Thinking about giving your office a glow-up? Great! A fresh new workspace can do wonders for team morale, impress your clients, and let’s be honest—make Monday mornings slightly less dreadful.
But while you’re busy picking out new chairs, floor tiles, and deciding whether the break room really needs a barista-style espresso machine (it does), don’t forget about the outdoor areas. We’re talking courtyards, patios, rooftop hangouts, and those random little patches of concrete no one ever uses. These spaces might seem secondary, but done right, they can totally elevate the vibe of your whole workplace.
Let’s dive into why these areas matter—and how to turn them from “meh” to magical.
Clear the Junk
First things first—ditch the junk. Outdoor areas often turn into graveyards for broken furniture and mystery cables. Not exactly the welcoming oasis you were picturing, right?
If your outdoor space is full of rubbish, it is a good idea to call in a company like 1300 Rubbish Australia, who can help you clear it all out quickly and responsibly.
They’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can actually see the space you’re working with—and stop stubbing your toe on a rusty filing cabinet.
Why the Outdoor Space Matters
Gone are the days when outdoor office areas were just for smoke breaks and awkward client phone calls. Now, they’re prime real estate for creativity, connection, and caffeine-fueled team catch-ups.
Done right, they can be:
- A peaceful spot for breaks and mental resets
- A cool alternative to the conference room (who said meetings have to be indoors?)
- A fabulous first impression zone for visitors
- Or even a Friday arvo happy hour hub
Fresh air and flexibility? Yes, please.
What to Consider When Planning Your Outdoor Office Area
So the junk’s gone, and you’re ready to work your magic—here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Shelter and Shade
Australia isn’t exactly known for its gentle, forgiving weather. So if you don’t want your outdoor space turning into a sauna or a splash zone, some cover is essential.
Pergolas are a crowd fave—stylish, functional, and they don’t scream “budget patio job.” Win-win.
2. Furniture That Works
No more sad plastic chairs, okay? Invest in outdoor furniture that can survive a heatwave and still look like it belongs in a designer catalog.
Think sleek modular seating, sturdy benches, even a few bean bags if your workplace leans into the casual vibes. Just make sure it matches the mood—work, play, or a happy hybrid.
3. Greenery and Landscaping
Even a concrete courtyard can feel lush with the right plants. If you’ve got the space, hire a landscaper to pop in some low-maintenance natives. If not, vertical gardens are your best friend—hello greenery, goodbye wasted floor space.
4. Good Lighting
If your dream is after-hours events or just giving late-night desk warriors a decent hangout zone, lighting is a must.
Get playful: string lights, solar garden lamps, or LED strips under benches can set the mood and keep things safe when the sun clocks out.
5. Noise and Privacy
Let’s face it—some offices are just too close to traffic, construction, or your chatty neighbor Bob.
Block the chaos with hedges, fences, or even acoustic panels. Your team will thank you (especially when they can hear themselves think during a Zoom call).
Little Touches
Once the essentials are locked in, go wild with the finishing touches. These are what take your outdoor space from functional to fantastic. Try:
- Umbrellas or cushions in your brand colors
- An outdoor whiteboard (brainstorming in the breeze, anyone?)
- Wi-Fi and power for the digital nomads
- A mini kitchenette or coffee cart (yes, your team will love you forever)
And hey—if you’re navigating visa renewals mid-reno (because why not juggle all the things?), you’ll want to check out this super handy post on how to renew your work visa while traveling outside the U.S.. Perfect if you’re balancing global biz with your garden bench.
With a little effort, your outdoor office space can become the MVP of your renovation project—functional, fabulous, and full of fresh air. Go on, give it the glow-up it deserves!