A common concern about narrow lots is that they won’t allow enough room for entertaining. However, this is simply not case and in fact, most narrow lot homes are intelligently designed with spaces zoned for entertaining all year round. Here’s how you can maximize the space of your very own home and still incorporate an alfresco area in a 2 storey home built by InVogue.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection

If you’re a host at heart, then look no further than an open plan layout. If you regularly entertain, you want your living space to be free flowing so your guests can enjoy each other’s company and socialise with ease. And this requires a seamless transition between the inside and outside.

An open plan kitchen, living and dining area that spills out onto the alfresco via French or stacker doors creates one large free flowing space. By eliminating any visual barriers that may be in your way with a traditional layout, it brings everyone together while at the same time ensuring you can all manoeuvre about the space effortlessly.

By having your alfresco in close proximity to the kitchen, you can easily dash in and out to the fridge to refresh drinks and bring nibbles out to your guests without the hassle of weaving through the home. The shelter provided by the alfresco is also ideal for all types of weather. This means you can enjoy the ambiance of sitting outside and still be protected from the elements.

At InVogue, we understand that outside should be an extension of the inside area. That’s why our narrow lot two storey home designs blend the indoors and outdoors beautifully. An open plan kitchen, living and dining space connecting onto the alfresco area, contribute to an inviting, interactive and social atmosphere where you and your guests can mingle freely.

Telethon Home 2016 - Versatile Home Alfresco — Telethon Home 2016

Perfect place for everyone in the family

If you and/or your guests have children, alfresco areas are a great, versatile space. They can be anything you want them to be – you just have to use your imagination!

So why not transform your adults-only alfresco into a kids’ play area decked out with the most fun and creative toys and equipment? Here’s our top kid friendly ideas for your alfresco:

Swings – The frames of your alfresco offer the perfect place to hang a swing from. Simply using a piece of sturdy rope or chain and a smooth plank of wood or board, you can create this childhood classic without breaking the bank!
Cubby houses – This is a great investment because you know your kids are going to play day-in and day-out. And if you don’t think you have the space for a permanent structure – don’t despair! A play tent or tepee with waterproof pillows will do the trick and then can be brought inside when the sun sets.
Sand pit – Built-in sand pits are great fun, but they can take up a lot of room. So how about turning your BBQ pit area into a sandbox? Even better, a portable sand pit on wheels with a ‘lid’ will allow the area to be used for other activities as well – did someone say drinks on the alfresco when the kids go to bed?
Outdoor blackboards – This is a fun and easy way for your kids to unleash their creativity outdoors. They go perfectly in the corner of any alfresco area and can add colour and personality to the space once your children have covered it in scribbles.

Easy upkeep

Consider how much time you want to spend on maintenance when choosing the materials to use in your alfresco area. Ideally, you want to enjoy the space with friends and family, not spend all your time cleaning and maintaining it. Alfresco areas look their best with Western Australian native plants that don’t require a lot of water, space or maintenance. Here’s some other low maintenance ways to make the most of your alfresco area:

Furniture

You want to create a space in narrow lot homes that’s both practical and attractive. Therefore, each piece of furniture needs to be carefully considered. For starters, having larger pieces of furniture can make a space feel smaller and cause a boxed in feeling when entertaining. So focus on incorporating pieces that aren’t oversized. This will open up the space and allow you to make the most of your alfresco area.

For example, you could opt for a high bar style table with stools that allows you to entertain without feeling cramped or claustrophobic. Then, inject some personal style to help make your guests feel welcome and relaxed like outdoor artwork and potted plants. And if you have limited storage space, you can use storage boxes with a cushioned top that can double as extra seating.

Lighting

So you can use your alfresco area both day and night, think about your lighting options. Moveable solar lights such as fairy lights and string lights are versatile and inexpensive ways to create a more welcoming space and an instantly warmer mood. Dimmable LED garden lights mounted into the ground can also add a great touch to your backyard and provide the illusion of space when placed on the outer extremities.

Heating and cooling

You want your guests to feel relaxed in (and outside) your new home – and this means making sure your alfresco area is a comfortable temperature. In summer you want them to feel cool, so why not create your own breeze by installing a ceiling fan? Little tip – they also help to keep pesky flies away. In winter you want to warm the space, so look into outdoor gas heaters. There are some great external heaters on the market that do the job of heating outdoor areas.

Let InVogue help get you into your very own narrow lot two storey home today. From the inside to the outside, we’ll make the most out of every square inch of your block. Get in touch today.

Enjoyed this article? Click here to read The Benefits of Open-Plan Living.