Alfresco aesthetic: how to choose the right outdoor living range for your home

There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as summer days spent basking in the sun with friends, family, or alone with a good book.

Outdoor living is synonymous with the Australian lifestyle. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, entertaining, or unwinding in the sunshine, we all love long afternoons spent surrounded by good food and great company. 

The perfect outdoor setting facilitates that — providing ample room for conversation and space for dining. However, it takes a touch of consideration to curate the ideal space for outdoor living. 

From the materials to the layout, each aspect needs to be carefully planned out for maximum enjoyment. If you’re decorating (or redecorating) your outdoor space, here are four tips to help you achieve the ideal setup for your home this summer.

Made for the outdoors

It’s tempting to opt for style first, but resist. While that indoor dining table might look great outdoors in the short term, it can be damaging to your furniture in the long run. Many pieces of furniture aren’t designed to withstand the elements: they may fade and lose colour with prolonged UV exposure, or get ruined by unpredictable weather.

To get the most function and lifespan out of your furniture, look for pieces that are specifically designed for outdoor living, such as those made out of durable materials or that are UV stabilised. Choosing styles specifically from outdoor furniture ranges will ensure your pieces stand the test of time.

Tip: check the maintenance instructions for your furniture before making your purchase. Some outdoor pieces may be more suited for shaded areas, while others are more capable of withstanding long days under the harsh Australian sun.

Consider purpose and place

Before purchasing your furniture, start by considering how the area will be used. Are you planning to host barbecues with large groups of people, or are you looking for a more intimate setting? These will naturally dictate how you set up the area and the pieces you’ll feature.

Have a petite balcony? Opt for a slimline bench or high bar stools to make the most out of your space. On the flipside, if you regularly host gatherings with your extended family, a modular outdoor lounge set provides plenty of options for entertaining.

If in doubt, map it out. This little planning exercise will help you make the most out of your area.

Newport living: The epitome of versatile living, the Newport Lounge Corner Set can be joined together or separated to suit your needs. With three armless pieces, one corner piece, one ottoman and a coffee table, you’ll have endless options for entertaining this summer.

Flow from indoors to outdoors

Create a truly seamless experience in your home by bringing elements of your interiors outdoors, and vice versa. If you have rattan indoors, consider handwoven seats in your outdoor setting to achieve a sense of cohesion. For more contemporary coastal homes, opt for wooden pieces for a more natural look.

Even something as simple as coordinating your colour scheme can make a big difference when it comes to bringing your entire home together.

Timeless and tropical: The Maui Dining Chair encapsulates the feeling of long days spent by the ocean. With its polyester rope detailing and handwoven touches, this seat is the ideal complement to other Lounge Lovers collections such as the Hampton or Long Beach range.

Accessorise, then accessorise some more

Want to make your outdoor setting truly one-of-a-kind? It’s all in the finer details. Use accessories to add interest and a hint of designer flair, just as you would for an indoor space. An outdoor rug, cushions, and floral arrangements are all fantastic ways to show off your aesthetic—plus, you can switch these up with the seasons.

Capri-ciate this: The Capri Timber Outdoor Dining Table is a true staple of outdoor living. Sporting a classic slatted top and solid acacia frame, the Capri is the ultimate versatile base when styling your dream outdoor space.

Ready to style your own outdoor space? