TV tradie reveals: Five tips for transforming your outdoor space

It’s easier than you think to give your home an amazing alfresco makeover, says trusted TV tradie Adam Dovile. Follow his advice to create an area where the whole family can relax.

Transforming an outdoor area of your place adds an extra space to your home, giving you more room to entertain (or just relax!). And besides adding enjoyment, an alfresco makeover can also make your home more sellable if you’re heading to market! Take advantage of Adam’s professional advice and create a space that’s relaxing, usable all year round, and gives you a space you love to spend time entertaining in and having fun. And now is the perfect time to start.

Adam’s top five tips for transforming your outdoor space:

1. Dining: Get fired up

“Whether you're a pro chef or you just like to throw a snag on the barbie, you need to have a space where you can cook,” Adam says. That means choosing something that delivers delicious dishes but offers convenience and versatility. Adam’s suggestion? A gas barbeque. “The benefits of a Natural Gas barbie is that you'll never run out of gas,” says Adam. “There's no need to drag that gas bottle across the yard. And you don't have to wait for charcoal to heat up!” Natural Gas is cheaper too, he adds, up to one third of the cost of LPG.

Adam’s insider tip? Check out the range from CROSSRAY, which he says “will ensure even cooking temperatures and is super energy efficient”.

Remember, you will need the help of tradies certified to install Natural Gas appliances, or to convert your current barbecues to Natural Gas. But once it's in, says Adam “You'll be cooking with gas!”

2. Drinking: Keep your cool!

Adam’s tip for that extra five-star feel? Install an outdoor fridge and make it easy to grab yourself a cold one or a soft drink for the kids on a hot summer's day! “An outdoor fridge is a must,” says Adam. “It saves endless trips to the kitchen for a top-up…or even worse, a warm beer!”

3. Seating: Take your place!

When you’re planning your outdoor area, it’s important to think about the space as ‘an extra room’ in your house, says Adam. That means considering the kind of rooms you have indoors, such as a lounge room or a dining area, and designing your outdoor space to complement the whole home. “Think about what you have in the house already,” is Adam’s advice. “Do you need an extra lounge or dining area?” If you have a formal dining room, perhaps your alfresco space will contribute a more casual vibe. Or, if your lounge room lacks a comfy couch, maybe this is your chance to grab a gorgeous outdoor lounge to relax on.

4. Chilling (but not too cool!)

If you want to use your alfresco all year around (and you will!), you might want to think about installing outdoor heating. For a good space-saving option that will keep you cosy, think about a Natural Gas wall mounted heat strip system. “Wall-mounted heaters are great as they don't clutter up the alfresco area,” Adam says. “And as it's Natural Gas, they can be hooked up to the gas pipe work already connected to the house. So you don't need to worry about storing or replacing LPG canisters”.

5. Entertaining, your way

The main thing to keep in mind in an outdoor makeover? “It's your space,” Adam says. “You want to create a space that you want to be in.” That means thinking about ways you can extend the style you love from inside your home by bringing things like “plants, rugs, cushions, throws, candles, and other ambient accessories” outside. “You really want to make this space reflect your style,” Adam says. “Once you've done that, you can transform any outdoor area.”

And remember, as with any renovation project, it's all about planning, so make sure you’ve thought seriously about what you want to get out of the space and what will suit your lifestyle!

Transform your home with Natural Gas appliances.