The days of ugly mass-market metal and and plastic outdoor furniture appear to be over if the latest offering from Early Settler is anything to go by. Comprised of four key themes (natural, urban, coastal and French), the latest range is a stylish collection that wouldn’t look out of place indoors too.
“Early Settler’s 2018/19 outdoor range is designed to tempt you outside, where you can reconnect with nature and enjoy your version of backyard bliss, whatever that might be,” says furniture buyer, Monica Porter of the range that includes dining, lounge and occasional furniture settings as well as ottomans, cushions and rugs.
“The selection, design detailing and compositions available from outdoor furniture manufacturers have gone from strength to strength in recent years. Nowadays, we see outdoor dining and lounge settings that are so stylish and well-made, they would not look out of place indoors,” says Monica.
To celebrate the launch of the range, the brand teamed up with super stylist Heather Nette King and photographer Mike Baker for a shoot in Byron Bay that took place at multiple locations including the hinterland ranch that belongs to the owners of Byron’s famed ‘The Atlantic’ guest house and ‘Byron Bay Black,’ a luxe new beach house.
The ‘Natural’ range is crafted from all-weather, durable wicker and sturdy hardwoods and the highlight of the collection is the reclaimed teak dining table and woven version of a classic armchair.
The Natural range
The ‘Urban’ range is comprised of clean lines and an array of modern textures including marble, metal and concrete.
Some pieces from the Urban range
The ‘Coastal’ range draws heavily on the Hamptons aesthetic and the ‘French’ range includes majestic, stone-look tables and wrought iron chairs.
Coastal rangeI love these stylish wicker outdoor lounge chairs
Styling: Heather Nette King | Photography: Mike Baker
Let’s face it, one of the best things about upgrading from apartment to house, like we did this year, is having a back yard. Not only has it been amazing for Seb, who even stopped wanting to go to the park for a while because he loved hanging out there so much, but as an extra outdoor room for us grown ups. Being a Pom, I really appreciate the outdoor lifestyle Australia affords me, so I was excited to have a decent sized paved area down one side of the house as well as a grassed lawn at the back. Only problem was, it looked like this:
BEFORE
Hot or what?!
But now we have this lovely oasis:
In the before photo, you’ll note the old and wonky, red-toned pavers (I actually hate anything red-toned in interiors and exteriors, hence my plan to paint our red brick grey eventually!), the fence that could fall down in a stiff breeze and the distinct lack of furniture. That table for two from our old apartment balcony wasn’t really cutting it!
We thought about a deck for ages, until we got a quote ($30 to $40k) and then we quickly forgot about it. Then one day, a press release from Adbri Masonry landed in my inbox and I suddenly thought: why have I never considered pavers?! It’s like everyone assumes you need to build a deck these days. But what’s wrong with pavers? In fact, there’s a lot right with them! They’re super durable, come in loads of colours, shapes and sizes, and you can lay them in myriad different patterns. Not to mention they’re a great safe option in bushfire zones. I quickly settled on their EuroStone product in a 400x400mm size and loved the mid-grey colour of Zurich. It almost looks a little Terrazzo and we all know how on trend that is right now!
As with most things, you can lay these kind of pavers yourself (Adbri have plenty of how-to’s with TV’s Jason Hodges on their website) but we lacked the skills and the time, so we got in the professionals. All up, it was about $4,000 of pavers (including a path across the front of the house and around the side to the back yard) and about the same again in labour. A snip compared to decking!
DURING: Cutting pavers
It took about a day to complete and thankfully, they were able to lay the pavers on top of the existing ones which saved us having to either remove them ourselves or pay someone else to. I absolutely loved watching the process as it all became so neat and uniform!
DURING
I am so thrilled with the end result. The area looks so much bigger and more modern and when we paint our red brick exterior grey and our pergola white, it’s going to look even better! It was like giving our entertaining area a brand new, clean slate to work with. I couldn’t believe how much difference it made! And now I think of it, a timber deck wouldn’t have really suited the look of the house anyway. And I love knowing this will last for years if properly maintained. And I’m all about long term in this house! Bigger, lighter, neater and more modern: what’s not to like?
AFTER!
