Grass and garden would soften the look.

That’s a lot of concrete and no shade. If you don’t want to dig up some, buy some modular decking from the hardware and create a zone in front of what looks like kitchen at far end. Add a shade sail and if possible over part of pool. Some more plants.

Add an outdoor kitchen , table setting with an outdoor umbrella for shade, this could possibly swing over pool also for shade, outdoor furniture that withstands the elements, woven pvc is hard wearing in all weathers, or treated timber, large planters with lush foliage. Don’t over crowd the area. Could look beautiful.

Hello, Some ideas off the top of my head. You could build a pergola, and grow vines planted in pots, add some large pots and/or raised garden beds to bring some greenery to the area. A vine or vertical garden across the fence is also an option. I think adding some shelter and some greenery would make the space more inviting, you could then add some outdoor seating. Would the exisiting undercover area be a better location for an outdoor kitchen? If you want a kitchen in the area between the pool and the house I think you might need some kind of awning or roof over it. The pergola could work, as you could add roofing over part of it, and grow a vine over the rest. This could also help with having a cooling effect inside the house. A folding awning on the wall over the window would give you the choice of shade or no shade, you could still add plants in pots and raised beds. I think you could really do a lot with the space! Good luck.

I like Julies ideas. lokks really smart, and not too much work to look after!

Set up some deck chairs and loungers , then invite hot people for a swim -- you won't care about the rest then . If not , buy more alcohol . . . . . .

Example of permanent shading.

It would have been easier to plan the whole concept rather than concrete the whole area and then work backwards to do something with it.

Greenery in pots or planters would make the area more pleasant and inviting, but there are potential drawbacks in terms of watering etc for plants not growing in the ground.

What sort of drainage does the hardscaping have?

Which way does that side of the house face, and what is your climate, do you need to preserve solar access in winter for warmth and energy efficiency or can you go full shady solution with the area in front of the windows?

Who did the design and planning around the pool , because thats quite nice -- the plants , the colourful and playful couch , and what looks like a mat or maybe tiles inlaid . The fence isn't great , but it does its job ( complies with the bylaws and looks pleasant enough ) . So why did you just do that blob ?

Wooden planters mean you can move them around ( on castors is slightly better , but they tend to pull out after the timber ages ) , get another similar couch and 2 or 3 chairs , build in a bbg or firepit or both , or just have a larger stainless bbq on wheels . Add sail cloth triangle or pergoda , even those opening slats . Add another outdoor rug , some colourful pots , even a bigger chess set ( even if you don't play chess ) . Add corten or alloy lasercut panels .

You could even add a TV somewhere near where the round bbq is ( i.e. out of the weather ) . Sure , it would have been bettter to plan in advance , but it can be saved or at least hidden !

A louvre roofing system would suit your situation. Install a structure running the full length of home. This will shade the windows and stop the hot summer sun from hitting the windows. You can open the louvres when required. It will also give cover for when it rains.

This space desparately needs shade. Especially if it's sun exposed for the whole day it probably makes the indoors very hot as well. I would suggest a pergola across the whole length of tha wall, since the concrete will get really hot to walk on if not shaded, or at least some roof at the back section. The back also looks like a great area to put outdoor BBQ/kitchen and dinning set up, while you can set up a lounge in the underroof area to the right. Depending on how much breeze you get in your area, I would also consider installing outdoor ceiling fan in the seating areas.

By adding a fixed roof, whether it’s simple or has an opening/ closing option would definitely add an extra room for all weathers.

These are all great ideas, thank you! You are all correct about the heat. I have about 250m2 of garden down the side of the house for those concerned ;).

I'm seeing a common theme with adding a pergola/awning - and love the idea of the louvre shades!

Ever felt like making your unused space more attractive?

The most significant benefits and advantages of artificial wall gardens are quite versatile, which helps your work environment be relaxed and peaceful. Smart water management that is scientific and well-designed ensures good control over irrigation and construction. You can get more amazing and trending designs for commercial spaces. Reach us. More information is available at https://www.vistaconcepts.com.au/.

Which way does it face? That might make a diffetence to what design provides best functionality.

Gotta be Australia- mandatory pool fence. It’s already said by others - I think your solution needs to include pergola and vines. It will really soften and cool that space. And make it an outdoor extension. You could consider an area with day beds/outdoor furniture to help integrate that outdoor pool. And a few pot plants with colour will also help invite you outside.