A multi-purpose Perth patio can serve as an entertaining space, kids’ play area, or outdoor gym, depending on your interests and hobbies. A patio can be used in multiple ways with the right design ideas, furniture, and layout.
If you’re looking to maximise space and get the most use out of your patio, we’ve put together our favourite tips. Our guide will cover our design ideas for a multi-purpose patio that suits your space, hobbies, interests, and needs.
Why a Multi-Purpose Patio Is a Great Value Add to any Perth Home
Here’s why a multi-purpose Perth patio can be an excellent addition to your backyard:
- Optimise Your Space: Even a small area can turn into a space that serves multiple functions. The right layout can transform a patio from a yoga space by day to an outdoor movie theatre at night. The right planning and furniture choices enable you to optimise space and make the most of your backyard.
- Versatility and Adaptability: With versatile layouts and adaptable furniture, patios can serve multiple functions. With thoughtful multi-purpose design ideas, you can effortlessly transform your outdoor space to serve a new function in minutes.
- Increase Property Value: Buyers often gravitate to homes with well-designed outdoor living spaces. A thoughtfully designed, high-quality multi-purpose patio can appeal to buyers and add value to your home.
- Extend Your Living Space: A versatile patio space that meets multiple needs results in a more functional space. A space that matches your interests and hobbies will naturally get used more often. The right design and features can turn your patio area into a true extension of your indoor living space.
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Our 7 Creative Multi-Purpose Patio Ideas
Here are some of our favourite ideas for a multi-purpose patio. We recommend deciding which features and functions are most important to you. From there, look at your available space and consider how to mix-and-match the features and functions you need.
- Hobby Areas
- Fitness Areas
- Outdoor Kitchen or BBQ
- Kid Zone
- Relaxing Retreat
- Entertainment Space
- Outdoor Office or Workspace
1. Hobby Areas
A small corner or designated section of a patio can easily serve as a hobby space. From leisure activities to reading, hobby areas are typically easy to incorporate into a multi-purpose patio
Here are some ideas for a hobby area in a multi-purpose patio:
- A reading nook with plush seating and good lighting
- An art nook with an easel and paint supplies
- A small gardening area with one or two raised beds or a potted garden
- A craft corner with weaving or knitting supplies and a comfy chair and a blanket
2. Fitness Area
Fitness areas are a popular option for alfresco areas. Working out in the fresh air adds a relaxing element to exercise.
Opt for exercise items that take up minimal space and are easy to store, such as:
- A yoga mat
- Resistance bands
- Jump rope
- Pushup board
- Kettlebells
- Weighted fitness balls
- Hand weights
When you finish your workout session, store the items in an outdoor bench and use the space for something else.
Or, go all out like these homeowners did. They managed to incorporate a full outdoor gym while still creating a designated dining area and lounge area to enjoy.
3. Outdoor Kitchen or BBQ
The beauty of outdoor kitchens is how easy they are to customise. If you have limited patio space, keep it simple with a grill, rolling bar cart, or small prep table. These homeowners are proof that an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars or take up a ton of space: Simple Outdoor BBQ Area.
With an outdoor grill and dining table, these homeowners can cook meals outside rather than heat up their house. We installed a Reverse Skillion Patio to keep the area protected from the elements so the homeowners can enjoy that spectacular view as much as possible!
Have an outdoor cooking obsession? True BBQ enthusiasts can opt for a full outdoor kitchen setup, including a mini fridge, counter space, BBQ, and sink.
See more outdoor kitchen inspiration here: Our 8 Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Ideas – Aussie Patio Designs.
4. Kid Zone
Adding a kid zone to your patio is one of the easiest ways to make it multi-purpose. And if you’re lucky, the kids will stay busy while you get some relaxing time in!
- A shaded play space with non-slip flooring or a plush outdoor rug and a bin with outdoor toys
- A fitness area that kids or adults can enjoy, featuring a small climbing wall, cargo net, climbing ropes, or tree stump paths
- Kid-friendly seating, such as bean bags, plush outdoor couches, hanging chairs, or kid-sized furniture
- A small game area for playing Bocce ball, cornhole, yard jenga, or outdoor dice, or a fold-up table for card games
- A covered trampoline area, just like these homeowners made under our custom Insulated Gable Alfresco Area
For more kid-friendly backyard ideas, see our guide here: 12 Family Friendly Backyard Ideas.
5. Relaxing Retreat
Add a sauna, hot tub, or meditation area to turn your backyard into a private spa-like retreat. Or, set up a cosy coffee corner with comfy seating and a rolling table or side tables.
