From blistering hot summer days to chilling winter nights, creating your ideal outdoor living area is about blending style, comfort, and functionality. To achieve the perfect balance, consider your everyday lifestyle, whether it’s quiet nights relaxing with your family or cooking up a storm to entertain friends.
Making the most of our beautiful Australian outdoors, this article will walk you through our five simple tips for styling and furnishing your outdoor areas.
No matter how big or small your outdoor area is, it’s best to begin by measuring the overall layout. From the shaded patio for dining and entertaining to the poolside area for summertime fun, you’ll need to know the dimensions of each outdoor space.
Drawing a to-scale plan with the key measurements for each area will help you assess the size and type of outdoor furniture you can accommodate while ensuring sufficient space for movement and flow. Purchasing furniture that’s too big or bulky for a space will make it feel cramped and appear smaller than it is.
Depending on the overall size and layout of the space and your lifestyle preferences, determine how you’ll predominantly use your outdoor area. This will help you create zones for different activities and maximise the space’s functionality.
For example:
If you have children, it’s also important to consider how to create a functional, inviting outdoor play space and maximise its safety. Whether incorporating a swing set, mini sandpit for toddlers, or cubby house for little adventurers, ensure you measure and allocate the zones for outdoor play ahead of time.
Once you’ve identified the primary zones, you can start sourcing inspiration for styling and furnishing your outdoor living area. From choosing a complementary colour palette to saving your favourite outdoor furniture styles to a mood board, you can create a cohesive, functional outdoor space while achieving your aesthetic goals.
Inspiration gathered; it's time to shop for outdoor-friendly furniture! While you can filter options based on your preferred style, prioritise high-quality outdoor furniture with ultra-durable, weather-resistant properties. Whether it’s your outdoor lounge or the sun loungers, they must endure constant exposure to the harsh Australian climate, including UV rays and wet conditions.
Outdoor furniture made from hardy, weather-resistant materials, like teak or polypropylene, are designed to withstand Australia’s diverse climate throughout the year. To maximise comfort, choose plush water-resistant cushions, pillows, and cosy throws to make your outdoor seating areas more inviting.
For stashing pool towels, toys, and outdoor cooking equipment, outdoor storage options include lounges with hidden storage, compact under-bench storage tubs, or a stylish outdoor cabinet. Allocating storage areas minimises clutter and keeps your outdoor area tidy and visually appealing.
Now that you’ve furnished your outdoor space, we can enhance its functionality with practical and mood lighting and sun-safe shade solutions.
Install outdoor and garden lighting for areas you frequent, whether grilling a meal or enjoying nighttime swims, to enhance the safety and accessibility of your backyard. You can also use string lights or solar lanterns with soft, diffused lighting to create your desired ambience when the sun’s down.
In addition to lighting, consider incorporating shade solutions such as a large outdoor umbrella or installing a retractable awning that can be adjusted as the sun moves throughout the day.
Remember, your outdoor area is an extension of your home and your personality. So, don't forget to add your personal touch with greenery and other decorative accents for a truly unique outdoor space.
Flower pots, planters, and vertical gardens are lovely additions to enhance any outdoor area. Decorative elements like outdoor rugs and outdoor-friendly art and accessories are great for adding colour and personality to reflect your unique style.
While you’ll want to invest in timeless, long-lasting outdoor furniture, these smaller decorative accents are easily replaceable when it’s time for a quick aesthetic update to align with the latest outdoor living trends.
At Kinso, we design indoor and outdoor furniture for modern Australian living. Our pieces are intentionally curated to celebrate the small and big moments that make your home, home.
From our sleek and comfortable sun loungers to our versatile indoor and outdoor dining sets, the Kinso furniture range offers the latest trends and practical solutions to transform your space. Shop the range online today and discover the difference.