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9 Better Ways to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Whether you have a balcony, verandah or a large open-plan garden, maximise its benefits with a well-planned out area
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With summer days on the way, it’s time to get your outdoor area prepped to ensure it’s a welcoming and user-friendly living space through the hotter months. And what’s more, you don’t have to be blessed with a huge outdoor space to enjoy the benefits of al fresco entertaining. All it takes is some savvy, all-weather planning, as well as some carefully chosen furniture and outdoor cooking equipment to guarantee you’ll be set for long hours of entertaining, relaxing and star-gazing.
So, if you’re keen to expand your living spaces out into the garden or verandah, take note of these top tips on how to make the most of your exterior whatever the size, using practical-yet-trendy garden furniture and accessories.
So, if you’re keen to expand your living spaces out into the garden or verandah, take note of these top tips on how to make the most of your exterior whatever the size, using practical-yet-trendy garden furniture and accessories.
1. Take Advantage of Corners
Modular seating creates a relaxed, social set up that can help encourage family and friends to gather together outdoors; it’s also a great way to cordon off a ‘living zone’ in a large open-plan space filled with different areas for different activities. Plus, if you don’t have the luxury of a large outdoor area, look out for modular corner sofas that will make the most of compact spaces, as they fit snugly into tight corners, leaving plenty of room for a coffee table in the middle.
Modular seating creates a relaxed, social set up that can help encourage family and friends to gather together outdoors; it’s also a great way to cordon off a ‘living zone’ in a large open-plan space filled with different areas for different activities. Plus, if you don’t have the luxury of a large outdoor area, look out for modular corner sofas that will make the most of compact spaces, as they fit snugly into tight corners, leaving plenty of room for a coffee table in the middle.
2. Utilise Smart Blinds for Shade and Privacy
Providing shade over your seating area, such as a pergola or awning, is crucial in the height of summer. It not only protects you and your family from the harsh sun, but it also enables you to use your outdoor space all year round, rather than having to retreat back inside on blistering hot or rainy days.
Consider using exterior blinds too, for shielding and shading your dining or seating area. Not only will the PVC mesh keep everyone safe and cool by blocking out harmful UV rays, tinted blinds can also help to create privacy from neighbouring properties or street views. Pick a solar motorised design, such as this one shown, and there’s no hardwiring required. Simply fix it in position with the quick-mount brackets and use solar energy to control it.
Bonus tip. In large, open-plan exteriors, you can also use blinds to zone off the lounging spot from the busy cooking area or play space. This way you’ll create intimacy without blocking anyone’s view.
Providing shade over your seating area, such as a pergola or awning, is crucial in the height of summer. It not only protects you and your family from the harsh sun, but it also enables you to use your outdoor space all year round, rather than having to retreat back inside on blistering hot or rainy days.
Consider using exterior blinds too, for shielding and shading your dining or seating area. Not only will the PVC mesh keep everyone safe and cool by blocking out harmful UV rays, tinted blinds can also help to create privacy from neighbouring properties or street views. Pick a solar motorised design, such as this one shown, and there’s no hardwiring required. Simply fix it in position with the quick-mount brackets and use solar energy to control it.
Bonus tip. In large, open-plan exteriors, you can also use blinds to zone off the lounging spot from the busy cooking area or play space. This way you’ll create intimacy without blocking anyone’s view.
3. Go Upright
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a view from a roof terrace or balcony, consider switching up a traditional outdoor table and chair set for a smart bar table and bar stools combo. Then you can embrace the vista even more!
4. Bring in an Outdoor Rug
Outdoor, all-weather rugs have been huge news over the last few years as we realise the benefits of using them in the garden. Not only do they add extra comfort underfoot, they can also be used like indoor ones, for defining different areas of an outdoor space.
5. Prepare to Entertain
A successful soirée or garden party is all in the details. Ensure you’ve thought of everything, from drinks buckets filled with ice, fairy lights for adding atmosphere, and an all-singing, all-dancing barbecue for that perfect feast. Small space? Opt for a compact barbecue option that can be easily moved around for more flexibility, but that still allows you to cook up a storm.
