One area of the home to come the furthest in terms of design over the years is the outdoor living space. These were once just spaces to place patio furniture set and maybe a grill. But these days, people are including televisions, entire kitchens (including the kitchen sink) and dining areas fit for a restaurant. Many outdoor living spaces have fire pits that are works of art, and sometimes even full fireplaces. So if you’re ready to update your outdoor living space in a big way, take a look at the inspiring photos below. You might just find an idea for your next backyard remodel.

Outdoor living spaces with a TV

One of the key ways in which outdoor living spaces have evolved is the inclusion of technology right in the backyard. Thanks to the modern convenience of outdoor TVs, it’s easier than ever to hang a television anywhere. While outdoor TVs carry a hefty price tag than their regular siblings, it’s for good reason: They’re specifically designed to perform no matter what the weather brings. Not only will you be able to binge your favorite shows in the brightest of sunlight without affecting picture quality, but these TVs will also withstand extreme cold and hot temperatures, rain, and snow. But if you don’t want to splurge on an outdoor TV, consider a portable projector with an outdoor screen and connect them with your home stereo system instead — or opt for using a regular HDTV in conjunction with an outdoor TV cover.

Outdoor kitchen spaces

Nowadays, outdoor spaces feature entire kitchens. This means there are spaces for small refrigerators, a variety of cooktops and sinks outdoors.

Modern outdoor kitchen appliances also tend to come in stainless steel, since that makes the appliances more resistant to the weather and other wear and tear. A common design aesthetic is to put stainless steel in stone or brick. The rustic stone and modern stainless steel combination create an interesting contrast. The stone also helps anchor the appliances in place and gives them a more outdoorsy look.

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits

A classic mainstay of an outdoor space is the fire pit. Many of us have spent fond evenings relaxing around the fire as the heat of the day dissipates. However, fire pits have adopted an artistic bent over the years, looking more like “fire features” than traditional fire pits. Another development is taking the traditional fireplace from inside the home and placing it outside. These usually provide seating areas and a backdrop for TVs.

Outdoor dining spaces

Perhaps it wouldn’t be a full outdoor living space without bringing the dining room outside, too. Outdoor dining spaces these days are so detailed that they look like they belong indoors — that is, until you look closer and realize that everything is designed to stand up to the elements.

Some outdoor living spaces boast long, full tables similar to what you would see in a dining room. Others make use of bar areas. Still others resemble kitchen islands. With so many options surrounding space and materials, the outdoor dining space is truly customizable.

Extend the Indoors with Timber Decking

Avoid muddy natural grass and ugly concrete! Timber decking is a sleek and contemporary outdoor flooring option, and makes the perfect base on which to build an excellent outdoor entertainment area. If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, or a buffet bonanza, you’ll be looking for a sturdy ground. Hardly achievable with just your natural lawn beneath you! A timber deck is a fantastic way to extend your indoor living space into the outdoors. It’s got that wholesome vibe of natural woods, blending seamlessly into your outdoor space.

Plan your perfect garden

If you’re planning on entertaining outdoors, you’ve got to spare a thought for aesthetics. People will see your backyard, and they’ll be able to tell immediately if you’ve got a green thumb or not. If you’re keen to impress and you’re happy to put the time and effort into your garden, you’ll have a wide selection of plants to choose from. But if your thumb isn’t very green, stick to native plants so all you need to do is whack them in the garden and let them do the rest. For a small backyard, you can save on space by creating vertical gardens along your fences.

Alfresco dining with an alfresco kitchen

With an outdoor kitchen, you can make it easy to cater any event from alfresco dinner for the family to a neighborhood party. You can increase the potential of your outdoor area by adding a barbecue, sink and bar fridge. You can even get everything you need in a complete outdoor kitchen unit.

Offer plenty of backyard seating

When entertaining in your backyard, you want your guests to be comfortable and relaxed. This means you’ll need a reasonable amount of seating. Add corner seating to allow for a more open area in a small backyard and arrange to seat in a way that promotes socializing. Set up several different areas, so guests feel free to spread out.

Beat the heat with a Swimming Pool

Everyone loves a swimming pool; they can be an attractive feature of any backyard. A swimming pool is a fun addition that will benefit the whole family, and all of your friends! Whether you have room for a big lagoon or only enough room for a lap pool, a swimming pool will really increase the entertainment value of your backyard.

Hide the eyesores

Lastly, you will want to hide the unsightly things common to backyards. A backyard shed can be turned into a green oasis with some creeping and climbing plants or vertical gardens made from wooden pallets. An ugly and worn out fence can be revived with a fresh coat of paint. You can also paint the shed the same color as the fence to camouflage it. Or add design elements to give it an original look. Light colors will make your yard look fresh and bright. Obscure an ugly water heater, garbage bins or an aircon unit with a screen or fence. Use the same timber as your decking and add greenery to make the space beautiful. Hang mirrors to give the illusion of space. From verandahs and pergolas, decking and swimming pools, we can help increase the entertainment value of your backyard.

Enjoy the shade with a Pergola

The Australian sun can be beautiful, but it can also be pretty harsh. Protect your family and guests from harmful UV rays and stormy weather with an undercover outdoor area. A well-designed pergola or verandah can add value to your home and improve the look of your property. It will also increase the functionality and entertainment value of your backyard.

So go ahead and design the outdoor entertainment area of your dreams, achieve your vision and leave people in awe when they see what a beautiful space you have created, which represents yourself entirely. For more useful guides and lists go to Audiostance.