How to makeover your outdoor area
If you’ve decided it’s time to make over your outdoor area so you can finally enjoy that dream of ‘Al Fresco living’, here’s some tips to consider. Our first tip is to make sure you’ve got the right outdoor furniture that suits your needs – which we can help you with – but that’s just too easy and we know you’re smarter than that. So here’s some real value tips to help you create the space of your dreams!
What are you planning to do in the space?
Do you like to entertain?
Are dinner or BBQs part of your summer plan?
If so, layout is key critical to your outdoor dining success.
Your BBQ needs to be in a place where you have great ventilation and a small distance away from your home or open windows to ensure the food smell doesn’t end up lodged in your curtains, while still being close enough to carry plates of food.
Have a look around your backyard. If you’re hosting a dinner party, no-one wants to be eating off paper plates on their laps, so investing in a decent sized outdoor table is a great option.
The Provence 6 seater dining suite (available only in store) provides you with a large dining / serving table area and comfy seats, made with a sturdy aluminum frame, perfect for outdoor use.
Aluminium is light and hardwearing, so you have the ability to move the table relatively easily, based on your needs and layout, while also having peace of mind that it won’t corrode like steel framed furniture. It’s also good for coastal properties as well, so perfect for the bach or holiday home.
The Bahama Dining suite is solid and stylish and another great option for outdoor dining. It’s perfect for those long dinners where you want to sit and solve the problems of the world. The comfy seats and cushioning makes this both functional and stylish, while being super relaxing.
It also comes in a round option too, perfect for seating 4!
For a smaller dining space, you can’t certainly can’t beat the space saving ability of a round table and chairs and the Bali range (below) is fabulous for when you want to give your outdoor area a ‘resort’ feel. Team it up with a water feature, a statue and an outdoor speaker and you have the perfect ‘zen’ space as well! (Available only in store.)
Be mindful of the sun, the shade and the showers!
If you’ve got a great outlook, it’s important to make the most of the views your property has to offer. It’s got to be good for you! We all know however that the sun can be really harsh in this part of the world, so being mindful of your shade requirements is important, as well as being able to endure the 4 seasons we experience in 1 day!
Do you have tall trees in your backyard that can provide natural shade and shelter?
Do you need to consider adding a louvre roof, pergola or sunshade?
Is it time to head to the plant store?
Take some time to sit outside at different times of the day and map out where the sun strikes so you have an idea of how to best maximize the view, while staying sun safe. Also consider what can happen if we get one of those random summer showers! What do you need to ensure the weather doesn’t affect your time outdoors?
Furniture pieces like the Barcelona Outdoor Corner Suite (available only in store) give you flexibility to change positions as the sun moves and teaming that up with a similarly toned sun umbrella over top will give you coverage during those peak burn times.
This piece was designed to look impressive, as was it’s Sister suite, the Barcelona Outdoor Lounge Suite, adding a comfortable seating solution for those who love to host a gathering or have larger families. The fabric covers are machine washable too, so it’s easy to keep your seating clean, should spills occur.
For smaller spaces the Provence 4 Piece Outdoor Lounge Suite gives you individual pieces that easily be shifted, based on your needs and the sun (or rains) movement.
Remember: slip, slop, slap. PLUS make sure you have adequate shade to keep yourself protected!
And finally: Decoration is key!
Love water features? For a refreshing and relaxing addition to your home, you can’t beat the sound of running water, however in the warmer summer months, water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Consider mosquito traps or talk to a plant expert about plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. Rosemary, basil, lavender and marigolds are all great examples of Mosquito repelling plants, so adding a herb garden or flower garden near your seating area is a great way to stay protected.
Fire pits are also great for cooler evenings when you don’t want to move the party indoors, and look amazing when surrounded with feature furniture like our Barcelona range. If you’re considering adding one to your backyard, make sure you talk to a professional about the perfect placement and any safety requirements.
Outdoor lighting, sound systems and even outdoor screens have also become super popular enabling you to make your outdoor space a true extension of your home. You can create visual interest with great lighting, while enjoying a movie or a few tunes while relaxing in style, surrounded by Mother Nature! If you’re planning to do something like this, talk to professionals. And when it comes to getting the right furniture for your outdoor living needs, visit us in store to choose the right solution for you!
We look forward to seeing you and helping you have the best summer yet!
