Let’s start with the essentials; for an outdoor room that’s functional year-round you will need adequate shelter.
Pergolas – whether aluminium, steel, or timber - are always popular options, while some homeowners like the permanence of a true outdoor roof. Zones Wellington offer exceptional landscape design services and are pergola and roof specialists, so can help you find the right solution for your outside space. They can discuss the pros and cons of different building materials and ensure your outdoor space has fantastic indoor-outdoor flow, which is a must for any outdoor entertainment area.
A roof overhead offers shade and shelter and will ensure you can make the most of your outdoor room, whatever the weather.
Whether you love the look of wicker, durability of aluminium, or the solid feel of timber, there are plenty of options when it comes to outdoor furniture. The trick is to choose something that suits your taste, budget, and lifestyle – and is comfy, of course!
Wood is a great option as its natural weight can better withstand Wellington winds, but it can weather and requires maintenance. Aluminium is lightweight and won’t rust but might not be as comfortable as resin wicker furniture.
Spend some time thinking about how you plan to use your space, consider maintenance needs, and avoid cheaply made sets that will need frequent replacement.
For more advice on outdoor living ideas and choosing the right outdoor furniture for your space, click here.
Think outside the square and bring creativity and innovation to your outdoor area plans. Privacy screens, split levels, and planters can all help create a multifunctional space that offers both entertainment areas and a relaxing retreat. Include fun elements such as a herb garden, pizza oven, or reading nook, go bold with colour, utilise vertical space, and don’t forget to include a BBQ or outdoor kitchen.
At Zones, our Landscaping Consultants work with expert designers to deliver fresh and innovative backroom ideas, such as this stunning bespoke verandah in Hataitai.
If you really want to enjoy your entertainment area year-round, an insulated outdoor room is the answer. The space will stay cool in summer, warm in winter, and keep your outdoor furniture or kitchen safe from the elements. Whether you choose to attach it to your home for easy, natural flow, or install a separate outdoor garden room as an office, children’s playroom, or even personal yoga studio, insulated outdoor rooms offer endless versatility in the face of changeable Wellington weather!
If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor entertainment area, we have plenty of tips! Focus on outdoor lighting ideas to elevate your space and create ambience, be the host with the most by investing in an outdoor kitchen or bar area, keep it cosy with an outdoor fireplace, and focus on fun by including a fire pit, games area, and audio-visual systems. If entertainment is your aim, then check out more ideas about creating an entertaining oasis right here, or see how Zones created a beautiful deck and BBQ area at this Karori home.
Beat the chill and get cosy by creating an outdoor living room with a fireplace. A fireplace creates a focal point in your outdoor entertainment area, adds ambience and style and, of course, keeps you warm when the mercury drops. Whether you opt for wood-fired or gas, installing an outdoor fireplace is a fabulous upgrade for your backyard that is perfect for the Wellington climate. For more outdoor living inspiration, take a look at our completed outdoor entertainment areas here.
You can employ sustainable and eco-friendly practices so that your new outdoor room is both functional and friendly to the planet. Small changes can make a big difference, so talk to your consultant or designer about utilising recycled materials, choosing native plants, ensuring water features are efficient, and choosing renewable resources.
Want a functional landscape design? Need help overcoming landscaping challenges? Or simply want to know what’s possible when it comes to outdoor area plans? Our Landscaping Consultants are the local experts, and they offer free, no obligation consultations, so get in touch today!
All Zones Landscaping franchises are independently owned and operated.
Please fill out your details in the online form provided and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours to arrange a free, no obligation consultation.