It isn’t hard to see why so many families are building new homes with alfrescos.
These sheltered outdoor spaces are perfect for dining, relaxing or entertaining guests.
But if you’ve never had an alfresco before, you may be wondering how to furnish it so that it’s both functional and beautiful.
Get your creative juices flowing by reading these small alfresco ideas for 2021.
These tips and trends are sure to inspire your inner stylist.
Tip 1: Start with function
Before buying furniture for your alfresco, consider how you’d like to use the space.
If you want a sit-down dining area for meals, furnish your alfresco with a table and chairs.
Consider how many people you normally entertain and make sure your dining table seats them. If you have the room, choose chairs rather than bench seats for more flexibility.
If you prefer a more casual space, choose outdoor lounge furniture like couches and a coffee table.
Whatever you choose, remember to buy durable, weather-resistant pieces like powder-coated tables and waterproof lounges to avoid damage over time.
As for styling, go with natural tones for the base and add splashes of colour with cushions and throws.
Want to get the beachy feel for your alfresco? Here’s how to get the Hamptons look in your home.
Tip 2: Cook up a storm
One of our favourite small alfresco ideas is the outdoor kitchen.
The outdoor kitchen is perfect for entertaining your guests without missing any of the fun.
You could install a full outdoor kitchen with a sink, cooktop and even a fridge.
With this, you’ll be able to whip up meals or snacks while chatting with guests and keeping an eye on the kids.
Or instead of the full kitchen, install a barbecue or pizza oven for a budget alternative that makes cooking easy.
Tip 3: Make it comfy
To enjoy outdoor dinners all year round, make your alfresco comfy with heating and cooling.
For winter, choose from heat strips or a statement piece like a fire pit.
And for summer, install an outdoor fan to keep the area cool and breezy.
Tip 4: Be high tech
This wouldn’t be a list of 2021 small alfresco ideas without technology.
The latest gadgets allow you to impress your guests and enjoy your alfresco in style.
You can get stereo systems to play music, or televisions for video streaming.
If your family likes to use the alfresco for work or homework, consider a Wi-Fi booster to improve the outdoor signal.
Tip 5: Love your lighting
While outdoor lighting is essential for safety, it can also be a styling opportunity.
If you’re building with JG King Homes, your alfresco will come ready with functional and attractive lighting.
But if you need to add lighting, install spotlights, downlights or inbuilt decking lights to create ambience.
Once you have the functional lighting planned and installed, set the mood with lanterns, candles or fairy lights.
You could even add high tech lighting like coloured LEDs to change the mood of the space.
These lighting solutions can be controlled from an app where you can choose from different colours.
Tip 6: Show off the garden
Adding greenery is one of the most popular small alfresco ideas and is easy to do.
Use your alfresco to show off your garden by angling furniture in the right direction.
You can also bring the garden into the alfresco area with pot plants, hanging plants and vertical gardens that creep up walls.
Use your garden to add colour and even fragrances like jasmine and primrose.
If you’re not much of a green thumb, a landscaper can help you choose the best low-maintenance options.
Tip 7: Keep it private
Whether you’re entertaining guests, doing your weekly yoga routine, or knocking out some evening homework, a sheltered alfresco can give you the privacy you need.
Adding screen doors or drapes to your alfresco can keep out the glare from the sun, protect from the wind, and shelter your family from the eyes of neighbours.
Privacy screens come in a huge range of colours and materials to suit your preferred style.
Considering an alfresco?
There’s nothing quite like dining, relaxing or hanging out with friends in the fresh air. It’s no wonder alfrescos are becoming so popular in new homes.
If you found these small alfresco ideas inspiring, be sure to check out our JG King Homes Collections.
Just ask one of our friendly staff about whether your favourite design includes an alfresco, or how we can incorporate an alfresco into the design. View our designs here.
SEARCH