Creating The Perfect Alfresco Dining Area

Let’s take this outside

As open plan living continues to become the new normal for house design, the role of the dining area has definitely changed. Once separated from the kitchen and living areas, the dining table today is where key daily moments unfold. It’s the spot for homework, family chats, WFH and of course, dining. But why not create this multi-purpose space outdoors as well?

With the Australian climate boasting such great weather, it’s no surprise we opt for alfresco dining areas to enjoy the long summer days or mild winters. When designed effectively, they can offer so much more than just a place to eat. The perfect alfresco dining area lets you fully utilise your home’s outdoor spaces for family dinners, parties and everyday tasks in the open air.

If you’re looking to create the perfect alfresco dining area, here’s a few things to consider first.

Add a kitchen

If you’re looking to enhance your alfresco dining area, an outdoor kitchen is a must. With clever cabinetry, a mini fridge and BBQ can be effortlessly concealed in your alfresco space, and you can even add a sink so it can be fully operational. An outdoor kitchen in your alfresco dining space not only lets the chef enjoy the outdoors, but offers you a premium outdoor feasting experience. Entertain without going back and forth from the inside kitchen, making summer BBQs or birthday parties a breeze.

GJ Gardner Home Builders Australia

Unwind with a lounge

Of course, an outdoor dining table is a must-have to anchor your alfresco space, but adding a lounge as well lets you unwind in the open air. An easy add-on to your alfresco spaces, an outdoor lounge gives you a more casual space to entertain, enjoy time with family or find some peace and quiet. A home like South Bank 530 has a discreet lounge area outdoors, perfect for an evening drink alongside the outdoor dining table. A lounge or living space in your alfresco area simply elevates the space and lets you truly enjoy the relaxation and comfort outdoor spaces offer.

Mandalay 253

Warm up with a fire pit

A fire pit is a way to create the ultimate alfresco dining space, particularly when alongside a lounge. Not only does a fire pit help you beat cold weather, it brings a cosy feel outside that resembles family camping trips. A fire pit is a way to master your alfresco space, whether it’s been built-in or free standing. Our Edgewater 220 home has added a fire pit to the alfresco dining and lounge space to bring warmth to the space and make it even more functional.

Samsara 279

Add an awning

Although awnings might not be as exciting as these other additions, they can be crucial to protecting your alfresco dining space from the harsher elements. Many of our homes keep the alfresco dining table undercover so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather – still reap all the benefits but without the risk of sunburn or rain. This coverage also protects your outdoor furniture and features from water or sun damage.

Baltimore 225

Want to learn more about adding an alfresco to your home design? Get in touch with the G.J. Gardner team today.

Related articles

Forget the after-work gym drives or time spent stuck in commuters’ traffic to make it to your exercise class, home…

Sustainable home design is not a new concept to many homeowners and builders. The premise has been around for years….

A new year calls for new inspiration! Whether you are looking to design your very own home this year or…

Front and center, the façade of any home truly sets the scene for any home design. After all, it is…

Since the most sought-after homes today feel light, bright and open, our team is committed to design choices that will…

There’s nothing quite like the ultimate freedom that comes with calling acreage home. That’s why an increasing number of young…

With summer just around the corner and sizzling temperatures en route, the appeal of a pool in your very own…

Our open plan home designs make kitchens the heart of the home to gather, cook and unwind. Our most recent…

Your investment property design offers the opportunity to improve your long-term financial position by enhancing the rental appeal, increasing property…

Contemporary home designs focus on both form and function to create the ultimate living experience. Often recognised by features like…

Holiday at home with the grandeur and glamour of resort style homes. Influenced by the oversized floorplans of tropical resorts,…

From considered cabinetry to aesthetic accents like feature walls, the true secret to creating beautiful homes is in the details….

In today’s work culture, a home office isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Home office setups aren’t just for…

Hamptons style has long been embraced by Australian home design trends; despite being sourced from a coastal community all the…

Pantry designs have soared in popularity over the last few years as home wellness trends thrive post-pandemic. G.J Gardner Homes…

With work-from-home becoming our new normal, the humble study nook has transformed from an accessory to an essential. Whether answering…

Nothing competes with the comfort and relaxation of unwinding in front of the TV, and in the age of streaming,…

G.J. Gardner Homes’ kitchen designs offer plenty of pantry ideas that can be easily customised to your design preferences. We…

What’s an Aussie home without a generous backyard to play, unwind and enjoy all year round? Alfresco spaces have become…

Introducing a new height of luxury With so many exciting home features on offer today – from stunning alfresco spaces…

An outdoor kitchen is the perfect space to create some of your home’s most memorable moments. From garden parties to…

Indoor plants are a simple yet effective way to bring more warmth to your home. Not only do indoor plants…

Kitchens are the heart of the home – as the central hub of your home, we know the kitchen living…

In recent years, Hamptons style homes have emerged as a beloved source of home inspiration – renowned for their innovative…

Designing a home is one of the most exciting, yet challenging projects we choose to take on in our lives….

If you’re embarking on your first home building journey, choosing the right tiling for your bathroom can often leave you…

Whether you’re after a year-round holiday feeling or a home design that compliments the climate; coastal style homes are a…

Why is choosing an interior colour scheme so important? When you walk into a house, and you feel a sense…

Entertaining in Australia usually means one thing – the outdoors. No matter the season, time of the day or size…

1. Grey, Grey & More Grey With Hamptons’ style being so popular over the last couple of years, the glamour…

The new bathroom is looking pretty schmick, and it’s time to decide on the all-important details. Selecting tapware for your…

Choosing the exterior colours of your new home can be one of the most challenging decisions that you make during…

In Australia, we wear our homes like a badge of honour. We want our suburbs, our streets and our houses…

The laundry tends to go unconsidered during the design process, but this room majorly impact your home’s performance.   Whilst…

As Australians, we love the outdoors. We love the sun, the fresh air, and the lush, feel-good greenery. That’s why…

There’s no denying that your bathrooms are extremely important areas of your home. Some think that a rain head and…

Choosing a colour palette for your home is a big decision. After all, it’s more than just deciding on a…

Hosting a dinner party? No matter what you do, everyone always ends up in the kitchen. Your guests are ether…

The Master Bedroom isn’t just any room in the house—it’s your private sanctuary. It should be your favourite room in…

Over the past 20 years, the kitchen has transformed from a hidden room in a home to a multi-generational, multi-purpose…

For a while now, an exclusive beachside community on the other side of the world has had a disproportionate impact…

From cladding to landscaping, windows and doors; a contemporary facade design will have your home crowned king of the neighbourhood. Read more!

Choosing the paint colours for your home is an exciting experience as you decide the overall look and design. However,…

Contact Us

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.