7 Outdoor Entertaining Area Ideas to Inspire Your Next Backyard Makeover
Author Panel: Joe Grbavac, Director, OMNI Built Homes
With over 30 years of experience in the project home and custom home building industry, Joe has overseen numerous successful projects from conception to completion. His deep understanding of the intricate processes involved and his commitment to quality and client satisfaction make him a trusted expert in the field.
Make the most of Australian living with outdoor entertaining areas
In Australia, outdoor entertaining is part of the lifestyle. A great backyard brings family and friends together, giving you more space to relax, share meals and enjoy the fresh air. An outdoor area should feel like a natural extension of your home, flowing seamlessly from inside to out.
With the right design, it can work beautifully across every season, from sunny summer barbecues to cosy winter evenings around a firepit. The best spaces balance comfort, function and style, creating an entertaining area that looks inviting and makes everyday living more enjoyable.
Key takeaways
- Outdoor entertaining works in any space. From a small courtyard with a dining set to a large backyard with multiple zones, the right design makes it easy to host guests.
- Features like alfresco lounges, outdoor kitchens and dining areas add everyday value by making it simple to cook, relax and spend time outside with family and friends.
- Simple touches such as greenery, shade, and layered lighting set the mood and can completely change the look and feel of your backyard without the need for major renovations.
- Fire pits, fireplaces and thoughtful planning extend the use of your space so you can enjoy it year-round while also adding long-term appeal to your home.
1. Undercover alfresco lounge
With an undercover alfresco area, you can make the most of outdoor living all year round. You’ll stay protected from the elements and enjoy welcome shade through the hot summer months, all while flowing seamlessly between indoors and out. With the right touches, a covered slab can be transformed into an inviting place to relax and entertain, blending beautifully with the rest of your home.
Once you’ve got the structure, it’s the styling that gives your alfresco character. Lighting creates ambience, rugs add warmth, and furniture makes it practical and inviting. Continue your interior look outside, and the whole home feels connected.
Tip: To meet the 7-star energy efficiency rating, minimum sizes apply, so it’s a smart idea to keep this in mind when planning your alfresco design.
2. Outdoor kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are the kind of feature that makes your backyard feel like the place to be. A built-in BBQ or pizza oven sets the scene, but it’s the extras that make cooking outside simple and enjoyable. A prep bench gives you space to slice, serve and season, while a sink and storage mean you’re not running in and out of the house looking for what you need.
Going for durable benchtops such as stone or stainless steel means your outdoor kitchen will handle the elements while still looking stylish. What really makes the space stand out is the atmosphere it creates. When seating areas are positioned nearby, guests can unwind, chat and even lend a hand as you cook. Preparing food becomes less of a chore and more of a shared experience, turning the kitchen into a lively hub where people naturally gather.
Tip: Consider where you want your power points to be during the design stage. Having them outside means you won’t need to leave the party to use appliances.
3. Dedicated dining area
If you don’t have the space for a full outdoor kitchen or an undercover alfresco lounge, a dedicated dining area can be just as effective. A table instantly gives outdoor spaces a sense of purpose, creating a spot where people want to spend time. Go for a long table if you love hosting big families, or a smaller round setting if the space is tight and you want a more casual feel.
When you’re short on space, the little touches make a big difference. With the Australian climate in mind, pick outdoor furniture that can handle the weather and add pieces you can quickly bring inside if a summer storm hits. Cosy cushions, a simple table runner and a bit of greenery go a long way in making the area feel warm and inviting. To bring it all together and keep the space useful after sunset, think about adding a pendant or overhead light that gives off a welcoming glow.
Tip: When planning a dining area, think of it as a defined outdoor “room.” The right table, chairs and lighting will give it structure, even in a compact space.
4. Multi-zone layout
If you have the luxury of a bigger backyard, a multi-zone layout can completely change how you use the space. Instead of relying on a single entertaining spot, you can divide your outdoor areas into zones for cooking, dining and relaxing. Each has its own character, yet together they create a backyard that feels balanced and easy to enjoy.
