Bespoke outdoor cabinetry from a trusted team of Melbourne designers and builders.

 

Renovate your outdoor patio with bespoke cabinetry

Making better use of your outdoor patio area starts with a design that reflects how you spend time at home. A well-considered space gives you room to cook, relax, and entertain, with a layout that feels natural to move through each day.

Outdoor living remains a strong part of the Australian lifestyle, and outdoor patio renovations deserve the same careful planning as any interior project. The Kitchen Design Centre was established in 1994, and owners Michael Simpson and Peter Schelfhout bring over 60 years of experience to custom patio projects.

 

What a custom outdoor patio renovation includes

A thoughtful outdoor renovation brings structure and purpose to your outdoor area, so each part of the space works together. This can include a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, defined alfresco zones, and integrated barbecue areas designed for regular use.

Each outdoor living area is planned with the same approach we use inside the home. Joinery suits the layout, storage is considered early, and every element is built to fit. TKDC manages design, build, and installation under one roof, so you deal with a single team from start to finish.

 

Materials that suit the Australian climate

Outdoor cabinetry needs to perform in changing weather conditions without constant upkeep. Materials are selected for strength, stability, and resistance to moisture, heat, and sun exposure.

Our team works with high-quality materials that are durable and low maintenance, so surfaces hold their finish over time. This includes cabinetry, benchtops, and finishes built for year round use across Australia. Every component reflects the same craftsmanship as our indoor projects, and each piece is built and tested before installation.

 

How to make the most of a small outdoor space

Limited space does not mean limited function. With the right layout, even a compact outdoor living space can support cooking, seating, and storage without feeling crowded.

Design decisions focus on proportion and flow. Patio roofing and outdoor blinds define usable zones, and a small pergola or fire pit adds a focal point without taking over the space. In tighter settings, even areas once used for carports can become practical extensions of your home.

 

Outdoor styles that work in established Melbourne homes

Many older Melbourne homes benefit from outdoor updates that connect naturally with the interior. A considered approach allows your outdoor entertainment area to feel like a continuation of your living spaces, rather than an add-on.

Material choices and layout play a central role in older homes. A modern patio can sit comfortably alongside brick facades and timber detailing when the finishes stay consistent with the interior.

Practical patio design ideas often include a defined dining area, built-in storage, and carefully selected outdoor furniture that suits the scale of the home. This approach helps homeowners create spaces that remain comfortable and relevant over time.

 

How our six-step renovation process works

Clarity at each stage makes a renovation easier to manage and more predictable. TKDC follows a clear process so you always know what happens next.

Here’s what each stage involves:

  1. Showroom Tour – Visit a showroom to see outdoor living displays and discuss your project with our team, no appointment needed.
  2. Discovery Call – If your project is a good fit, we arrange a Discovery Call to learn more before booking a Project Consultation.
  3. Project Consultation – A designer visits your home to assess the space, discuss layout, materials, and pavers, and review landscaping and decking needs.
  4. Build – Cabinetry and components are constructed in our Melbourne factory, with workmanship checked against a high standard before it leaves.
  5. Installation – Our patio builders and installers complete everything on site, coordinating any trades your project needs.
  6. Referral program – Once your project is complete, refer someone else and receive a $500 digital gift card when their renovation is finalised.

 

Consult with a designer at our Melbourne showrooms

Seeing materials and layouts in person makes planning easier, and it’s where your dream patio starts to take shape. Visit a TKDC showroom in Blackburn, Essendon, or Eltham to browse new patio ideas and talk through your outdoor living area with our team. You can also ask about other projects, such as bespoke kitchens, living rooms, laundry and bathroom spaces, home offices, and wardrobes.

You’ll find us at:



Essendon
11 Keilor Road
Essendon Vic 3040
03 9989 6279



Blackburn
143 Whitehorse Road
Blackburn Victoria 3130
03 9894 7445



Eltham
3 Bridge Street
Eltham Victoria 3095
03 9439 5244


No appointment is needed. Drop in Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and take the time to see what feels right for your home. If you would rather start online, book a Discovery Call, and we will guide you through the next steps.

 

FAQs

  • How much does an outdoor patio renovation cost in Melbourne?

    Costs vary depending on size, materials, and the level of detail, such as a simple upgrade versus a fully integrated outdoor kitchen with custom joinery. Speak with a designer at The Kitchen Design Centre for a clear picture of what suits your home.

  • Do I need council approval for an outdoor patio renovation in Victoria?

    Most standard outdoor renovations do not require council approval if they stay within existing structures. Larger changes, like new roofing or structural additions, may need permits, and The Kitchen Design Centre can guide you through what applies.

  • What happens on the day of an outdoor patio installation?

    Our patio builders arrive on site to install all cabinetry and finishes, coordinating any other trades your project needs. We protect your outdoor area throughout, and workmanship is checked before the job is considered complete.

  • What outdoor furniture and decor should I include in my patio design?

    Furniture and decor should support how you plan to use the space, whether that means casual seating or a full dining setup. Quality materials and weather-resistant finishes help everything hold up over time, and you can browse suitable options with a designer at The Kitchen Design Centre.