Designing the Perfect Alfresco

Perth’s warm climate and laid-back lifestyle make outdoor living a must-have for many homeowners. Whether it’s entertaining friends, enjoying a quiet meal outdoors, or watching the kids play in the backyard, a well-designed alfresco area adds real value to your home and everyday life.

Integrate Indoor and Outdoor Living

One of the biggest trends in modern home design is creating a seamless transition between your indoor living areas and your alfresco space. This not only makes your home feel more spacious but also encourages year-round outdoor use.

Design tips:

Choose wide stacker or sliding glass doors to connect your main living area to the outdoors.
Match your flooring and colour palette inside and out for a cohesive look.
Consider an open-plan kitchen and dining layout that flows naturally into your alfresco.

Positioning and Orientation Matter

Where you place your alfresco area can impact how comfortable and usable it is throughout the year. In Perth, a north-facing alfresco is ideal, it captures the winter sun while offering shade from the harsh summer afternoon rays. Think about how breezes move through your block and whether privacy screening or outdoor blinds will enhance comfort.

Covered Spaces for All Weather Use

A covered alfresco area means you can entertain and relax no matter the weather. Many Aveling Homes designs include an under-roof alfresco that’s part of the original floorplan, saving you the hassle and cost of building it later.

Consider adding:

Ceiling fans for airflow in summer
Downlights or ambient lighting for evening use
Heating options, like infrared panels, for cooler months

Create an Outdoor Kitchen

A built-in BBQ or outdoor kitchen takes your alfresco to the next level. It’s perfect for entertaining and lets you cook without missing out on the conversation.

Popular features include:

A BBQ with built-in cabinetry
Bench space for prep and serving
A bar fridge or sink for extra convenience

Designing this as part of your initial build ensures the right power, gas, and water connections are in place from the start.

Make It Comfortable and Stylish

To create a space you’ll truly enjoy, think beyond function, focus on comfort and style too.

Ideas to elevate your alfresco:

Add outdoor furniture that suits your lifestyle (dining, lounging, or both)
Include plants or vertical gardens for natural beauty and shade
Use outdoor rugs and soft furnishings to add warmth and colour

Don’t Forget the Backyard Connection

Your alfresco shouldn’t feel cut off from the rest of your backyard, it should be the heart of it. Create easy flow between the alfresco, lawn, garden beds, or even a pool area. Sliding or bi-fold doors can open up completely to connect indoor living, alfresco, and garden as one big entertaining zone.

Add Value to Your Home

A well-planned alfresco area doesn’t just improve your lifestyle, it also increases the resale appeal of your property. In Perth’s competitive housing market, buyers are drawn to homes that offer flexible indoor-outdoor living spaces.