The design choices made here will influence not only how the space looks but also how it is experienced. Natural stone pavers can be used to create pathways that guide movement and subtly separate functions, while variations in flooring, such as transitioning from timber decking to lawn, help establish boundaries without the need for physical barriers. Maintaining a consistent palette of colours and finishes across the zones ensures that the backyard still feels cohesive, even when they are divided into separate areas.
Tip: Start with the biggest priority zone first. Once that’s placed, the others will naturally fall into position around it.
5. Greenery and shade
You don’t have to completely redesign your backyard or spend a fortune to create an entertaining space. Greenery and shade alone can transform even the simplest outdoor area into a place that feels comfortable, inviting and ready to use.
In a small courtyard, a few potted plants and a shade sail can soften the space and make it comfortable for summer catch-ups. Add a little table and some chairs, and suddenly you’ve got a spot that feels perfect for afternoon drinks or family dinners outside.
If you have more room to play with, think about adding a pergola with climbing vines or a vertical garden as a backdrop for your area. Choosing plants that thrive in the local climate means less upkeep and more time enjoying the space with friends and family.
Tip: Consider how the landscape will grow over time and allow room for plants to mature without crowding your zones.
6. Fire pit or outdoor fireplace
There’s nothing better than gathering around a fire with loved ones, swapping stories and enjoying the warmth on a cool evening. A fire pit or outdoor fireplace turns your backyard into a space that’s just as inviting in the cooler months as it is in summer. It creates a natural focal point, giving people a reason to sit, stay and enjoy the moment.
You can keep it simple with a portable fire pit that moves where you need it, or go all out with a built-in fireplace that anchors the entertaining area. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s placed at a safe distance from nearby structures and arrange your seating to face inwards. A circle of chairs or built-in benches encourages conversation and makes the fire the heart of the space.
Tip: Add blankets or outdoor cushions for extra comfort – little touches like these make evenings by the fire even more memorable.
7. Layer your lighting
The right lighting can completely change how an outdoor entertaining area feels, taking it from daytime dining spot to evening retreat. By layering different types of lighting, you can make the space practical, welcoming and full of atmosphere. Task lighting, such as wall sconces near a BBQ or prep bench, keeps cooking areas functional. Ambient lighting, like string lights or lanterns, adds softness and makes the space feel relaxed, while accent lighting highlights features like plants, a water feature or architectural details.
Pathway lighting is another simple but important layer, guiding guests safely through the space and giving the backyard a finished feel. Warm white tones work best outdoors, creating a glow that feels inviting without being harsh. Mixing these layers means you can set the mood for anything, from a lively dinner party to a quiet evening with family.
Tip: Put your lights on separate switches or dimmers so you can adjust the mood as the night goes on.
Building a new home? Plan for your outdoor space early
Factor in your outdoor entertaining area from the start
Thinking about your outdoor space while designing your home helps create a layout that feels considered and functional, rather than squeezing it in later.
Talk to your custom home builder about your plans
Share how you’d like to use the space, from casual barbecues to larger gatherings, so the design reflects your lifestyle.
Position the alfresco to capture natural light and breezes
Orientation makes a big difference to comfort, keeping the area cooler in summer and pleasant year-round.
Create a smooth indoor-outdoor flow with matching floor levels
Matching floor levels creates a smoother flow, making it easy to transition between indoor and outdoor spaces when entertaining.
Plan plumbing, gas, and electrical points early
This is especially important for outdoor kitchens, fridges or lighting, and it’s far simpler to install while building than retrofitting later. You could even consider including capped services during construction to then complete the outdoor kitchen at a later stage, when budget allows.
Allow space for future features
Even if you’re not ready now, planning ahead for pools, gardens, or extended seating will save time and money down the track.
Build a home that’s ready for living and entertaining
An outdoor entertaining area does more than make your home an easy place to entertain. It’s also an easy way to increase your property’s value. From simple upgrades like lighting and greenery to bigger features such as kitchens and fire pits, thoughtful planning makes your backyard both practical and appealing.
At OMNI Built Homes, we’re the custom home builders Brisbane families trust to design homes that fit their lifestyle. Talk to us today about creating a home that’s ready for living and entertaining.