Summer sneaks up fast. One minute you’re complaining it’s too cold to sit outside, and the next you’re scrambling to get your home sorted before the first proper heatwave. Whether you’re planning backyard barbecues or just want your place to feel a bit more summer-ready, there’s no better time to start than now.
Start with a patio kit
If you only do one thing before summer hits, let it be this. Patio kits give you an instant outdoor area without needing to design from scratch. Think of a patio kit as a pre-made solution – roofing, frame, everything you need to build a covered space. It turns a bare backyard into a usable, shaded spot that’s perfect for summer. It also adds value to your home, protects your outdoor furniture, and gives you a spot to escape the heat without having to hide indoors.
Just make sure you choose something that suits your house, in style and in size. Most kits are designed to be easy to assemble, but if you’re not keen on DIY, you can always get someone in to install it for you. Once it’s up? You’ve got the perfect foundation to build a summer setup.
Clean your outdoor space properly
Before you start styling or setting anything up, give everything a proper clean. Not just a light sweep; a proper once-over. Leaves, cobwebs, and mould on outdoor tiles – it all builds up over the cooler months. A few hours scrubbing now means you won’t be doing it mid-summer when it’s too hot to move.
Hose down walls, pressure-wash the pavers if you’ve got them, and check for any grime around windows and doors. Wipe down furniture too, especially anything that’s been sitting in the garage or shed. You’ll be surprised how much better everything looks once it’s clean.
Get your plants under control
Summer can be brutal on gardens if you’re not prepared. Go through your outdoor areas and sort out what needs trimming, replacing, or relocating. Pull out anything that’s dead or struggling. Group pots together so they’re easier to water. If you want colour, now’s the time to add some hardy flowering plants that can handle the heat.
Also, look at shade. Not just for you, but for your plants. Move the more sensitive ones under cover or use shade cloth where needed. If you’re into veggie patches, now’s the season for things like basil, tomatoes, and capsicum. And if you’re not? No stress. Even just a few lush pots around the patio can make a big difference.
Check your cooling setup
You don’t want to realise the air con’s not working during a 38-degree day. Test it now. Clean out filters, check the remote, and make sure it’s blowing cold air. Same goes for ceiling fans – give them a dust and make sure they’re spinning the right way (you want them pushing air down, not pulling it up).
If you use portable fans or evaporative coolers, haul them out early and see if they need a service. It’s much easier to fix these things before the weather turns. Even simple tricks like using lighter curtains, closing off unused rooms, or blocking west-facing windows can help keep things cooler.
Get your BBQ area sorted
You know summer’s close when the BBQ starts calling your name. Pull it out, clean the grill, check the gas bottle, and see if anything’s rusted or worn out. Replace what you need now instead of waiting until everyone’s over and you’re halfway through cooking.
If you’ve got outdoor dining furniture, clean and check that too. Look for wobbly legs, frayed cushions, or faded covers. And if it’s time for a refresh, even small things like new seat pads or string lights can make the space feel more inviting.
Update your indoor vibe too
It’s not just about the backyard. A few small changes inside can make your whole place feel lighter and fresher. Pack away the heavy throws, dark cushions, and winter rugs. Swap them for lighter colours, breezy fabrics, and natural textures. Linen and cotton always feel right in the warmer months.
Open up the windows when you can, let the air flow, and add a few indoor plants if you’re into that sort of thing. Even just rearranging furniture to make a room feel more open can help. It’s about creating a space that feels relaxed and easy, not stuffy and cluttered.
Think about outdoor storage
Summer means more gear. Pool toys, gardening tools, cushions, citronella candles – it adds up fast. If you’re constantly dragging things in and out of the house, it gets old quickly. Look into outdoor storage boxes or small sheds that match your setup. Some benches even double as storage, so they don’t take up extra space. You’ll thank yourself later when it’s all easy to pack away and keeps your patio from looking like a dumping ground.
Don’t forget the small touches
Once the big jobs are out of the way, focus on the bits that bring it all together.
- Comfy cushions and throws (just make sure they’re outdoor-friendly)
- Lanterns or solar lights to stretch out the evenings
- A portable speaker or discreet sound system
- Shade options like umbrellas or outdoor blinds
- Bug control – because mozzies love summer too
These extras don’t need to cost a lot, but they do a lot to shift the mood. Think about how you want to use your space – quiet afternoons, big catch-ups, late-night chats – and set it up to match.
Make it a space you actually want to use
There’s no point doing all this if the space ends up sitting empty. Don’t just style it for guests – style it for you. A spot to have your morning coffee, read a book, or scroll your phone in peace.
Make it practical, but also make it feel good. If it looks nice, you’ll use it more. And if you’ve done it right, you’ll barely notice when summer rolls in because you’ll already be outside, soaking it up.