But of course, we needed some furniture now we had a space we wanted to entertain and spend time in ourselves. I was so impressed with the range of styles available at Early Settler this summer, not to mention the quality. Whether your home is traditional, country, or ultra modern, with a small or large outdoor area, they really do have something to suit everyone. I thought about the stunning marble-topped outdoor dining table with black legs for quite a while before eventually conceding it was too modern for our space. I love our sweet, flower-filled garden, and it’s something we were really happy to inherit from the previous owner. So I decided on white and the Kanto dining table. I just couldn’t get past its handy legs on castors and it was a great choice for us because we can easily move the table around, in and out of shade, or to create more room for Seb on his trike when we aren’t using it. Genius!
AFTER
The timber top of this table is just beautiful and I think the white legs really modernise it. The Cate dining chairs are so cool. I love that they stack, they’re super easy to clean and they look modern without being too out there. They come in a variety of great on-trend colours too.
AFTER: This chillout area is getting so much use!
As well as a decent-sized dining table, we wanted a small relaxation area to just lounge with a morning coffee or an evening wine, look at the garden, listen to the birds or watch Seb on his play equipment. The Cantina chairs were a very quick choice and I love them. You can actually curl up in them with your book and there’s space for Seb to sit with me on the same chair. We finished it off with the matching Kanto coffee table (also on castors) so we have somewhere to rest out drinks and books! I really love that we can easily move the two tables on wheels, the lightweight, stacking dining chairs and the lounge chairs easily. This creates a flexible space and we can move everything to one side with minimal effort and allow Seb to scoot around the paved area, or when we need to sweep up leaves etc.
I absolutely love this floral outdoor cushion
Just like indoors, outdoor areas need accessorising too, and Early Settler have a great range of faux plants (like the palm behind me in the picture and the convincing succulents on the table ), outdoor rugs and cushions, linen, trays and more, to add those finishing touches.
Faux succulents and napkins from Early SettlerThe sun umbrella, which matches the outdoor cushions, is great for shading Seb’s sandpit on sunny days and is easily moved around the garden
When we spoke to our neighbours about going halves on a new fence, thankfully they were all for it! So not only do we have a much better backdrop to our new back yard, we also have more privacy for our entertaining area thanks to a higher fence.
BEFORE fence
So while we haven’t done any major landscaping and there’s still plenty we’d love to do out the back (and will do, one day) we are over the moon with the new look and functionality of this space thanks to new pavers and furniture. And just in time for summer too. We’ll be out here on Christmas Day with our families, enjoying it to the max!
Many of the Early Settler pieces in my back yard are currently on sale! Shop online.
Give yourself a present this Christmas with a DIY project that is both cost effective and adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your outdoor space. Below are three projects that are under $3000, easy to do (I promise!) and will compliment your home for years to come.
The outdoor shower
Embrace nature and create a tranquil space in your backyard with an outdoor shower. For those who don’t have the space for a pool, an outdoor shower is a great alternative to cooling off during those scorching Aussie heatwaves. It is important to consider the plumbing points, screening for privacy and a sustainable water management system. Opt for pavers that are specially designed to allow water to permeate through the surface into the layers below, where water can be harvested or redirected. Surface water runoff is minimised and the need for additional surface drainage is reduced.
BBQ grilling station
The Aussie love affair with the great outdoors means we can create an outdoor kitchen and grilling station that is both enjoyable and practical. Creating the perfect base for a BBQ bench top is made easy with Adbri’s AB Courtyard Blocks. They provide a genuine DIY solution to creating functional, individualised outdoor kitchens for any backyard. The beauty of these blocks is that they don’t require glue or mortar to keep them in place, which means you aren’t stuck to one location. If you want to move your BBQ in the future, you can easily do so.
Built-in furniture
Extend your entertaining possibilities and invest in built-in furniture that will add structure, dimension and aesthetics to the backyard while maximising your space. You can easily construct custom, freestanding walls that double as seats using the same Adbri AB Courtyard Blocks. The DIY walling system allows you to build directly atop of existing paved or flat concrete surfaces. The great thing about using the AB Courtyard Blocks is that they can withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring longevity and functionality.
With summer fast approaching, now is the time to get your outdoor area in tiptop shape. Distinctive furniture can help transform your backyard into an inviting space, perfect for alfresco entertaining or relaxing — book and cocktail in hand. From natural timbers and tones through to retro-inspired styles and sleek coastal settings, there is something for every home and every budget.
ÄPPLARÖ Table, Two Benches from IKEA: Versatility is front and centre, with the table featuring drop-leaves that can be folded and removed to quickly adjust to your needs — plus a hole in the middle to keep your parasol in place. For added durability, the wood has been pre-treated with several layers of semi-transparent wood stain. Available in multiple configurations (chairs and/or benches) and both brown and white, prices start at $427.
