The great Australian backyard used to be fairly simple: a few shrubs, a tree, a barbecue, a banana lounge and a clothes line. No worries.
Now, the dream backyard has turned into something of an al fresco paradise. Not only is its feature a palatial swimming pool, surrounded by sleek furniture and household appliances, the whole space is heated. You could mistake yourself for being in Miami.
It’s a trend that has been developing for some years but COVID-19 lockdowns and the millennial taste for luxury has strengthened it in 2021.
Out From the Blue landscape architect James Lascelles says people have been turning their backyards into luxury retreats for a few years.
“Twenty years ago the word ‘al fresco’ was never heard but now it’s on every architectural plan that comes through,” says Lascelles.
“The fact people aren’t travelling now means they’re sitting around staring at their ugly gardens and want to create something pleasant that’s partially outdoors, partially indoors and they have the money because they’re not going on holidays.”
Key features in the backyard revolution include a pool, outdoor dining and lounge furniture, heaters that are either overhead or in fire pits, built-in barbecues and kitchenettes. Some also have wine cellars and spas.
“COVID has brought it all to a peak which is a problem in some ways because the really good builders are booked out at least until Christmas and prices have also gone through the roof because a lot of the raw materials have longer lead times so are less available,” he says.
Freedom furniture buyer Kylie Burgon says consumers see little difference between indoor and outdoor furniture.
“We’re seeing cushions that can be used indoors and outdoors and we’ve almost doubled the outdoor rug category because it’s been so successful,” Burgon says.
“It’s about making the outdoor space feel homely and warm in a way we haven’t seen before. People want to be outside all year round so we’re selling outdoor furniture in winter which never used to happen. Sales usually drop off at the end of the summer season but it’s been phenomenal this year because we actually didn’t have enough stock and have had to expand our outdoor range quite significantly.
“There’s a real sense that it doesn’t look like an outdoor space. It’s just another room of the house.”
Pool and Spa Association of Victoria chief executive Chris Samartzis says his members are more commonly being asked to create outdoor entertainment zones rather than just a pool.
“It’s no longer just a hole in the ground for the pool,” Samartzis says.
“The designs are exceptional and this trend is no longer the domain of the inner east or [Mornington] Peninsula. There’s a massive uptake in the outer suburbs as well.
“It’s a blend of a ‘staycation’ mentality, cheap money because of low interest rates and the wellness aspect is huge as well which has a big focus on aquatics.”
Builder Luke Sheahan has always wanted to create an oasis on a large block in Eltham, in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, where he lives with his wife and three children.
“I wanted to create a place where we’d never have to leave home,” Sheahan says.
“We were spending so much time at home because of COVID and decided to make our house as good as possible because we still want to spend as much time there as we can.”
Their backyard now features a tennis court, decking with an infinity pool and overhanging garden. Adjacent is a sunken lounge, spa, fire pit and a pool house along with a putting green.
“The pool house will allow us to stay outside in that area for as long as we like and the fire pit and spa makes this a place to enjoy throughout the year,” he says.
“We’re using the backyard so much now, and we want to make it a place where people want to spend time.”
