During the design and planning phase for any build, most people spend all of their time thinking and worrying about 'inside'. Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are always the main concern, but what about stepping outside the home to take a look the characteristics that help to form the perfect outdoor style for your property?

More than just a backyard...

Your backyard is just potential waiting to be realised. For entertaining guests, barbecues and with plenty of space to relax, unwind and enjoy your property there is no reason you shouldn't give as much attention to your outdoor design as you do inside the home.

Read on for a few key areas to focus on and create the perfect outdoor living space to complement your property and enhance your lifestyle.

Main features

When you think outdoor landscaping and creating an incredible living area in your own backyard, main features like pools and barbecue areas are priorities. Creating a central living area or activity that becomes the focal point of your outdoor space is a great idea. Pools and other water features are incredibly popular, but if you aren't much of a swimmer then covered concrete areas for entertaining, fire pits, barbecues and even outdoor rooms that feature sound systems, televisions and seating are great alternatives.

Lighting

Lighting creates an ambience and mood throughout the evening and night that makes your outdoor living area even more attractive when the sun goes down. Poor lighting is one of the main reasons that the backyard fails to get used, so it's a good idea to focus on this aspect of your design if you want to be able to entertain guests outside. Underwater lights for pools are incredible while outdoor lighting can illuminate pathways, the garden and your main barbecue and living area.

Making use of levels

Not every backyard is flat. Some have steep gradients and dips that you should look at as opportunities to explore your creativity. Have a pool that looks over a garden down below or create a living area with a spa and barbecue accessible by illuminated steps that lead down from the back door - there are plenty of ways to design around multiple levels that can really add to your property.

Don't forget the outdoors! Discuss backyard plans with your architect and create an incredible outdoor living area where you can relax during the day and entertain at night.