Outdoor living is the new social space!

The back patio, the back step, the verandah – in days gone by it was an area you passed through quickly to get to the back lawn and the Hills hoist.

These days, outdoor living is a continuation of the indoor space, with couches and dining tables, pizza ovens, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces.

However, they’re much more than that, according to design expert John Eussen. He says the outdoor living area is the new social gathering place for families,
who are increasingly isolated by technology.

With each family member these days owning their own smartphone or iPad, often retreating to different rooms in the house, Eussen says the outdoor entertaining area brings the family together.

“It’s becoming the communication hub of the home, particularly as technology takes over, technology is quite isolating, even though it’s used for communication,” Eussen says.

“The outside room is now being used to gather the family, so it’s an important element of the home.”

“It used to be defined as the deck, but now it’s become more than that.”

Eussen says that it makes good financial sense to devote time and money to improving your outdoor space.

“Being clever with the outdoor room is making it a part of the home, and that’s what adds value to the home. If you’re incorporating the outdoor space make sure it’s linked to the home and also to nature, and that will add value to the home,” he says.