alfresco living – The Interiors Addict

Welcome the sunshine this summer by merging your indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy alfresco living, extending your home while embracing the warmer weather. To help create this outdoor oasis check out Freedom’s new contemporary outdoor furniture and homewares collection.

The furniture, décor and tableware draw inspiration from seaside scapes across the globe – from the Mediterranean to Australia’s own back yard.

Below are the highlights including dining and lounge settings, coffee tables, ottomans, cushions, rugs and stylish tablewares that would look as much at home indoors as they do out.

Outdoor furniture

Longlands – Designed for comfort and calm, the Longlands 3 seat sofa embraces curves for softer looking spaces, giving a more relaxed feel. The white and grey contrast beautifully while the rope detail adds texture and interest. $1,799.

Palm Cove – Durable, stylish and so comfortable, elevate your outdoor area to feel like you’re holidaying at home with the Palm Cove 4 piece outdoor sofa package with coffee table in natural. $2,999.

Cannes – Perfect the art of entertaining and create an instant alfresco dining area with the Cannes 3 piece dining package. Pair the functional and stylish bench seating with matching cushions to take your outdoor dining to the next level. $2,999.

If space is an issue, check out the Cannes round outdoor dining table for $1,049. Pair the table with the supportive and stylish Rope outdoor dining chairs at $429 each.

Linea – If you’re after a multifunctional piece that is is space-conscious try the Linea 4 piece outdoor package. Perfect for balconies or small courtyards, this fabulous bench has three stools that can be stored underneath. $679.

Décor

Odelia – In a first for Freedom, the Odelia beach towels are available in three colours – green, blue and yellow. $54.95 each.

Laboheme – Add a decorative touch to your outdoor and alfresco areas with the Laboheme outdoor ottoman available in yellow and mid-green. Its water repellent surface and UV fade-resistant fabric mean it’s low maintenance year-round. $329.

Allaperto – Carefully hand braided by skilled artisans, the Allarperto outdoor rug in buff is mould and UV-resistant making it the perfect weather-friendly option for your alfresco or backyard. $549.

Tableware

In moody tones of dark grey, the Elvira serving range will give your outdoor table setting a bold look while meeting all your entertaining needs. Prices start from $10.95.

Make a statement with the Alyssum glassware range. Featuring a tortoiseshell design, the collection is sure to wow your guests. Prices start from $7.95.

Freedom’s new outdoor range is available now

Former winner of The Block shares this year’s outdoor trends

Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in! While homeowners have invested increasing amounts of time and money into their yards in recent years, 2020 saw interest in outdoor living…

Alfresco living is a widely celebrated aspect of the Australian lifestyle, so whether you’re happiest throwing a dinner party or prefer nothing more than a quiet drink watching the sun go down, your balcony offers the perfect space to enjoy your own city oasis.

Our resident expert Charlie Albone, and his stylist wife Juliet Love, have teamed up with leading developer Mirvac to help Australians create their ultimate outdoor space this autumn. So to help get your balcony looking bespoke and beautiful for 2015, Charlie and Juliet have pulled together their top landscaping and styling tips for the perfect outdoor space.

Charlie’s top balcony landscaping tips

Green walls get the green thumbs up

It’s no secret that vertical gardens, otherwise known as green walls, are a gardening trend on its way up. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, the concept of a green wall makes them suitable for any balcony size as they require very little space. They also have a positive effect on the environment as the increased green space within the urban environment helps reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect.

Weathering the conditions

Densely populated suburban areas receive milder temperatures and reliable rainfall allowing you to successfully grow a wider range of plants. If your balcony gets a lot of sun then try herb gardens, grasses or succulents as they are more tolerant of heat and harsher climates.

Potting appeal

Decorative or oversized pot plants are an ideal option for adding visual appeal and breaking up a space. Potted plants dry out much quicker than plants in the ground so ensure you keep the watering up during hot dry weather.

Styling your garden

Different garden styles evoke different emotions and set a distinct mood and tone for your space. Designing your garden to reflect a particular style that resonates with you starts with choosing a combination of similar plants known as a plant palate. Contrasting styles can also be achieved with the right balance between style and layout, however only select a few elements from each to avoid a busy mismatch of styles.

Choosing the right plants

Just because your balcony is shaded doesn’t mean you can’t grow stunning plants and flowers — there are plenty of beautiful plants and flowers that thrive in shady conditions. Walking Irises, Peace Lillies, Fuschias and Bleeding Hearts are just a few plants that will still blossom in low-light areas.

Juliet top 5 outdoor style tips

juliet and charlie reno addict — Juliet and Charlie

Cushion candy

Stylish people know the power of a throw cushion or two — they can transform a space in seconds, making them a fun and easy decorating tool! From monochrome to vibrant floral prints, you can add a pop of colour and pattern to any outdoor ‘room’. Play with size and texture to achieve the most interesting look. For seasonal updates, experiment with trending colours or opt for geometric patterns for a more trans-seasonal look.

Weather-proof your furnishings

Weather-proof outdoor furniture can be both stylish and practical. When styling your outdoor area, consider the elements your outdoor furniture will be exposed to and choose materials that are built for those conditions. For wet or damp weather, choose synthetic rattan and waterproof fabrics to prevent rotting.

Don’t just look at it

With balmy nights and beautiful weather all year around, there’s no reason not to go outside. The simple addition of a table and chairs will immediately convert an outdoor area into an outdoor living area. Grouping your furniture and adding large pot plants to break up the space work well as virtual room dividers should you want a lounge that is separate to the dining area.

Balance the space

Symmetry and balance play an important role in good design and should be a priority when considering the layout of items within a space. The aim is to enhance some areas while concealing others by evenly distributing the proportions of furniture and decor. Select two or three focal points and spread them out within the space so the eye can rest on one before progressing to the other.

Dine in style every season

Make your outdoor area an entertainer’s paradise by updating your dining table accessories to reflect seasonal trends. Consider the trending colours of each season and how they fit with your existing furniture and natural surroundings. Soft lighting from practical and pretty hurricane lamps or candle holders makes dining outside a delight.

For more information on Mirvac.