Good design essential for the perfect patio

Recently a dilapidated cottage on a large inner suburban block in Canberra sold for $2.16 million. The intention of the buyer was obvious – demolition and replacement by probably three up-market townhouses, likely to fetch close to $2 million each.

There’s nothing unusual in this. It is happening in cities all around Australia as the market turns towards medium-density living for a variety of reasons that include smaller families or no families at all, no time to tend gardens and (generally) less financial outlay in a climate of rising interest rates and plunging affordability.

Even so, most people still crave a little outdoor area in which to soak up the sunshine and with space at an absolute premium the patio garden is often the answer.

Easy to maintain, efficient and simple, they can be calming, private places that allow you to unwind after a long day at work. It’s a place to read a book or a newspaper, to eat long, leisurely breakfasts, or simply to sit and doze away a dreamy weekend afternoon.

But beware – a poorly designed patio can be gloomy and untidy, cluttered with garbage bins and bicycles. You won’t particularly enjoy being there and it can quickly get that neglected look, quite simply, a waste of space.

Orientation is important. Maybe you will want the sun in the morning for summer breakfasts and by the time you get back in the evening you will welcome the fact it is in shade, but will this do for other seasons?

Size is another significant issue. Many patios are too small for comfort. A little strip of concrete or pavers out the back is hardly worth the effort. Use all the space at your disposal and plan carefully.

In my view the most important items are a table and a couple of chairs. If these cannot be accommodated comfortably then the patio is too small, both for you and the person who may be buying the property from you down the track. Once you have established you have sufficient space for these essential items you can think of adornments, such as discreet flower beds, statuary or plants in pots.

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