Houzz Australia in collaboration with Bradnam’s Windows & Doors have provided 6 ultimate design inclusions to get you ready for summer entertaining, below.

With our wonderful climate, there’s nothing Australians love more than entertaining – especially in our own backyard or outdoor area. With summer on our doorstep, now is the perfect time to spruce up or renovate your alfresco area in time for the entertaining season. We spoke to the team at Bradnam’s Windows & Doors to discover the best window and door options to create indoor-outdoor flow, plus we’ve included some practical design tips for creating an alfresco area that makes hosting easy and enjoyable.

1. Add A Servery Window

Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level by installing a servery window between your kitchen and alfresco space. Convenient and stylish, it makes serving guests easy as you can simply pass dishes and drinks inside and out, all while remaining connected to your guests outside.

Make your servery window even more functional by adding a bench area outside with a few stools for casual dining.

There are several different window styles to choose from when creating a servery, including bi-folds, where the panels concertina together at one side when open, and sliding windows, where the panels stack together at one or both sides when open. But gas strut awning windows, which open upwards, are generally considered the best.

Gas strut awning windows open fully to allow for maximum airflow and indoor-outdoor connection. And unlike bi-fold and sliding windows, they don’t require a benchtop track beneath the window so you can use the extra space for serving and dining.

Bradnam’s Windows & Doors’ new Gas Strut Awning Window is one of the most impressive on the market. It allows you to create super-size servery windows up to 1500 millimetres high x 2100 millimetres wide (subject to conditions such as building codes and the weight of the glass). It opens up to 89 degrees and, as the frame is available without a sill, it takes up barely any bench space when open. The clever gas-strut mechanism means you simply give the window a gentle push and it opens completely. It’s secure too, with a key lockable handle and a multi-point locking system. The struts come in chic black powder-coated steel, creating a sleek and contemporary look in your kitchen and outdoor area.

2. Make It Functional

When you’re planning your alfresco area, consider your entertaining style and how you plan to use the space. If you’ll be enjoying sit-down meals for large numbers, you’ll want to ensure there’s enough space for a decent-size dining table. Do you want to cook outdoors? A barbecue or outdoor kitchen would be a smart addition. Love spending time outdoors in the cooler months? You may want to add an outdoor fireplace to your wish list.

If your outdoor area is large, look to create different zones, each with its own purpose. For example, a spot for dining and another area for a sofa and a couple of armchairs where guests can relax with a cocktail.

Comfortable seating is a must when you’re entertaining outdoors. For maximum versatility, include a mix of different seating types, such as outdoor sofas, armchairs, corner seating and hanging chairs to give guests plenty of options.

Encourage conversation by positioning furniture in cosy clusters, layered with cushions and throws for added comfort.

And just like any other room in your home, your outdoor area will benefit from having a focal point – something that instantly draws the eye as soon as guests steps outdoors. This might be a beautiful water feature, a wall of greenery or an eye-catching sculpture.

3. Maximize Openings

Optimise natural light, views and ventilation while drawing guests outdoors by maximising the size of your glazed external doors. Take them as wide and high as you can to create a seamless sense of connection between inside and out.

4. Create Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Make your outdoor entertaining area feel like a natural extension of your interior by carrying through the same colours and design themes used indoors.

When it comes to the colour, shape and style of your outdoor sofa and dining settings, take your cues from your living and dining rooms. Add the same degree of comfort with deep, generous seating, supportive backs and armrests, and plump cushions.

To create effortless flow between indoors and out, consider matching the colour of your decking or pavers with the shade of your interior flooring. Blur the lines further by eliminating any step-downs and opting for a flush threshold between the zones.

There are a number of external door styles to choose from, including sliding doors that have sliding panels that stack to the side when opened, bi-folds that concertina along a sill track, and French doors, which open either inwards or outwards. Cavity sliding doors are the ultimate space maximisers, sliding neatly into a wall cavity when opened so you can enjoy unimpeded views and connection with the garden.

5. Add Shading

Our summers can be sweltering and, whether you’re the guest or the host, there’s nothing worse than being uncomfortably hot when you’re entertaining outdoors.

Ensure that your outdoor living space can be utilised even when temperatures soar by including adequate shading. Sailcloths, awnings, outdoor blinds and large umbrellas are all affordable and versatile options. For a more permanent (and expensive) solution, consider covering your patio or investing i an opening roof system that can be opened and shut to suit the conditions.

6. Don’t Forget Lighting

A well-considered outdoor lighting scheme achieves several things; it creates ambience, shows your garden off beautifully at night, extends the usability of your outdoor space, and allows guests to move around safely and comfortably.

The key to a great outdoor lighting scheme is to combine different sources. For example, a few bollards to light the garden path, some inexpensive solar lights to highlight your favourite garden feature, and discreet deck and step lights to illuminate your entertaining space.

A couple of decorative pendants above your outdoor dining area make the perfect finishing touch – just be sure to add dimmers so you can adjust illumination levels to suit the mood.

Love the idea of adding a sense of magic to your outdoor gatherings with fairy lights? Plan for this early, ensuring you have enough power sockets installed around your garden to eliminate the need to run unsightly cords across the lawn.

Now, all you need is to put some bubbly on ice and fire up the barbie, and you’re officially summer-ready!

Here at Hurst Homes we offer complete customised homes that can be as individual as the owner. We guide your through the entire process including your selections to ensure you create your dream home. Just another reason why we are considered Wagga’s best builder. With over 30 years in the industry as a Wagga Builder you can trust Hurst Homes with your dream home. For information on our upcoming custom Wagga house & land packages, contact us today on 0438 692 962 or fill out the contact us page on our website.

For more tips and tricks from the Houzz experts visit Houzz.com.au