Renovating your outdoor space can be a cost-effective way to enhance your home, and it's an area that Professor Anthony Burke, an architecture expert, believes offers the 'best bang for your buck'. In my opinion, this is particularly true for Australians, as we have the unique opportunity to transform our outdoor areas into 'pseudo living spaces'.
Burke's advice is to think of your outdoor space as an extension of your home, and to plan carefully. What grows well in summer? Where is the sun? Where is there no sun? These are the questions you should ask yourself. Personally, I think this approach is fascinating, as it encourages a holistic view of home improvement, where the indoor and outdoor spaces are seamlessly integrated.
Michelle Banditt and her partner Casey took on a landscaping project to transform their grass patch into an outdoor living space. They created two footpaths, a dry creek bed with a bridge, two separate fire pit areas, two custom seats, new gardens, a custom-made timber swing, and fishponds, all linked together with a recycled pump system. This project showcases the potential of outdoor spaces, and how they can be designed to suit individual needs and preferences.
One of the key benefits of renovating your outdoor space is the potential to increase the value of your home. Burke suggests that a carefully thought-out balcony space can do the job just as well as a larger-scale project. In my experience, this is especially true for renters, who can enhance their living space with potted plants, fairy lights, and outdoor furniture, without the commitment of a permanent fixture.
However, it's important to keep your budget under control. Burke recommends bringing in a professional for larger-scale projects, but for smaller projects, you can do it yourself. Michelle's approach was to search for cost-effective materials in her community, and to reuse items she already had. This is a great way to save money and be environmentally conscious.
In my opinion, the benefits of renovating your outdoor space go beyond just the financial. Burke points out that access to green spaces has numerous health and psychological benefits, and can contribute to a sense of community. He describes having a dedicated area to spend time each day as a 'health kick', and I couldn't agree more. In a world where we're in the middle of a loneliness epidemic, creating a green space can be a powerful way to enhance our well-being.
Overall, renovating your outdoor space can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enhance your home. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a haven that brings you joy and improves your overall quality of life.