These homeowners transformed our Raised Flat Roof patio into a great multi-purpose space featuring a wide range of seating and dining options, ping pong, and an awesome outdoor kitchen. The finished patio calls for a relaxing cup of coffee in the morning and a peaceful outdoor meal at supper time.
6. Entertainment Space
One of our favourite hacks for multi-purpose patios is spaces that can easily be set up and taken down. This allows your patio space to be transformed depending on your desired usage for that day.
An outdoor movie theatre is an easy option that can be a permanent staple for your patio or just for special occasions.
For movie nights that can be set up as needed, bring out these items to your Perth patio:
- Bean bags for cosy portable seating
- Snack trays
- All-weather projector and screen (in a pinch, you can try a white sheet or a large blank wall)
- Folding lawn chairs
- Solar lanterns
- Soft blankets and pillows
One of our favourite multi-purpose patios is this Custom Gable Patio suited to large gatherings. The beautiful gable roof allows plenty of airflow to ensure comfort even on hot Perth days.
Whether the homeowners want to lounge, grill, host, relax, or play some ping pong, this patio has it all! And, it has bonus space for bike storage!
7. Outdoor Office or Workspace
An outdoor workspace can be a permanent addition to your patio or a temporary option.
For an easy outdoor office space that can be taken up or down as needed, consider adding:
- A weatherproof desk or table
- Comfortable all-weather seating
- Appropriate lighting
- Power outlets
Tips for Making a Good Multi-Purpose Patio
Utilise Modular Furniture
Modular furniture offers the ultimate flexibility, enabling you to mix and match and redesign pieces as needed. Hosting a large dinner party? Seating can be rearranged to make room for everyone.
When possible, opt for furniture that is easily moved so you can change your setup easily. Pieces that can stack or be folded up are an added bonus.
Add Multi-Purpose Furniture
Multi-purpose furniture maximises space and limits how much furniture you have to buy.
Here are some multi-purpose furniture ideas for your patio:
- A table that functions as a workspace for your outdoor office and as a dining spot
- Bean bags for movie nights, reading, or a fun seating option for kids
- Coffee tables that have built-in storage
- Extendable dining tables that can adjust to be smaller for cosy family dinners or larger for gatherings with friends and neighbors
- A hammock for lounging, reading, or relaxing
- Benches with built-in storage
- Lounge chairs for reading or napping in the sun
- Side tables that can hold food or drinks, decor, or plants
- Rolling bar carts that can serve food and drinks, be used as a portable dining table, and be moved around as needed
- An ottoman that can be a footrest or an impromptu extra seat
Use Decor to Create Defined Zones
Decor can be more than just looks. Certain decorative items can be strategically placed to double as visual barriers. For a multi-purpose patio, separate spaces using rugs, screens, and planters to create defined zones.
The use of ample greenery to define areas in this space is one of our favourite examples of multi-functional patios: Perth Carport and Alfresco Area.
The owners surrounded their patio area with lush greenery, creating a relaxing area with well-defined spaces. With a raised bed and potted plants, the result is a relaxing atmosphere rich with natural beauty.
The creative, strategic use of the plants creates different zones while still allowing the space to flow together. By defining the patio into different zones, the homeowners maximised space with a carport, dining area, and areas to relax.
Incorporate Creative Storage
Multi-purpose patios are all about making the most of a space. Ample storage space keeps your patio area clutter-free and helps keep items convenient and accessible.
Some creative patio storage options to consider include:
- Weatherproof shelving for decor, books, tools, and more
- Hooks for hanging coats, decor, or hanging planters
- Benches or seats with built-in storage
- Outdoor cabinets
Go Green
We’re huge advocates for adding natural elements and greenery to patios. Plants, potted herbs, bouquets, and climbing vines all add dimension, visual interest, and a calming element to patios.
Here are some ideas for incorporating greenergy into your multi-purpose patio:
- Add a perimeter around one or two sides of your patio with raised beds featuring herbs. Along with added beauty and greenery, patio herbs are convenient to add to meals, dips, or garnishes.
- Install shelves to plant flowers and herbs to conserve floor space and add visual interest.
- When possible, choose native plants as they will require less water and maintenance.
- Add a living wall consisting of climbing vines to add privacy, visual interest, and greenery. Bamboo is one of our favourite options for its fast-growing nature and natural privacy.
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Custom Perth Patios for Any Function
Key elements of a multi-purpose patio include versatile furniture, creative space usage, and thoughtful design.
Ready to turn your multi-purpose patio vision into a reality? Let us know what features and functions your patio needs, and we’ll help you design your backyard retreat. Contact us with your design ideas, and let’s get started.
