While the days might be shorter and the mornings a little crisper, there’s no reason to relegate your Northern Beaches garden to a dormant state. With a touch of creativity and some clever additions, you can transform your backyard into a winter haven, perfect for relaxation, entertainment and creating lasting memories. Here are some ideas.
1. Install an outdoor studio
A dedicated outdoor studio can be a source of year-round inspiration for the artistically inclined. But it’s also an excellent option for those working from home and in dire need of a dedicated space they can’t find inside. SheShed has fantastic DIY options that range from a cosy cottage garden shed to cabins you’ll never want to leave.
2. Invest in a plunge pool or spa
Sydney winters are perfect for indulging in a refreshing plunge pool or a relaxing spa. Imagine unwinding at night by stepping into a steaming hot tub under the starlit sky – pure bliss! Check out mySpa Sydney for an extensive range of Australian-made plunge pools and spas.
3. Buy a pizza oven
Who doesn’t love a delicious homemade pizza? Take family nights to a whole new level with a backyard pizza oven. The social aspect of creating pizzas together, followed by the joy of devouring them fresh from the oven, is sure to become a winter staple.
Pizza Ovens R Us is an Australian-owned business with pre-built, portable pizza ovens and DIY pizza oven kits. If you want something a little more affordable, check out Baccarat’s pizza oven.
4. Melt away the stress with a sauna
If a plunge pool or spa doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about a backyard sauna? The health benefits of regular sauna use are well-documented, and the sense of relaxation is unparalleled.
Luxo Living has every type of sauna under the sun, including backyard and infrared saunas. The latter are known to support muscle recovery, aid pain relief, detoxify, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation. Sign us up!
5. Create your own outdoor kitchen
Take your culinary skills outdoors with a dedicated outdoor kitchen. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate setup – a simple bench with a built-in barbecue, a sink with running water, and ample counter space can transform your backyard into an entertainer’s paradise. Visit this Bunnings blog post for steps on creating your own outdoor kitchen.
6. Embrace the outdoor fireplace
There’s something undeniably comforting about a crackling fire. An outdoor fireplace becomes the natural focal point of your winter garden, providing warmth and ambience for gatherings with family and friends. Here are some winter fireplaces for inspiration, which vary in size, style and opulence.
Jetmaster Fireplaces have a range of outdoor fireplaces available. But if you want to keep costs down, opt for a portable firepit instead, which you can get everywhere from Big W to Bunnings.
7. Create a cosy outdoor space
Once you have the fire going (or once you invest in an affordable outdoor gas heater), it’s time to upgrade your outdoor seating. Start with some new outdoor furniture and cushions from IKEA, where you can get a three-seater outdoor sofa for just over $300.
Then, treat yourself to a water and stain-resistant outdoor blanket. Pull the look together with an outdoor rug from Fantastic Furniture (there are even fun reversible options), and you’re ready to get cosy.
Enhance the ambience with fairy lights strung across trees, railings, or deck roofs to create a magical atmosphere.
As a bonus, incorporating many of these ideas into your Northern Beaches home instantly adds value when selling. When the time comes, give the JDH team a call.