ÄPPLARÖ Table from IKEA
Trace Coffee Table from Tait: Coming in either circular or rectangular form and in two heights, prices start from $2,560. As the name suggests, an aluminium frame (available in four powder coat finishes) traces the outline of the table that can be selected in sustainable slatted timber or elegant marbled porcelain. Striking as a standalone piece, the coffee tables also work flawlessly when paired or nested.
Trace Coffee Table from Tait
Grille Outdoors Counter Stool from gohome: Inspired by a much-loved Australian pastime – the iconic barbecue, the stool features an open mesh seat, reminiscent of a barbecue grill. Priced at $430, it comes in four anti-corrosion, powder coated colours, sure to provide protection even in the harshest environments. An optional UV resistant and waterproof seat pad is available with a magnetic fixing system.
Grille Outdoors Counter Stool from gohome. Photography: Lucas Peng. Styling: Jessica Hanson.
Marina Corner Sofa from Early Settler: Made from highly durable, powder coated aluminum, the sofa — at $1,999 — promises to last the distance. Resort living at home, the matt white finish, weather resistant cushions and adjustable feet stoppers come together to create a practical, chic outdoor solution, perfect for entertaining and relaxing.
Marina Corner Sofa from Early Settler
All Plastic Chair from Living Edge: Reminiscent of the simple, classic wooden chairs that have been familiar in Europe for many decades, the All Plastic Chair brings the design into the 21st century. Resistant to sunlight and water, it is robust and durable enough for an outdoor setting. Designed by Vitra, it is available in seven colours and is on sale for $399 when you use the code ‘OUTDOOR’.
All Plastic Chair from Living Edge
‘Original’ Fire Pit from Fire-Away: Made in Australia from 5mm laser cut mild steel, the sculptural fire pit comes in both flat pack and welded configurations. And don’t worry it’s not tricky to assemble, simply slot together three identical pieces of steel – no welds or bolts needed! The striking design draws air from underneath, to create a fire that is hotter with less smoke. Prices start at $629.
‘Original’ Fire Pit from Fire-Away
Mimosa Waiheke Daybed with Canopy from Bunnings: Spend your lazy Sunday afternoons relaxing on this daybed with retractable roof canopy. Featuring an aluminium frame with a resin wicker weave, the comfortable padded seat is complemented by four throw pillows. When you are ready to store it away the included cover will ensure it is protected from the elements. It retails for $794.95.
Mimosa Waiheke Daybed with Canopy from Bunnings
Franklin Indoor/Outdoor Dining Chair from Coco Republic: This hand woven chair is a contemporary play on the traditional African Malawi chair, with a hint of Hamptons luxury. The outdoor poly weave is tough enough to be fully exposed and used in any weather. Best yet, it’s on sale for $415.
Franklin Indoor/Outdoor Dining Chair from Coco Republic
On-the-move Side Table from Clickon Furniture: With its lightweight frame and removable table tray, the side table is designed for portability, letting you easily carry drinks and snacks to and from the kitchen. Designed by Cane-Line, it is ideal for the avid entertainer and will give your space a truly unique sense of style. Available in midnight blue for $576.
On-the-move Side Table from Clickon Furniture
Capri Malibu Sunbed from GlobeWest: One could be forgiven for thinking they were lounging poolside at a luxury resort on this sunbed! It features weather-hardy recycled teak plus natural coloured sunbrella cushions with quick dry foam, designed specially for outdoor use. It’s indulgent… as is the price, retailing for $2,875.
Capri Malibu Sunbed from GlobeWest
We hope you enjoyed this list. Let us know what you would add.
In a climate like Australia’s, an outdoor room isn’t just an asset; it’s almost obligatory. What better way to capitalise on all that blue sky and months of warm weather than creating an extension to your home that marries the comfort of a living room with the breezy bliss of lounging around outdoors? The answer, of course, is an outdoor room.
However, it’s not just a matter of propping an umbrella over a table and chairs. You need to create something practical and inviting, sheltered from the elements, with a good connection to the indoors. Here are some important elements to consider.
Find inspiration
A small space like an apartment balcony is probably going to offer limited options, but if you’re sizing up something larger, then spend time browsing magazines and online sites for examples of beautiful outdoor rooms you’d love to recreate.
