When the temperature starts to rise, many of us who welcome the arrival of warmer weather invariably turn our focus to beautifying our home’s outdoor spaces – big or small.
It’s a very personal process and definitely the opportunity to expand your indoor style beyond the four walls of your house or apartment, but it’s a good idea to be prepared before jumping on in.
First and foremost, think about how you will use your outdoor living area. One of the best ways to envision your alfresco floor plan is to first think of how you intend to use the space, then make a list of what you would need in the area to accomplish those activities and then plan from there. The number one piece of advice from many designers on how to make your outdoor space great is focusing your attention on making one big statement around a seating area. Perhaps centre your seating arrangement with views either toward the house or apartment, or outwards, toward the surrounding views, which instantly activates the space and gives guests a beautiful vista to enjoy.
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. However, 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. And try thinking about pieces that offer flexibility to accommodate varying numbers of people and ones that will work for formal and informal gatherings.
Lastly, while quality is always important when buying any furniture, it’s even more critical with outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the extremes of sun, rain and wind. There have been huge advances in fabric technology and materials since the patio sets of yore, so do your research, explore some local design houses and start getting creative.
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.
It may not be noticeable during the day, but come nightfall, outdoor lighting is the pièce de résistance of your home's exterior. From decorative purposes like highlighting architecture and casting a glow around landscape features, to practical purposes like increasing safety and lighting up a stairway, there are plenty of ways to improve your outdoor spaces with lighting that don’t have to break the bank.
Decorative lanterns, vintage or new, are one of the easiest and most attractive ways to add lighting to an outdoor space. Cluster them on a dining table, group them together around the edges of the space or line them up on a wall — the possibilities are endless. The best part? You can swap out real wax candles for LED candles or even opt for solar-powered to keep things safe.
You may also like to think about investing in solar lighting, which is rapidly improving in look and functionality, or something more whimsical like resin lamps if you don’t have inquisitive pets or little ones around that may be prone to causing havoc when unattended.
Add an ottoman
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 and there are a plethora of beautiful options out there to suit any aesthetic.
Designed and made in France, Ligne Roset’s outdoor ottomans are specially crafted to remain completely watertight and are upholstered in Swiss-made Stamskin synthetic hide – a material designed to withstand commercial and marine upholstery applications. They are a stylish nod to the traditional Moroccan-style ottoman but with a thoroughly contemporary vibe. Pop into their Grey Lynn showroom for a look and you just may find yourself grabbing one, or even a pair, to put by your pool.
Take shelter
When it comes to summertime and enjoying the sun, in Aotearoa it never hurts to take extra precautions to stay protected from our harsh rays and that goes beyond your preferred SPF formula and a hat.
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.
The number one reason people choose to avoid their outdoor ‘room’ is lack of shelter from the heat and rain. An outdoor shade umbrella will provide a super stylish and impressive addition to your favourite summertime space as well as protect against the sun's harmful rays. From the most dramatic and inviting cantilever umbrella to the simple yet always chic patio umbrella, there’s a shade option for spaces big and small out there ready to be embraced.
The statement side table
A cleverly chosen side table will not just prove convenient, but elevate your style when planning the ultimate outdoor oasis. Ligne Roset has some beautiful contemporary options in their showroom right now, as does the always popular Studio Italia. In addition, Kayu Studio, the popular interiors destination, recently opened an expansive new showroom on Westmoreland Street in Grey Lynn, right by Farro. Visitors to the beautifully designed, neutral-toned showroom can experience Kayu’s signature collections like the bestselling Glide and new Engineered Stone Collections, and their pick of side and occasional tables – both indoor and outdoor friendly options – are a joy to behold. I love that all Kayu Studio's pieces are crafted with fair trade practices, whether from the company’s in-house brand or the talented makers they stock online and in-store. (Helene Ravlich)
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