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a view from a roof terrace or balcony, consider switching up a traditional outdoor table and chair set for a smart bar table and bar stools combo. Then you can embrace the vista even more!
4. Bring in an Outdoor Rug
Outdoor, all-weather rugs have been huge news over the last few years as we realise the benefits of using them in the garden. Not only do they add extra comfort underfoot, they can also be used like indoor ones, for defining different areas of an outdoor space.
5. Prepare to Entertain
A successful soirée or garden party is all in the details. Ensure you’ve thought of everything, from drinks buckets filled with ice, fairy lights for adding atmosphere, and an all-singing, all-dancing barbecue for that perfect feast. Small space? Opt for a compact barbecue option that can be easily moved around for more flexibility, but that still allows you to cook up a storm.
6. Mix and Match Furniture
Personalised spaces with individual character don’t have to be restricted to the inside. Try injecting some quirky style on your outdoor areas too, by mixing and matching furniture for a contemporary look. Here, raw materials, such as light timber and black rope chairs, have been teamed for an edgy vibe that’s totally unique, yet utterly appealing.
7. Keep it Simple
In compact spaces, such as verandahs or balconies, stick to furniture with clean, simple lines to avoid the area feeling too busy and cluttered. Then pick a dark colour palette for the backdrop, such as charcoal-coloured walls and fences, as these cool shades help the boundaries to visually recede, tricking the eye into thinking there’s more space.
Personalised spaces with individual character don’t have to be restricted to the inside. Try injecting some quirky style on your outdoor areas too, by mixing and matching furniture for a contemporary look. Here, raw materials, such as light timber and black rope chairs, have been teamed for an edgy vibe that’s totally unique, yet utterly appealing.
7. Keep it Simple
In compact spaces, such as verandahs or balconies, stick to furniture with clean, simple lines to avoid the area feeling too busy and cluttered. Then pick a dark colour palette for the backdrop, such as charcoal-coloured walls and fences, as these cool shades help the boundaries to visually recede, tricking the eye into thinking there’s more space.
Bonus tip. Don’t forget to celebrate the scenery. If your seating area is framed by lush, vegetation, fit modern glass surrounds instead of traditional timber fencing, allowing the scenery to become a natural wallpaper, adding colour and drama to your simple setting.
8. Choose Flexible Furniture Pieces
A practical and versatile outdoor space that can be changed up and adapted to suit your entertaining needs will make your life a whole lot easier. Look to furniture and a barbecue on wheels for easy mobility so that they can be moved out of the way when not in use. Foldaway and stackable chairs are also useful for saving space and providing extra seating for impromptu guests.
A practical and versatile outdoor space that can be changed up and adapted to suit your entertaining needs will make your life a whole lot easier. Look to furniture and a barbecue on wheels for easy mobility so that they can be moved out of the way when not in use. Foldaway and stackable chairs are also useful for saving space and providing extra seating for impromptu guests.
9. Plan an Outdoor Kitchen
If you’ve always dreamt of having a show-stopping outdoor kitchen but aren’t sure you have the space or bank balance to create one, then think again. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of room –simply take over a wall with an in-built grill and some surface area for dishes, or you could opt for a freestanding design that does the job for you!
More: Visit Bunnings to find out more about their fantastic outdoor furniture ranges at warehouse prices.
Your Turn: How have you made the most of your outdoor space?
If you’ve always dreamt of having a show-stopping outdoor kitchen but aren’t sure you have the space or bank balance to create one, then think again. It doesn’t have to take up a lot of room –simply take over a wall with an in-built grill and some surface area for dishes, or you could opt for a freestanding design that does the job for you!
More: Visit Bunnings to find out more about their fantastic outdoor furniture ranges at warehouse prices.
Your Turn: How have you made the most of your outdoor space?
- This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
We are the leading retailer of home improvement and outdoor living products in Australia and New Zealand and a... Read More
We are the leading retailer of home improvement and outdoor living products in Australia and New Zealand and a... Read More