Plan your room
Just like you would for an indoor renovation, you need to draw up a plan, whether you’re converting a barren courtyard, a disused balcony or creating something like a deck from scratch. Are you planning something quite simple on a low budget or a luxurious outdoor kitchen with barbie, sink, lounging furniture and a 12-seater outdoor setting? You don’t need sophisticated software; just break out the graph paper, measure up the dimensions of your outdoor space to scale, then start playing around with ideas. Use cut-outs for things like table settings, potted plants, barbecue, etc. This will begin to give you an idea of the space you have to play and realistically what you can fit in.
Prioritise what’s important
Budget and size of the space will be the main limiting factors here. At a minimum you need shade, some privacy from neighbours, hopefully easy access to indoors, furniture and some kind of lighting so you can use it at night.
Things like screening, shade sails, sun umbrellas and retractable awnings can turn an unusable courtyard, deck or balcony into a protected outdoor room you can enjoy year-round. And features like foldaway clothes lines, a wall-mounted hose reel and bench seating that doubles as a storage box help keep the area clutter-free.
If you’re creating something more lavish, like an outdoor kitchen, you may need to consider new power points, plumbing and appropriate task lighting. This is where your graph paper will come in useful.
Go furniture shopping
There are just so many budget-conscious choices out there, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you go shopping for the components of your outdoor room, whether it’s loungers, table and chairs, barbecue or storage ideas. Just make sure they-re size-appropriate to the space. No point having your sights set on a top-of-the-line barbie when the reality is you only have room for a Weber.
Sprinkle around some magic
Now this is where you elevate your outdoor room from a practical space to something really special. Night time is often when your outdoor room comes into its own and lighting will make it feel intimate and warm. If you don’t have access to a power point, you can always use tealights, outdoor candles or even solar lighting to create atmosphere.
If you don’t have a lot of floor space for pots, consider a vertical garden; a wall of edible potted herbs perhaps.
Mirrors immediately enlarge any space, so think about a nice, big one you can strategically place to capture the best aspect.
If you have a big enough courtyard, it’s worth sacrificing space for a striking focal point, like a potted elm or large ceramic urn. Landscape designers use this trick often: in a confined area, one big object that draws in the eye will have much more impact than a whole lot of small things, which can simply make it look cluttered.
A successful outdoor room all starts with clever planning, a realistic appraisal of what can be achieved, then that attention to detail that’s much more about imagination than a bottomless pit of money.
–Cherie Barber is the director ofRenovating for Profit, a company that teaches everyday people how to buy and renovate properties for a profit.
With temperatures rising and summer on the doorstep, we’re starting to think about outdoor spaces here at Interiors Addict – areas that are becoming as heavily designed and styled as our interiors. No longer neglected, backyards, courtyards and verandahs are considered an extension of our indoor spaces and thus require some careful consideration when it comes to furnishing them.
GlobeWest ‘Montego’ outdoor lounge
First up, you need to consider how you are going to use your outdoor area before investing in furniture. “There are so many different selections and ultimately it comes down to how you want to use the space. Sizing is very important for outdoor furniture. Allow for traffic movement through the area as you would through a room. A table may fit in an area but does it fit with six or eight people sitting around it and one person needing to get past? There is more to comfort than just a soft cushion,” says landscape designer Brent Reid of Candeo Design.
GlobeWest ‘Antigua’ outdoor furniture
Secondly, given our outdoor areas are extensions of our homes, it’s important to create some sort of link between the two spaces. “Carry some continuity of colour or style from inside out, or from the architecture and landscaped areas through to the furniture. Seamless transitions are comfortable and relaxing,” says Brent.
GlobeWest ‘Noosa’ outdoor furniture
“Some of the things we currently like to do with outdoor furniture is take a beautiful setting and add a feature piece to the arrangement, some splashes of colour with outdoor cushions and just have a bit of fun. Furniture and pots are the sign off pieces for us when it comes to creating a beautiful garden,” says Brent.
GlobeWest ‘Southport’ outdoor furniture
But it’s not all about aesthetics – your outdoor furniture needs to be able to withstand the harsh Aussie elements too. “These poor things are going to get smashed in Australian conditions so they need to be up to the challenge. You want good quality outdoor cushions that drain and dry as the last thing you want is a wet bum every time you sit down. You also don’t want them smelling and going mouldy because they can’t dry out,” says Brent who is big on comfort too. “The days of uncomfortable outdoor garden furniture are long gone. You should be as comfortable outside as you are inside.”
