Let’s be real for a sec—we’ve all scrolled through Pinterest and Instagram, drooling over those picture-perfect outdoor entertaining areas. But then we thought, “Wait, why don’t these spaces have a roof? Or…why are they located a million miles away from the kitchen?”
After designing and living in plenty of homes, we’ve definitely learned the hard way what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to creating an outdoor area that you can actually use all year round. So if you’re ready to turn your outdoor space into a year-round entertainer’s dream, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the things that actually make it work!
Backyard Design Dream Home 10 The Seaside Sanctuary
SUN'S OUT, SHADE'S OUT! THE SECRET TO YEAR-ROUND COMFORT
Why sweat it out in summer or shiver through winter? If you missed our Dream Home 10 Tour, we made a bold move and flipped our floor plan, placing the outdoor entertaining area at the front of the home. Why? Because this part of the block faces north, meaning we could maximize natural sunlight in our alfresco and main living areas during winter—making them warm, bright, and usable all year round. To take it up a notch, we invested in a Vergola® Adjustable Louvre Roof System, giving us complete flexibility over light, shade, and airflow so our outdoor space at Dream Home 10 is comfortable no matter the season!
Vergola Closed and Open
THE OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING HACK: LIGHT CONTROL AT THE FLICK OF A SWITCH
For us, designing a holiday home meant we wanted guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter what the weather throws at them—because let’s be honest, no one wants a summer scorcher or an unexpected downpour to ruin their vacay vibes! We needed a system that could keep things cool in summer, let in light and warmth during winter, and provide shelter from the rain—all at the touch of a button. Vergola’s louvres have a unique double-layered design, kind of like insulation for your outdoor space. This helps trap air between the layers, keeping things cooler on hot days and warmer when it’s chilly—It’s like having built-in climate control for your alfresco area! Plus, thanks to the interlocking design, it’s 99.9% weatherproof—so whether it’s blazing sun or a drizzly day, the party can go on! Essentially, it’s like adding a fifth room to your home that works rain, hail, or shine. Now that’s what we call an entertaining game-changer.
Dream Home 10 Vergola
THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN: COOK, DINE & ENTERTAIN LIKE A PRO
Whether it’s summer, spring, winter, or autumn, we Aussies love a good BBQ, right? But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from building multiple dream homes, it’s that choosing the right materials is EVERYTHING. You want a space that looks stunning and actually holds up to real life—without constant scrubbing or stressing about damage.
For Dream Home 10, we needed a benchtop that could handle sizzling hotplates, spilled drinks, and all the chaos of outdoor entertaining. Enter Caesarstone’s new porcelain—our winner for the job. We chose the stunning ‘Fume’ colour for its rich Mediterranean tones.
This stuff is practically bulletproof—stain, scratch, and fade-resistant, even under the harsh Aussie sun. It’s heatproof too, so you can pop a hot tray straight off the BBQ without a second thought. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to clean—a quick wipe and you’re done, leaving you more time to enjoy your outdoor space.
The BBQ in encased in Caesarstone's 'Fume' Porcelain
ENTERTAINING MADE EASY: SMART LAYOUTS & FUSS-FREE CLEANUP
Keep the party flowing and the mess under control by designing your outdoor space close to the kitchen, using easy-to-clean surfaces, and having everything within arm’s reach. The key? Location, location, location! Placing your outdoor entertaining area side by side with your kitchen means you’re not struggling to carry everything through bad weather. We’ve all seen those gorgeous outdoor areas with no roof at all, or way too far from the kitchen, and honestly, unless you’re planning to set up an entire second kitchen, it just isn’t practical.
We kept it simple by putting the alfresco and kitchen right next to each other, with just a BBQ outside. Plus, a bi-fold window made it a breeze to pass food and dishes between the two spaces—no running back and forth, just more time enjoying the fun!
Bi Fold Window between Kitchen and Alfresco
That’s a wrap on your ultimate guide to creating an outdoor entertaining area that shines in every season! From smart layouts to fuss-free clean-ups, and a roof that actually does its job, it’s all about making your space both functional and fabulous. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the best outdoor spaces are the ones you can enjoy, no matter the weather. So, go ahead—get planning, get designing, and make sure your outdoor area is ready to party all year long!
