Tag: Deck

Eight Easy Steps to your Ultimate Alfresco – Step 1

Posted on by Andrea Grimmond

Eight Easy Steps to your Ultimate Alfresco – Step 1

So, you have decided it’s time to add a gorgeous outdoor space to your home – your very own alfresco. But what comes next – how do you make it all happen?

For a summary of the Eight Easy Steps to your Ultimate Alfresco, head to The Process page. 

Here we’ll take you through a bit more detail about Step 1. 

Your Ultimate Alfresco Step 1

Step 1 involves getting a clear idea of what you want and understanding how to maximise your alfresco space. It also involves understanding how you will work with the Alfresco team to make it happen.

You might have a vision of what you would like, but can’t see how it would work. Or you might like different aspects of a variety of designs, but don’t know how to pull it all together.

Having your own personal design consultation starts you on the process of building the ultimate alfresco area for your home.

Step 1 is your Design Consultation Meeting.

In this meeting, we listen to your vision, uncover your entertainment and relaxation needs, and discover your alfresco dreams, and then tailor a design to match.

What does this involve?

You will be taken through a series of questions designed to help you put into words (and then paper) your grand ideas. You will discuss your desired time frame, designs, styles, and budget.

Capturing all these details with you at the beginning helps to avoid any confusion down the track, and you have a clear vision of what is going to happen.

To complete Step 1, a visit to your home will be arranged to look at your available space and current style of your home.

This visit is an important step in developing a clear understanding of what you would like to see and experience in your alfresco area. It helps us understand how we can make your dream alfresco come to life.

If you are looking for a team to help you create your dream alfresco area, we’re here to help you make your outdoor dining and entertainment dreams a reality. E info@ultimatealfresco.com.au.

 

Creating an outdoor space to suit all seasons

Posted on by Andrea Grimmond

Creating an outdoor space to suit all seasons

Does your outdoor space suit all seasons.

Evenings and weekends spent with family and friends… eating, drinking and laughing or just relaxing. Sound familiar?

If so, you probably have an outdoor space. Outdoor spaces come in many forms. Yours might be a patio, pergola, gazebo, or deck. You might even have an Ultimate Alfresco outdoor space.

The question is – do you use your outdoor space all year around?

Traditionally, outdoor areas are used more during the temperate months of the year – early summer and early autumn are usually the favourite months for alfresco use here and around Albury Wodonga.

However, designing your outdoor area with a little imagination makes it possible to enjoy your space all year around.

Here are three tips on how to create an outdoor space to suit all seasons.

1.      Create a versatile space

The key to making sure you can use your outdoor area throughout the year is to install some form of shelter. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a range of roofing options, for example, Louvrtec opening roofs can be opened and closed to create shade or let the sun shine through.

You can also create versatile walls using shutters, louvre panels, outdoor blinds or sliding doors to provide you with screening and ventilation options.

Whatever your choice, creating a sheltered alfresco area will help you to get the most of your outdoor space throughout the year.

2.      Install climate control

Australia is a land of extreme temperatures. We regularly get40+º temperatures in Summer and minus temperatures in Winter. And, no-one really wants to be outside in those temperatures…unless you have a climate-controlled outdoor space.

Installing heating and cooling is the best way to counteract these extremes and improve the liveability of your alfresco area.

You have a number of options from electric heating and cooling to fireplaces and misting fans, and more. The choice is up to you.

3.      Have appropriate lighting

You shouldn’t have to head back indoors once the sun goes down. Not when it can be as simple as switching the lights on to keep the party going.

Investing in lighting is not only practical but also a great way to create ambiance. Outdoor lighting comes in many different forms and can be both functional and beautiful. Think about what you’d like your alfresco area to feel like. Warm and cosy with a low lighting, or bright and modern with clean bright lights. When it comes to lighting ideas consider what would be most appropriate for your outdoor space. And, if you need help, talk to us.

Bonus fourth tip – Choose your furniture carefully. Read more about this here.

If you need help creating your dream alfresco to suit all seasons, feel free to contact our Alfresco Specialist, Letitia Awdjew.

Patios and Pergolas – what’s the difference?

Posted on by Andrea Grimmond

Patios and Pergolas – what’s the difference?

When it comes to designing your outside space there are so many choices. For example, do you choose a patio or a pergola. And what is the difference between the two?

Below we’ve outlined the differences between these two garden features. And, we talk about how each one can really bring out the best in your outdoor area.

Patios

A patio is traditionally designed to expand the usable space of your home, turning your outside space or verandah into an outdoor room, so to speak.

Modern patio designs can create a perfect outdoor space for family gatherings, parties or even just for relaxing with a good book.

A basic patio is usually directly adjoining the outside wall of your home and has an area of flat, paved ground. A roof provides shelter and creates that outdoor room feeling.

Patios great for:

  • Adding value to your home
  • Giving a more spacious feel by creating an extra outdoor room
  • Shield you from the elements; rain, hail or shine

So, how are pergolas different from patios?

Pergolas

The primary difference between a pergola and a patio is in its purpose.

A patio is usually useable all year round

A pergola is designed to be an enhancing feature of your garden. Making it more versatile.

Traditionally pergolas are ornamental and designed to enhance the appeal of your garden.

A big difference with pergolas is that they are also usually free-standing. In saying this, they can be attached to the wall of your home too.

Similar to patios, pergolas can be made as open or as enclosed as you want them to be. If you seek some extra privacy you can add climbing or trailing plants to create a natural partition.

A pergola is a great way to extend your living space and to get more out of your garden or outdoor area.

Pergolas are great for:

  • Adding a touch of individual style to your garden
  • Making your outdoor space more visually appealing
  • Adding privacy to gardens that are overlooked by other homes

If you need help deciding whether patio or a pergola would suit your home, feel free to contact our alfresco specialist, Letitia

Design Inspiration February 2019

Posted on by Andrea Grimmond

Design Inspiration February 2019

Patios and Pergolas

The Ultimate Alfresco Design Inspiration February 2019 includes a selection of patios and pergolas to inspire you. 

We hope these designs inspire you to create your own outdoor space. 

Do you need help designing your patio or pergola?  

If you live in the Albury Wodonga region and would like to discuss how to design and create a beautiful patio or pergola for your home, contact Letitia today. 

Project of the Month February 2019

Posted on by Andrea Grimmond

Project of the Month February 2019

Before

Our client had an amazing view of Lake Mulwala but was very exposed to the weather and elements.

They needed to create an alfresco area that maximised their views while allowing plenty of natural light into the house throughout Winter. 

  

After

We combined louvres and insulated panel to create a seamless alfresco that maximises there view. At the same time, this allows plenty of natural light into the house throughout Winter.

We also created a wall to house the outdoor kitchen and give privacy from the neighbours. The new and old structures were integrated with the use of colour, texture and also materials.

 

Our client cannot wait to spend many Summer’s with their family outdoors enjoying their new space.

To discuss your patio, pergola or outdoor living area design options, contact Ultimate Alfresco today.