We’ve got all the tips you need
When it comes to outdoor living, Aussie’s couldn’t be more invested in making this area of their homes one to enjoy. With our warmer climate and native plants – there’s plenty of reasons to spend your spare time outdoors. That’s why over 90% of our home designs include an outdoor room as part of the standard floorplan. Plus, with our outdoor styling tips, your outdoor spaces will look fab in no time!
Assess your layout and plan for practicality
Have a think about where you want your zones to be. If you’ve planned for a deck, this will probably be the best place for your outdoor dining set. If you have a paved area, perhaps a relaxation zone with lounges, a hammock or a swing chair would work here. If there’s space on your lawn, a fire pit with large floor cushions will create a cosy corner. Think about your spaces and plan your layout so it lines up with what you want out of your backyard.
Arrange your furniture for views
Once you have thought about the functionality of your outdoor area and the different zones you want to create, it’s time to have a think about positioning the furniture within them. If you have a view, always arrange your furniture to face the outlook. If you don’t have a view, you can still be strategic with where to place your furniture. For example, you may want your lounges in the relaxation zone to face out looking at the beautiful landscaping rather than towards the entertaining area.
Selecting your furniture
Always ensure your outdoor furniture is weather resistant. You don’t want to pour money into this space only to have your décor deteriorate quickly. Likewise, style your space for the elements. If you get a lot of sun, consider a big umbrella or awning to protect your seating areas. If you plan to spend evenings outdoors, invest in some lanterns and keep a basket of throws handy so you can keep warm at night.
Introduce some colour
Extend your indoor styling outside and inject some personality. There’s loads of ways to enhance your outdoor area. Consider lattice work, lighting, pebbles, large scale pots and planter boxes. A pop of colour (like navy or white) in any of these features will add a lot of depth to your outdoor space.
Landscaping
Choose plants that work well for your location and your style. Vines growing up fencing is a popular trend, cactus and palm trees are also a great look. Make sure you research how much care your outdoor plants will need prior to making any decisions. Some can need a lot of care, which isn’t practical if you are time poor. If you are a keen gardener, why not look into a veggie patch or herb garden?
For inspiration on outdoor styling, checkout our Lisbon 32 on display at Harmony. If you have a question on outdoor layouts or any of our home designs, contact us today!
