Top 5 Tips
The temperature has dropped slightly and thereās a crispness in the air but that wonāt stop Aussies from enjoying the great outdoors in all its autumnal glory!
Outdoor rooms and alfresco areas are as popular as ever within family homes and are perfect for entertaining. So, despite the cooler weather, weāve put together top five tips to style an alfresco space with warmth and functionality. We hope it helps inspire your place!
1. Entertain in Style
Invest in some quality outdoor appliances to cook for loved ones in your covered alfresco space. A barbecue or pizza oven, for example, will ensure the cook isnāt stuck inside while all the fun is happening outside. Choose freestanding barbecues and ovens for ease of movement or opt for a customised, built-in outdoor kitchen for a permanent outdoor entertaining solution.
Image: Inspiration shown with an outdoor barbecue in our Seattle 36 MKII Home Design
2. Bring the Heat
Thereās nothing like gathering around a cosy fire during the cooler months, and a fire pit is a safe and easy way to go. Kids will love being able to toast marshmallows in their own backyard, and big kids will love the flattering light it brings to parties. Freestanding heat lamps are another affordable way to keep family and guests warm and comfortable from March until August. Their temporary nature means they can easily be stored once the seasons change too.
Image: Inspiration shown with a fire pit in ourĀ Monash 32 Display Home at Aura Estate
3. Green Thumbs Rejoice
Plants and shrubs always add life to a space! Choose hardy potted plants or herbs that will withstand the colder months like lavender or rosemary. They will also bring a beautiful perfume to your space. Or look at featuring winter-friendly plants in your surrounding outdoor garden such as olive trees.
Image:Ā Inspiration shown with an olive tree in the garden at ourĀ Santorini 27 Display Home at Everleigh
4. Lovely Layering
Create a sense of cosiness outdoors by layering accessories in autumnal colours. Choose cushions to feature on outdoor sofas or add to dining chairs for extra comfort. An outdoor rug is a great way to add insulation to tile flooring in your alfresco space, which can also work to round out your chosen colour scheme. Drape throw blankets over chairs for guests to wrap themselves in extra warmth should they need it ā and again, opt for colours that complement your theme for a cohesive feel.
Image: Inspiration shown with scatter cushions in autumnal colours on an outdoor sofa at our Capri 26 Display Home at Aura Estate
5. See the Light
If fire pits arenāt a realistic possibility at your place, create a similar atmosphere with battery-operated candles. Scatter a select few across your outdoor dining table or place inside glass hurricane lanterns of differing heights to add interest and a subtle autumnal glow.
Image: Inspiration shown with hurricane lanterns sitting on an outdoor table in ourĀ Monash 32 Display Home at Aura Estate