Incorporating an alfresco area into your new home ensures you’re prepared to host friends and family throughout all seasons and occasions. From entertaining to summer BBQs and lounging with a good book, your alfresco will quickly become one of the most-loved parts of your home.

“The alfresco is one of the most versatile spaces in a home,” says Angela Grivas, Simonds’ Head of Interior Design. “It’s where you can seamlessly transition from a quiet morning coffee to a lively evening of entertaining with friends.”

The alfresco is one of the most versatile spaces in a home, says Angela Grivas.  It offers a seamless indoor-outdoor flow for relaxation and entertaining.

Building an Alfresco Area

At Simonds, over the last 75 years, our commitment to helping people realise the Great Australian Dream of home ownership has been unwavering.

And behind every Great Australian Dream, is a great backyard.

From firing up the BBQ with guests to entertaining well into the night, you’re never going to regret time spent out on your alfresco.

But remember, it’s also your place to relax, so design an outdoor entertainment area that suits your lifestyle. Whether that’s enjoying your morning coffee, or reading your favourite book, we’ll have an alfresco that feels like your own holiday sanctuary.

Angela suggests, “When planning your alfresco, think about how you live day-to-day. Is it about entertaining large groups, or more about creating a peaceful retreat for the family? Your lifestyle should drive the layout.”

Kick-off a summer of relaxation and entertaining with our top tips for the ultimate alfresco

As many of us have spent more time than ever inside our homes, it has become even more important to embrace and maintain our connection to the outside world.

We’ve said it before, open plan living is our bread and butter.

And a huge aspect of creating inviting, communal spaces that the whole family gravitate to, is extending this open plan flow out to an alfresco. With bountiful light and breeze streaming through sliding doors, you’re on your way to boosting your indoor-outdoor flow and reaping all of the calming and grounding benefits.

“Light and airflow are key,” Angela explains. “Make the most of your block by considering orientation and door placement early. You want your alfresco to feel like a true extension of your living area.”

Image: Big alfresco doors lead out to the ultimate breakfast nook. As seen in our Evandale 27 (previously the Newbery 27), on display at the Covella Estate, Greenbank, QLD.

Image: Enjoy entertaining in the evening and relaxing during the day with a versatile alfresco. As seen in our Travertine 31 (previously the Batavia 31), on display at the Aura Estate, Bells Creek, QLD.

Boost Your Indoor-Outdoor Flow

Many of our home designs come with an alfresco already included, because we know they’re a sought-after feature.

If you’ve decided on an alfresco, the next question is location! Depending on your block, this might come down to the width or depth of your land.

Having your kitchen and dining lead out to your alfresco is a popular option for entertainers—it creates a free-flowing space for guests to move between the island bench and the outdoor seating.

Angela’s tip: “Align your kitchen servery or dining table with your alfresco doors so food and drinks can move effortlessly in and out. It’s a small detail that makes entertaining much easier.”

Image: Fresh greenery and pops of colour pair perfectly with sleek external tiles. As seen in our Camperdown 33 (previously the Alvie 33), on display at the Elmood Estate, Epsom, VIC.

If you love the idea of designing a master bedroom that flows on to an outdoor retreat, start exploring our QLD Dalwood 25. As an upgraded option, the master bedroom can lead out to a private outdoor sanctuary. Perfect for a glass of wine after work, or a lazy weekend morning.

And last, but definitely not least, you can’t have indoor-outdoor flow without sliding doors out to your alfresco. Our standard option is an aluminium sliding door with one fixed panel and one moving panel, with different sizes and colours available. If you’re wanting to make more of a statement, you’re able to upgrade to an alfresco door, which has one fixed panel and two sliding panels, or even bi-folding doors. Aluminium is a great affordable and low-maintenance option, but we can do an alfresco or bi-folding door in timber if you want to take your alfresco space up a notch.

Image: The ultimate master retreat. As seen in our single-storey Dalwood 25.

Make Entertaining Easy-Breezy with a Servery Window

If the ultimate BBQ setup is high on your list of priorities, a servery-style window might just be the missing link for your alfresco.

“A servery is a game-changer for anyone who loves hosting,” says Angela. “It keeps the cook connected to the action outside while making serving effortless.”

Image: A servery-style window that is perfect for entertaining. As seen in our single storey Dalwood 25.

Tiling vs Decking

Flooring choices for your alfresco are just as important as those inside your home.

• Tiles can enhance that seamless indoor-outdoor connection, particularly if your kitchen and living areas are tiled.
  
  

• Decking brings warmth and a natural, resort-like feel, especially if you’re leaning into a Balinese or coastal aesthetic.
  
  

Angela’s advice: “Whatever you choose, make sure it’s slip-resistant and durable for the weather in your area. A well-chosen floor sets the tone for the entire alfresco.”

Image: Be transported straight to a tropical paradise with the Colston 26 (previously the Garner 25), Springfield Rise Estate, Spring Mountain, QLD.

Create a Versatile Space

When creating a versatile alfresco space—one that can take you from slow mornings to lively nights—the devil’s in the details:

• Ceiling fans keep the air moving on humid days.

• Skylights flood the space with natural light.

• Statement lighting adds ambience for evening entertaining.
  

Angela recommends layering your lighting: “Combine practical lighting with feature pendants or wall lights to set the mood. You want it bright for a family lunch but soft and atmospheric for a dinner party.”

By following these tips from our Head of Interior Design, your alfresco will feel like an extension of your home—ready to host, relax, and make memories all year round.

Image: The double-storey Gisborne 34 (previously the Eldon 34) will have you prepared for all seasons and occasions. As seen on display at the Meridian Estate, Clyde North, VIC.