Outdoor living is a big part of life in South East Queensland, especially when summer comes around. Whether you love hosting long lunches in the fresh air, relaxing with the family by the pool, or simply enjoying the afternoon sun, a well-designed outdoor space can make your home feel bigger, brighter and far more enjoyable. 

Here are the outdoor living trends we’re seeing in new homes this summer and our recommendations for how they can take your home to the next level. 

The Top 4 Outdoor Living Trends We’re Loving Right Now

1. Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Flow

A clean connection between your indoor living space and your alfresco area is one of the most requested features we see in our home designs. It not only looks beautiful but makes everyday living and open-air entertaining effortless. 

We recommend: 

• Selecting wide-opening doors like sliding stackers or corner sliders gives you the flexibility to fully connect your indoor and outdoor spaces or keep them separate when needed
• Use continuous, similar tones and textures when decorating to visually connect both areas

2. Smart Orientation for All-Day Comfort

In Queensland, the way our outdoor areas face has a huge impact on comfort. A well-oriented floor plan makes the space usable all year-round by capturing cooling breezes and natural light. 

We recommend: 

• Positioning your alfresco area to the north or east if your block allows
• Avoiding facing the space to the west, as the harsh afternoon sun can’t be avoided

3. Outdoor Kitchen Spaces

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular in modern coastal homes. With more weather-resistant appliances and fixtures available than ever, homeowners can enjoy a fully functional cooking space outdoors without worrying about damage from heat, sun or salt. 

We recommend: 

• Including an integrated BBQ and a small fridge for easy entertaining
• Designing the layout so you can prep, cook and serve without leaving the space

4. Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are now a common addition to alfresco areas, and for good reason. They improve airflow and make the space more comfortable during the heat of peak summer, so you can spend more time in the great outdoors. 

We recommend: 

• Choosing fans rated for outdoor use
• Consider a wider fan for larger spaces to keep air moving
• Pair fans with dimmable lighting for a relaxing, evening-friendly ambience

Design a Space You’ll Love All Summer

A well-planned outdoor area can completely elevate the way you live at home. Whether it’s maximising airflow, enhancing indoor-outdoor flow, or adding the right features for entertaining, these trends offer practical ways to enhance your lifestyle.

If you’d like help bringing any of these ideas into your new home design, Dwyer Quality Homes is here to guide you – get in touch with our team today.