Outdoor Living Areas

Outdoor Living Areas Melbourne

Looking to create an outdoor living area in Melbourne that feels like a natural extension of your home? Art of Gardening & Landscaping designs and constructs practical outdoor spaces for relaxing, entertaining and spending more time outside.

Every property and household uses its outdoor space differently. Some homeowners want a comfortable entertaining area connected to the house, while others need a combination of decking, paving, garden beds, seating and open space for everyday family use.

With over 25 years of landscaping experience and a background in civil engineering and agriculture, we consider the entire outdoor environment, including levels, access, drainage, planting and the relationship between structural and garden elements.

Outdoor Living Design Melbourne

A successful outdoor living area starts with understanding how you want to use the space.

Before deciding on materials or individual features, we consider the existing property, available space and connections between the house and garden.

Depending on the project, this may include:

• Outdoor entertaining and dining areas
• Decking
• Paved areas and pathways
• Pergolas and shade structures
• Outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas
• Fire pit areas
• Built-in seating
• Retaining walls and changes in level
• Garden beds and planting
• Lighting, drainage and irrigation

Planning these elements together can create an outdoor area that feels connected rather than a collection of separate features.

Outdoor Entertaining Areas

An outdoor entertaining area can provide a dedicated place for dining, relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

The right layout depends on the size and shape of the property, its connection to the house and how the area will be used. Seating, circulation, shade and access to other parts of the garden should all be considered during the planning stage.

Paving, decking or a combination of materials can be used to define the entertaining area while connecting it with the surrounding landscape.

Patios & Paved Outdoor Areas

Paved areas can create practical spaces for outdoor furniture, dining and everyday use while providing a clear connection between different parts of the landscape.

The choice of paving material should complement the home and surrounding garden while also being appropriate for the intended use of the area.

Levels and drainage are particularly important when paving is located close to the house or connected to other structural landscape features.

Decking for Outdoor Living

Decking can create a warm and practical transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. It can be particularly useful where the property has changes in level or where a defined entertaining area is needed.

Depending on the design, a deck may connect directly with the house or form part of a larger backyard layout alongside lawn, paving and garden beds.

Explore our decking installation services in Melbourne for more information.

Pergolas & Shade Structures

A pergola or shade structure can help define an outdoor living zone and provide a more comfortable area for dining, seating and entertaining.

The position of the structure should be considered in relation to the home, existing garden, pathways and other outdoor features.

Rather than treating the pergola as an isolated structure, it can be incorporated into the wider landscape so the surrounding paving, decking and planting work together.

Outdoor Kitchens & BBQ Areas

An outdoor kitchen or dedicated BBQ area can become a central part of an entertaining space.

Its position should allow practical movement between cooking, dining and seating areas while fitting naturally into the overall backyard layout.

Depending on the project, an outdoor cooking area may be incorporated with paving, decking, retaining walls, garden beds and other landscape features.

Fire Pit Areas

A fire pit area can create a defined gathering space within a larger backyard.

The surrounding layout may include paving, seating, garden beds or other landscape features to separate the area from the rest of the garden and create a more purposeful outdoor zone.

The location and design should be considered carefully in relation to the property, surrounding materials and intended use.

Built-In Seating & Landscape Features

Built-in seating can make better use of available space and reduce the need for additional outdoor furniture in some areas.

Seating may be incorporated into retaining walls, garden beds or other structural landscape elements, depending on the design of the outdoor space.

Feature walls, raised garden beds and other built elements can also help define different zones within an outdoor living area.

Outdoor Living Areas for Sloping Backyards

A sloping backyard does not necessarily mean the space cannot become a practical outdoor living area.

Changes in level can sometimes be managed using retaining walls, steps, decking and carefully planned pathways to create better connections between different parts of the property.

Where retaining walls are required, they should be considered alongside drainage, access and the surrounding landscape.

Learn more about our retaining walls in Melbourne.

Structural Landscaping for Outdoor Living

Many outdoor living projects involve structural elements such as paving, retaining walls, decking, steps and changes in level.

Planning these elements together helps create a clearer relationship between the house, entertaining areas and garden.

For projects involving several constructed landscape features, explore our structural landscaping services.

Outdoor Living & Garden Landscaping

An outdoor living area should still feel connected to the garden around it.

Planting, garden beds, lawn and other softer landscape elements can help balance paving, decking and structural features while creating a more natural transition into the wider backyard.

If the project involves updating the entire garden, these features can be planned together as part of a garden makeover.

Drainage for Outdoor Living Areas

Drainage should be considered when creating paved, decked or multi-level outdoor areas.

New hard surfaces and changes in ground level can affect how water moves through a property, particularly around the home, retaining walls and garden areas.

Considering drainage during the planning stage allows it to form part of the overall landscape rather than being addressed separately after construction.

Outdoor Living Areas for New Homes

For new homes, planning the outdoor living area at the same time as the wider landscape can help create better connections between different parts of the property.

Decking, paving, pathways, garden beds, lawn, irrigation and drainage can all be considered together so the finished outdoor area works as one connected space.

Why Choose Art of Gardening & Landscaping?

We look at outdoor living as part of the complete landscape, considering how structural features, garden areas and everyday use come together.

• 25+ years of landscaping experience
• Civil engineering background supporting our understanding of levels, drainage and structural landscape work
• Background in agriculture supporting our understanding of gardens, plants and soil
• Integrated design and construction approach for outdoor spaces
• Experience with different landscape elements including decking, paving, retaining walls and planting
• Local experience across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs

Art of Gardening & Landscaping is registered with Victoria’s Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) and is a member of Landscaping Victoria.

Outdoor Living Areas Across Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs

We design and construct outdoor living areas for residential properties across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Our main service areas include Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Burwood, Rowville, Balwyn, Blackburn, Chadstone, Glen Iris and Camberwell, as well as surrounding suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Living Areas

What can be included in an outdoor living area?

An outdoor living area may include decking, paving, pergolas, entertaining areas, outdoor kitchens, BBQ areas, fire pits, built-in seating, garden beds and other landscape features depending on the property and how you want to use the space.

How do I plan an outdoor living area?

Start by considering how you want to use the space, its connection to the house, available area, levels, access, shade and surrounding garden. These factors can help determine the most suitable layout and features.

Can you create an outdoor living area in a sloping backyard?

Yes. Depending on the site, retaining walls, steps, decking and pathways can help manage changes in level and create more practical outdoor zones.

Can decking and paving be used together?

Yes. Combining decking and paving can help define different outdoor zones and create transitions between the home, entertaining areas and garden.

Can an outdoor living area be included in a complete garden makeover?

Yes. Outdoor living areas can be planned alongside lawn, planting, garden beds, irrigation, drainage and other landscaping so the entire outdoor space works together.

Do you design and construct outdoor living areas?

Yes. Art of Gardening & Landscaping can plan outdoor living areas and manage the landscape construction involved in bringing the different elements together.

Where do you provide outdoor living landscaping?

We work across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Burwood, Rowville, Balwyn, Blackburn, Chadstone, Glen Iris and Camberwell.

Create an Outdoor Space That Works for You

Whether you are planning an entertaining area, deck, pergola or a larger backyard transformation, we can help create an outdoor living space that works with your home, garden and lifestyle.

Contact Art of Gardening & Landscaping to discuss your outdoor living project and request a quote.