re partly to thank for the shifting trend toward outdoor living.

“Today, homeowners have access to a wealth of inspiration like never before – from lifestyle TV shows, magazines, bloggers and social media,” he said.

“They have higher expectations of what they want from their outdoor space, and are becoming more concerned about the sustainable nature of the products being used.”

Making better use of limited outdoor space

“As land lots are reducing in size, homeowners are looking for ways to maximise their living space on what is now a smaller block”, says Hodges.

“Historically, we have put the biggest possible house that would fit on the block; but now, we are seeing a trend where homeowners are extending their liveable areas through the creation of clever outdoor rooms which show off their personality and style and allow the family to take advantage of our wonderful year-round sunny Australian climate.”

What are Jason’s suggestions for creating a beautiful outdoor space?

Experiment with colour and texture

Contrasting colour and texture will add dimension and character to your space. Contrast is the best way to highlight a feature product or area.

Clever use of small-space features

Due to the decreasing amount of outdoor space available to inner city homeowners, these spaces are required to be multifunctional. They will have increasingly mobile features such as layered plants and potted fruit trees, and furniture such as benches, pillows and cushions to occupy all available space.

Plunge pool

Want a pool but don’t have the space? Try a plunge pool. Even for those where space is not at a premium, many homeowners simply prefer the ease of maintenance that comes with a plunge pool, as well as the reduction in installation and running costs.

Building furniture in outdoor spaces

Why build a simple retaining wall when it could be a bench seat, a retaining wall and an edible veggie patch all in one? Building furniture in the outdoor space is cost-effective, and innovation allows for increased versatility and is another way of maximising space.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting not only adds another aesthetic to built spaces, but also enables these spaces to be used day and night. Gaining popularity is soft mood lighting created by small discreet LED or solar lights hidden under or above ground, spotlighting outdoor features such as benches and sculptures; with increased use of self-sustaining solar lights to reduce carbon footprints.

Simple focal points

Simple focal points balance lines of contrast and declutter ‘busy’ outdoor spaces. These focal points may include outdoor objects such as stone vases, sculptures and water features.

Fire pits

Fire pits are a focal gathering point in the yard and can be used year-round. Build fire pits out of concrete blocks – they stack together without mortar or glue, so there are no issues with fumes. Concrete blocks are available in a variety of colours, notably charcoal which will reduce visible soot marks on the blocks.