As we firmly step into Spring, what better way to celebrate the warmer season than to open up the doors to your resort-style, undercover alfresco.
The alfresco is perfectly positioned to celebrate the outdoors and integrate the indoor dining and living areas of your home. With an abundance of light and functionality, the alfresco is ideal for entertaining or a perfect space to unwind and relax.
Planning with purpose
To make the most of your alfresco, it’s important to consider how the space connects with the rest of your home and how it will be used throughout the year.
One key tip is to take note of the path of the sun. Positioning your alfresco to soak up the afternoon sun not only makes the space more inviting but ensures you’ll want to use it all year round. Think of it as another room – not just somewhere to park the BBQ.
Choosing the right furniture
When it comes to alfresco furniture, function is just as important as form.
If you love hosting, invest in a generous dining setting that’s both practical and comfortable. Prefer a quiet cuppa or a relaxing evening outdoors? Opt for individual lounge chairs or outdoor sofas that can be easily rearranged.
While modular lounges look great, they may not always be the most social setup – sitting across from your guests often makes for better conversation. Look for weather-resistant materials and reputable brands like GlobeWest, whose pieces are featured in many of our display homes.
Finish with potted plants to bring the space to life and, of course, no alfresco is complete without an outdoor cooking zone. Whether it’s a built-in BBQ or a freestanding setup, it’s essential for laidback summer nights.
Popular additions
Small upgrades can make a big difference. Ceiling fans help with airflow – and they’re surprisingly effective at keeping pesky flies away.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to an outdoor fireplace, consider gas or ceiling-mounted electric heaters to keep things cosy. Designs that feature bifold doors to the alfresco blur the lines between inside and out, making the space feel like a natural extension of your kitchen and living zones.
What to avoid
Don’t fall into the trap of picking furniture that looks great but isn’t practical. Your alfresco should be a space you want to use regularly, so choose pieces that are as comfortable as they are stylish.
Another common pitfall? Poor positioning. If your alfresco never sees sunlight, it might not get used at all. A well-oriented space is key to making it a favourite feature of your home.
Alfresco inspiration
Many of our home designs feature thoughtfully integrated alfrescos that enhance everyday living.
The Carmelle offers a spacious alfresco that flows directly from the kitchen, living, and dining zones, while the Panama extends across generous entertaining spaces, connecting effortlessly to the outdoors, and the Emperor brings luxury outdoors, with a regal alfresco perfect for long lunches or evening gatherings.
Make it your own
Your alfresco should be a reflection of how you live. Use zones to tailor the space – a dining area here, a daybed or sunlounge there, perhaps even a quiet nook for yoga or play.
Whatever your lifestyle, your alfresco is a place to relax, recharge, and reconnect – a happy, open-air extension of your home that’s ready for anything.