GlobeWest ‘Noosa’ outdoor lounge
All the beautiful outdoor furniture pictured is by GlobeWest. Check out the rest of their fabulous range online.
Contemporary outdoor style has a new look with the King Cove Collection. Best known for their quality, innovative, long-lasting indoor furniture pieces, King Living have now taken things outdoors.
Sleek and minimalist, King Cove is perfect for warm afternoons by the pool or entertaining on the deck, with a selection of versatile, modular sofas that can be configured to suit any outdoor space or occasion.
From individual sofas, to larger resort style sun beds or lounges, simply position the sofa platforms and removable back frames to create the desired look. Everything’s customisable too, so you can create the setting perfect for you and how you live, relax and entertain.
Complement the sofas with solid shelves to rest drinks, magazines and portable music players for a truly relaxed atmosphere. This is no ordinary outdoor furniture!
King Cove’s ultra-comfortable and water-resistant seating is always ready for lounging and can be left outdoors all year round. Seriously, who wants to have move things inside during winter? Too hard basket, anyone?
Unlike some outdoor furniture, you can expect this to be as comfortable and high quality as what you sit on every day inside. The removable, ultradown filled back cushions, as well as KingCell® and PostureFlex® Seating Systems, ensure this designer outdoor furniture offers maximum strength, flexibility and long-lasting comfort.
Every piece in the King Cove Collection is designed with powder-coated alloy frames for durability and easy maintenance, with an optional cover to protect the sofas in between seasons.
From urban balcony dinner parties to poolside fun with the family, the King Cove Collection delivers the flexibility to suit any occasion.
Could the weather be any more perfect to start thinking about outdoor entertaining and enjoying your deck, balcony or yard? If you’ve been considering your next outdoor purchase, hold fire, because we’re giving you the chance to win one and not just any one, but a $2,000 Velletri table and two chairs from our friends at Huset! You can even choose your finishes so that it perfectly complements your home.
The winner can choose between black and white for the table frame and chair colour and glass, HPL or solid oak for the tabletop. With a sculptural, contemporary look, first-rate construction and premium, easy care materials, the Velletri setting is the pinnacle of style, ease of care and comfort. Designed by Glid Studio for Huset, its powder coated galvanised iron wipes down in seconds, offers non-skid, non-marking pads on it sleigh base and offers rust and UV-resistance.
Based in Cheltenham, VIC, Huset only sell original furniture designs and offer a comprehensive collection of European made furniture and home accessories created for the discerning customer. Every piece is handcrafted by artisan furniture builders to very strict quality standards.
WIN
For your chance to win, please complete the form below by midnight Sydney time on Thursday 22 October 2015 and tell us why this fabulous table and chairs would make your summer and which finish options you’d choose. One winner will receive a 92cm Velletri outdoor table and two chairs in their choice of finishes as detailed above (view the options on their website), worth more than $2,000. The judge’s decision is final and no cash alternative will be offered. Open to Australian residents only.
When I saw Kmart’s new living range in person, I have to admit I wanted everything. Not only is it bang on trend, it is also extremely affordable. I’m talking coffee tables for $29, quilt cover sets for $22 and pendant lights for $15. I legitimately felt like a kid in a candy store. And come Monday, so can you!
Arguably their best homewares collection to date, the key focus is on their enhanced outdoor entertaining range. Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors and creating that ‘fifth room’ of the home, many of Kmart’s new pieces — from their cushions and rugs to their armchairs and tables — are suitable for use indoors and out. “Aussies love to enjoy the outdoors and we put a lot of effort into making our interiors look great, so why not continue this trend outside?” explains Kmart’s head of home, Julie Miller-Sensini. “This season we have an extensive outdoor range that seamlessly blends with our indoor pieces; treating this fifth room as an extension of the indoor space keeps great style flowing.”
However, the interiors don’t miss out either, with the indoor range being divided into two trends: urban ambition and country industrial. Urban ambition is all about having fun with bold pieces and bright colours, taking inspiration from travel destinations such as Brazil and Mexico where prints and colour clash together beautifully. In contrast, country industrial was inspired by the rustic ambiance of a country home and is all about mixing pastels and florals with industrial materials to bring together a classic modern look.
With trends constantly changing, Kmart’s living collection is ideal for giving your home an affordable and seasonal update. But that being said, it’s not all about colour and pattern-crazy pieces, with Kmart providing plenty of staples. “Whilst we love creating high trend pieces for Australians we still believe in the basics,” says Julie. “Not everything needs to shout ‘look at me!’ Supporting items such as white dining settings and timeless glassware are just as important.”
