Summer is Coming! Make the Most of It With An Outdoor Living Space

24 September 2024

As the year starts to speed up as we get closer and closer to its end now is a great time to start thinking about where you want to spend your summer days, and of course those summer nights! If you ask us the best place to spend summer is your own outdoor living space! If you're dreaming of a backyard makeover the time is now to get things started so they are ready for Christmas lunch, backyard cricket, and endless BBQs once summer arrives.


To help inspire and motivate you we've put together a list of the top five features to include in your new or upgraded outdoor living space - enjoy the read and we look forward to hearing how we can help make your outdoor living space come alive!

  • A wooden table and stools are sitting on a patio next to a wooden fence.

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  • A white house with a wooden deck in front of it.

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  • A house with a wooden deck in front of it surrounded by trees.

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  • An artist 's impression of a backyard with a hot tub and a grill.

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  • A house with wooden steps leading up to it

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Cliche we know but... a new Deck or Patio

Decking or a patio are the foundation (literally and figuratively) of any outdoor living space.  Consideration should be given to size best suits your yard and how you want to use the space, what material compliments the style of your home and how it will perform in the moody NZ climate and lastly how the outdoor living space connects with your indoor living space. Don't feel like you have to commit to one area or style, your ideal backyard could be made up of multiple zones of different construction styles or materials.

  • There is a fire pit in the middle of the yard surrounded by chairs and a couch.

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  • A table and chairs are sitting under a tree in a garden.

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  • A lawn with a couch and chairs in it

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Outdoor furniture fit for purpose and style

We are all picturing the same outdoor living set your grandparents used to have right? There is so much more available now so find something that reflects your style and how you want to use the space whether that's dinner parties with friends and extended family, cozy couches surrounding a fire pit or a hammock in the shade. The key to making the space inviting is to then dress the space as you would indoors - have coffee tables and side tables for drinks and nibbles and incorporate practical decor such as cushions, blankets, lanterns and candles.

  • A patio with a fireplace and a chair in the background

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  • There is a fireplace in the middle of the garden.

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  • A deck with a fireplace and a couch under a canopy.

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  • A wooden deck with a concrete fireplace in the middle

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Set the mood with an outdoor fireplace

Outdoor fireplaces do such a great job elevating an outdoor living space. Engaging all the senses and creating a warm and friendly ambiance. The outdoor fireplace is the perfect hero piece to include as the focal point of your outdoor living area. We are proud today to be featuring the range from Inferno Outdoor Fireplaces and Kitchens. Their fireplaces are built to impress, offering warmth, style, and durability. You can choose from sleek precast designs or create a custom masterpiece.  Click here to visit their website and find out more!

  • There is a table and chairs on the porch of a house.

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  • A kitchen with a large island and a sign that says enjoy

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  • A living room with a couch , table , and sliding glass doors leading to a deck.

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Master the flow and connection

A key factor in creating an outdoor living space that you and your family actually use is to ensure it connects and flows on from your home in a way that makes sense. You should ideally be able to see your outdoor living space from your regular indoor living space or kitchen that way the party can easily flow between indoors and outdoors and you can still watch the game on TV from the deck!  Alternatively a private outdoor living space off a master suite is a great way to extend your private sanctuary.  Having an easy connection between your outdoor living space and indoor living area is also practical for trips to the bathroom and passing food between the fridge and the BBQ.

  • A wooden deck with a grill and a refrigerator on it.

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The ultimate upgrade - An outdoor kitchen!

This luxurious addition is the ultimate upgrade for aspiring chefs out there or anyone who loves the idea of preparing and enjoying food under the open sky.  Your outdoor kitchen could be a simple set up or a full second kitchen depending on your appetite. We are proud to be featuring a range of outdoor kitchens by our friends at Inferno. Inferno outdoor kitchens are available in stylish concrete, natural cedar or bamboo, or the rustic look of ledge stone. They handle everything from design to installation, including foundations, so you can focus on enjoying your new outdoor cooking and entertaining space. To find out more click here to visit their website.


Ready to transform your outdoor living space for summer?

Get in touch now to book your free in-home consultation with your local Pzazz home and outdoor renovation specialist.

We can't wait to talk with you!

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