your outdoor space, offering both beauty and functionality. With thoughtful landscaping, you can create a picturesque backdrop to your deck or patio. Here are some garden landscaping tips for a summer-ready garden:

• Layering plants: Use a mix of shrubs, flowers and ground cover to create depth and visual interest. Tall plants can add privacy, while colourful flowers will brighten up the space. Consider planting fragrant flowers such as lavender and jasmine for a full sensory experience.
• Consider the climate: Choose plants that thrive in your local region to reduce maintenance. Drought-tolerant plants, such as succulents or ornamental grasses, are great choices for warm weather gardens.
• Create focal points: Garden statues, water features and decorative planters can serve as eye-catching focal points within your garden. A small fountain or a birdbath can attract wildlife and provide soothing sounds.
• Vertical gardens: If you’re working with limited space, vertical gardening is a great way to grow more in less area — as evidenced by this vertical garden by Natural Habitats. Install shelves or use trellises to grow climbing plants like ivy, tomatoes or flowering vines.

Your deck can be much more than just a platform for furniture. With the right deck decorating ideas, you can create an inviting and functional space that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Consider the following:

• Comfortable furniture: invest in cushioned seating in outdoor fabrics that resist fading and mildew. Pair a few lounge chairs with a stylish coffee table for a casual gathering area. Consider a hammock or swing chair for a more laid-back vibe.
• Use textiles for comfort: outdoor cushions, throws and pillows can add a touch of softness to your deck furniture. Go with either bold patterns or calming neutrals, depending on the ambiance you want to create.
• Planters and greenery: Bring the garden onto your deck with a variety of plants. Use large planters to create a natural boundary or add potted herbs, flowers and even small trees for an added touch of greenery.
• Deck railings and lighting: update your deck’s railings with sleek materials like glass, metal or wood slats for a modern touch — similar to the glass balustrade of this west coast beach house. Installing low-voltage lighting along the railing or steps adds both safety and style, enhancing the ambiance after dark.

Summer means outdoor entertaining and your garden or deck should be the perfect place to host friends and family. To make your outdoor entertaining spaces even more inviting, look at incorporating the following tips:

• Outdoor kitchen or bar: an outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink and counter space can elevate your entertaining game. Add a bar area with stools and a mini-fridge for easy access to drinks and snacks.
• Seating zones for socialising: If your space allows, create multiple seating zones to accommodate large gatherings. Low lounge areas can provide a relaxed environment for conversation, while dining areas can be used for meals and drinks.
• Games and activities: include crowd favourite lawn games such as cornhole, croquet or giant Jenga to keep guests entertained. For a more sophisticated touch, consider a pool or a hot tub as a central focal point.
• Personal touches: adding decorative elements such as throw pillows, blankets and candles can make your outdoor entertaining space feel like an extension of your indoor living area — which was the driver behind this outdoor space by Johnston Architects. Personalise the space with your unique style, whether it’s boho chic, coastal or contemporary.