Kmart’s new living range is available in store nationwide and online fromMonday 3 August.
Making use of outdoor spaces in the cooler months doesn’t need to be a challenge with these simple tips from Tait.
1. Material comfort
Photo credit: Derek Swalwell Photography
Throw a cushion or two on outdoor seats to extend the use of outdoor spaces and furniture during cooler months. Tait offers custom-made cushions for many of their benches such as Linear, Flint and Slot. Apply texture for visual interest and an extra buffer from the chill.
2. Layer up
Sling a throw or two across your furniture for an uber stylish autumn/winter space. These Waverley Wool Herringbone blankets have been procured by Tait from Australia’s last remaining woolen mill, the Waverley Mills in Tasmania (established in 1874). Soft and light, yet very warm, the throws are crafted from fine 18-micron Merino wool that’s spun and woven on site.
3. Take shelter
The prize for the ultimate outdoor kitchen has to be Tilt. You can cook on Tilt’s integrated Electrolux BBQ without rain, hail or snow spoiling the party — thanks to the showstopping 2.2m high verandah canopy. This fabbo fold-up, do-it-all unit even includes cabinets for stowing cooking and eating utensils. And for an innovative solution to help thwart cold winds — try creating a mini wall with stackable Garden Tower elements packed with dense potted shrubbery.
4. Warm as toast
Bring on Thor Fire Pit (800mm diameter), Tait’s modern take on the traditional campfire, to infuse a touch of traditional romance and warmth into outdoor spaces. Elegant yet delightfully simple, just pop in the wood, light it up, and sit back with a hot chocolate.
For one weekend only, outdoor furniture maker Tait, will be offering 30% off everything!
Running 2-to-3 May at their Sydney and Melbourne showrooms, product highlights include the Tait Box and Softline Planters (from $84), the perfect compliment to any outdoor setting; the Tait GardenWall Set of 3 Planters (was $870, now $609), ideal for screening or dividing in/outdoor areas; the Tait Jak + Jil dining setting (was $4,190, now $2,933), which includes a Jil 1150mm glass top table and four Jak chairs; and the Tait Breeze Daybed (was $4,620, now $3,234), finished in a white frame with grey cushions.
Tait Jak + Jil dining setting
The floor stock clearance sale will take place at the Sydney showroom:611 Elizabeth Street, Redfern NSW 2013 and the Melbourne showroom: 176 Johnston Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
Garden Life, in Sydney’s Redfern, is moving to St Peters. So to celebrate, they are having a 10-day sale from tomorrow to Sunday 26 April.
Lightweight trough pots was $195 now $95
With up to 70% off pots, outdoor furniture and homewares, you are sure to find a bargain. And with a reputation for stocking a unique range of products you are also destined to find a showstopper for your urban garden.
Beaded Indonesian bowls were $70 now $25
With a shop, design studio and maintenance business, Garden Life is the go-to place for all your landscaping needs. Visit their sale at 357 Cleveland Street, Redfern.
With the weather well and truly starting to sizzle, don’t leave it any later to get your garden summer and party season ready. With a few creative touches to your outdoor living area, you can transform your garden into the ultimate al fresco summer spot. Garden guru Matt Leacy of Landart Landscapes shares his tips and tricks to take the heat off your summer hosting preparations, ensuring your outdoor space is ready for those leisurely sunny afternoons.
1. Creating a shady retreat
As much as we all like to bask in the sunshine, too much sun can leave you feeling frazzled. Avoid being beaten inside by those summer rays by creating a shady haven in your garden. For those gardens without any natural shaded areas or large trees, there are plenty of affordable man-made options that will ensure you and your guests can relax comfortably and stylishly away from the suns’ glare.
A large umbrella is a great addition to any patio and can transform a seating area into a cool oasis without losing the outside ambience of your garden. Umbrellas not only offer an instant escape from the sun, they are conveniently mobile and can be set up on the lawn or poolside, and angled to banish sun glare no matter what time of day it is.
If your summer entertaining guest list is too big for an umbrella to cover, consider introducing a more substantial shaded area into your backyard. Canopies, cabanas, retractable awnings, pergolas and outdoor pavilions (some complete with full outdoor kitchens!) are all great ways of adding some protection to the back of your house and can bring a touch of style to your outdoor living area.
