We’re all spending a lot more time at home right now, and our four walls have become everything from a workplace to a classroom and haven.
It’s hard to separate a work/life balance at the best of times, but with summer on the way it’s a great idea to look to your outdoor living spaces for a little respite when we’re all feeling the pressure.
Whether you have a big backyard, lush tropical garden or a petite patio space, it only takes a little work to create an inviting outdoor space that you can enjoy year round. Follow a few basic rules, then add your own individual style for an al fresco oasis designed to work especially for you.
The best way to encourage use of outdoor spaces is to create beautiful and comfortable spots that you’ll want to sit back, relax and enjoy spending time in.
But before you splash out on the likes of premium barbecues and luxe outdoor fireplaces, make comfy seating and set dressing with carefully selected outdoor accessories a priority. If there’s somewhere comfortable to sit and you’re surrounded by beautiful things, you’ll feel more inclined to stay outside long enough to justify splashing out on those other big-ticket items.
Define Your Zones
Even though we’re talking about the great outdoors, it’s a good idea to follow some of the same rules you’d apply decorating an indoor space. Key to this is establishing distinct areas within your space for different activities such as cooking, dining, conversation, and relaxation.
How do you define these zones? Decorative trees, succulents, and chic planters can all be used to establish corners and borders, and designated outdoor rugs are a super stylish strategy for defining a specific area. Place one rug with a dining table and chairs to form a dining area, and perhaps a second rug in an area with comfy loungers and a coffee table for a casual conversation spot. And don’t forget the weather when you’re planning your space – especially sun orientation and what kind of shade option you need to make it workable.
Find Your Light
Whether it’s candles, lanterns or the latest outdoor fittings, lighting never fails to add an extra dimension to patio and garden spaces. And these days, outdoor lighting is no longer just about practicalities, it’s a must-have aesthetic feature for any home.
You may like to think about investing in solar lighting, which is rapidly improving in look and functionality, or something more whimsical like resin lamps or fairy lights. Beautiful, carved white resin emits the most glorious glow when a candle is placed inside or out, and you can line your garden path to welcome guests as they arrive. Or, perhaps scatter several hurricane lamps across your dining table to lend a warm, soothing glow.
Add An Ottoman Or Beanbag
A simple piece of furniture that was once added as an afterthought, the classic ottoman has come a long way. And in terms of today’s design aesthetic, the humble ottoman can be used as everything from a statement piece to extra seating or a coffee table, making it the perfect addition to any outdoor seating collection. From small ones to oversized ones, ottomans are the hidden gem that may be missing from your outdoor space, the masters of multi-tasking, whether you’re accommodating an unexpected guest or kicking back with a cocktail.
The Gigi Round Outdoor Ottoman at Design Warehouse is a beautiful multifunctional accessory that can easily be added to any outdoor or indoor seating area. Each Gigi cover is hand crocheted by an artisan too, and the attention to detail evident in their unabashed beauty and quality.
As well as making a stunning statement in style, they are built to last, as the fibres used to make the covers are crafted from thermoplastic polypropylene. Polypropylene is a fantastic material for outdoor use because it can endure outdoor conditions, is colourfast and moisture resistant.
If you need a little more space to relax on, Coast’s Marine Bean XL is their most popular outdoor beanbag and a firm favourite with stylists, too. Nine precisely-shaped, made-to-last Sunbrella panels give the Marine Bean its uniquely comfortable shape, and the beanbag is handmade in New Zealand from either Marine grade or Blend Sunbrella fabric.
Blend fabric has a softer texture than Marine grade and is very popular for indoor seating. All Coast beanbags include a waterproof lining, and are guaranteed outdoors for five years, so you’re guaranteed to get a high cost per use! Pop one by your pool or on your patio now.
Provide Shade
With the days gradually getting longer and the weather warmer, we are all thinking about spending more time enjoying the sun. And like most things in life – too much of a good thing can become detrimental. So, when it comes to summertime and enjoying the sun it never hurts to take extra precaution in keeping sun-safe, and that goes beyond your preferred SPF formula and a hat.
It’s often been said that the biggest challenge to designing the perfect outdoor space is also the most obvious one: the outdoors. Awnings, sun umbrellas and pergolas are all great ways to shelter your guests – and your outdoor furniture - from harsh sunlight and summer showers. A key element of every functional outdoor living space is shade, and that’s where a quality sun umbrella for your patio, garden or outdoor entertainment area that comes with added UV protection is essential.
If your space requires an umbrella or two, there are two important things to consider: is the style you have chosen easy to move and control, and how effective and durable is the fabric? The very best outdoor umbrella fabric available on the global market is the Sunbrella. With SPF 50 + and UV protection that filters close to 100 per cent of UV radiation, an umbrella with Sunbrella fabric takes care of your family and friends when entertaining outdoors without you even having to think twice about it.
Fire It Up
Given New Zealand’s ever-changing climate, don’t limit the time you spend living outdoors to just the hottest months.
Key to this is an array or stylish blankets and cosy throws as well as outdoor heating, and essentially, a statement making fire pit. Nothing lends an element of warmth and intimacy like a roaring fire. It centres the space and brings both light and heat, making for a focal point year-round. The warmth emanating from the flame of a fire can help create a whole new mood, delivering a feeling of comfort and cosiness akin to a soft blanket or a morning coffee in bed. In fact, a recent study at the University of Alabama claims that the effect of watching fire helps us become calmer and more sociable, and even causes our blood pressure to drop! Definitely a great reason to add a fireplace - or firepit - to the mix when you’re seeking solace at home. (HELENE RAVLICH)
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Published 5 November 2021