2. Put a shrimp on the barbie
No Australian garden party is complete without the sight, sound and smell of a barbeque in full flow. Give your friends and family an al fresco dining experience to remember throughout the summer months by creating an outdoor cooking space ideal for any occasion. Convert your outdoor area into an extension of your indoor cooking space by creating an outdoor kitchen. Choosing the right spot is key; a flat, wind sheltered area away from the main seating area is ideal and will ensure your guests are invited to explore and enjoy different zones or areas before sitting down to dine.
The other consideration is choosing an area that the barbeque and other kitchen facilities don’t dominate and become the thing that catches the eye most in the garden design. The outdoor kitchen should be a draw card and an asset to the space but not the main feature.
3. Summer showers
An outdoor shower is a fantastic addition to any summer garden, providing a great place to rinse off after a swim in the pool, trip to the beach or a spot of gardening. The al fresco shower is also part of a growing trend of people bringing the indoors outdoors, with the increasing popularity of outdoor bathrooms and kitchens.
When you’re choosing to install an outdoor shower there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you make the most of your shower come rain or shine. The best outdoor showers take into account the beauty of the natural surroundings as well as practicality. If you have a swimming area you may wish to set it up poolside. If you want the shower for everyday use, it may be wise to install it within close proximity of the house, and where you can also enjoy privacy. Proximity to the house may also remove any potential issues with plumbing.
As with all elements of garden design, it’s important to have an outdoor shower or bathroom work as part of the overall garden design. Keep in mind the multifunctional use of the space. By using natural stone and timber in the design and having plants around the area to create a natural privacy shield, the shower can integrate with the surrounds, not dominate it.
4. Sunshine proof
It’s important to ensure your outdoor furniture and finishings can withstand the harsh Aussie rays. When purchasing those comfy additions to your outdoor space look for good quality and outdoor specific fabrics that will not fade out after one summer. Moreover, with the unreliable weather forecasts you also want to choose a fabric that won’t have you running outside every time there’s a drop of rain. Everything should be marine grade and the sponge used should be free draining so it can be sat on a short time after it has been raining.
Durable decking and flooring should also be a focus when getting gardens summer ready. Considering the desired look for the space and the practicality of your chosen material could make all the difference. Count on a dense limestone for example, to keep cool under your feet during the hot summer months. While timber may require a little maintenance, it adds an organic feel to a space that can look less harsh than other stone finishes.
5. Light it up
Show off your creation morning, noon and night. Incorporating the right amount of lighting in all the right places can drastically transform your garden’s atmosphere. Look to illuminate the key features of your landscape. This could be a striking tree, running waterfall, pool area or pathway. Use recessed lights in the timber for example, to add a new dimension to your backyard.
I like to use lighting as a design feature in gardens, on everything from statement plantings to water features. It not only provides a functional use come evening time, but can create an amazing ambience and set the mood when done properly.
6. The practicalities
Once all the design elements are determined, some important maintenance is necessary to ensure your garden is summer ready. Replanting gardens suffering from neglect is much more expensive than paying for ongoing maintenance. I’m a big believer in outsourcing garden maintenance if you know your lifestyle won’t allow you to stay on top of it.
People spend a lot of money getting gardens designed and installed and then I often see them neglect their investment. Weekly or even monthly maintenance is a small outlay in the scheme of things, and it helps ensure you maximise the leisure time you have to spend in your outdoor space, whilst noticing a huge difference in your gardens healthiness and vibrancy. This ranges from installing a reliable drip watering system, if you know when the weather warms up you won’t have the time to devote to watering your plants, to mulching to retain water, weeding and pruning.
Having spent close to four years recovering from the 2011 Brisbane Floods, Uniqwa Furniture is back and stronger than ever!
Offering unique designer furniture with a strong focus on raw and natural materials, it was the years held back from expressing his passion that made Uniqwa Furniture creator, Charl van Heerden, determined to keep the brand alive.
With a strong but not predominant African flavour, Uniqwa Furniture is, as the name describes, uniqueness with a difference. All about simplicity and function, the pieces are organic, earthy and naturally modern. Born in South Africa, much of Charl’s inspiration originates from Africa, the stunning natural luxurious resorts and the tribal influences. “I am, and always have been, inspired by the culture that I grew up in. It is such a creative place where people use materials often overlooked to create the most amazing pieces of art. I have learned that there is the potential for beauty in everything around us, but it is the way we use it, the way we see it and the way we apply it that makes it beautiful.”
Uniqwa Furniture will be exhibiting at Decor & Design in Melbourne next year, a feat they have been attempting since being sidelined by the floods in 2011. But for wholesalers who cannot wait until then, you can check out their products online!
For this weekend only, Robert Plumb will be holding a flash showroom floor stock sale in their Sydney showroom. With up to 50% off, the collection includes quality handcrafted Australian made timber furniture, architectural hardware and outside garden accessories, with a large range of contemporary letter boxes, doormats, clothes lines, fire pits, planters and outdoor lighting.
The brainchild of renowned landscape designer William Dangar, the creative force behind the Dangar Group and expert builder and joinery craftsman Bill Clifton, Robert Plumb enable their clients to experience outdoor living in style and comfort. Designed with distinction, handcrafted locally and built to last, Robert Plumb use premium materials tested and refined in their Sydney factory to withstand the Australian climate.
Sale details Date: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th November Time: 10am till 4pm Location: Robert Plumb, 55 Cranbrook Street, Botany, Sydney, 2019 Phone: 02 9316 9066
Outdoor furniture is an essential part of Australian living, whether it’s for a cosy balcony, urban courtyard, expansive deck or stylish pool surround. King Furniture offer their five tips for finding the perfect balance of durability, style and comfort when considering a new outdoor setting. Here’s what you should be asking…
How will the furniture be used? Alfresco dining, weekend relaxing, or family and friend get-togethers? Modular furniture provides the option to reconfigure seating to suit each occasion.
Are frames and fittings made for outdoor conditions? The best outdoor furniture is completely constructed using marine grade materials, which can withstand temperature fluctuations, salt water, wind and rain and offer superior corrosion resistance. Waterproof cushion covers, vents in seating and meshed storage areas also help to release water from rain and poolside splashes to prevent mildew.
Will the fabric last? Look for fabrics containing UV stabilisers as they will resist fading from sunlight. This also assists in water repellency, allowing water drops to run off the surface and prevent soaking through fibres; making it quick to dry. King Furniture is launching a new outdoor fabric called Cabana, which has an additional waterproof backing that creates a barrier, making it completely waterproof.
Is maintenance easy? Materials that are coloured all the way through, rather than coated on the surface, will look new for longer with minimal maintenance.
What extra features are available? Other attractivedesign options and accessories include in-built storage for cushions and towels, optional side tables and umbrellas for shade.
Advances in outdoor materials and fabrics mean there is no need to sacrifice style and comfort for durability. A new setting should look good and feel luxurious, transforming outdoor spaces into desirable places to live and lounge.
— King Furniture are an award-winning Australian furniture brand, famous for designing and manufacturing contemporary furniture since 1977.
Creating a glamorous and colourful outdoor area can be expensive, so instead of buying a whole new set of furniture why not have a go using Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover spray paint? At only $10.95 a bottle, it will help you quickly transform old, tired outdoor furniture and accessories on a budget!
Whether it’s wood, metal or plastic, Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover strongly bonds to virtually any surface, without priming. Outdoor spaces allow more daring creativity, with colours such as Key Lime, Seaside, Grape and Lagoon turning balconies, verandahs, tables, chairs, decorative lanterns, trays and plant pots into conversation pieces.
There are 32 rich and stylish colours to suit a variety of tastes. The formula’s double cover technology offers the best value in time and money, providing superior colour with less coats. And it provides premium chip and fade resistance for long-lasting durability.
Unique to Rust-Oleum spray paints is an any-angle comfort tip that reduces finger fatigue and sprays up, down and sideways to target intricate and difficult to reach spaces.
Your biggest issue might be knowing where to stop!
Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover is available from Bunnings and independent hardware stores nationally. For more information visit their website here.
As the first gusts of Summer roll in, we’re thinking of those memorable days al fresco. Enjoying breakfast on the balcony before work, Sundays where lunches with friends and family turn into early dinners, barbecues that are etched into your mind and the laughter belts through the neighbourhood. This summer, Freedom have a range of outdoor settings to suit any occasion. And there’s currently 25% off!
The Brunch 3-piece and compact Moloko peacock chair
“Australians really come to life in Summer, with seemingly endless entertaining opportunities. Backyards are buzzing with excitement, and people rush home after work to make the most of those extra hours of sunshine. It’s little wonder that our new outdoor collection is bursting with colour and personality, allowing you to update your outdoor area ahead of prime barbecue season!” said Lucie McCann, furniture buyer for Freedom.
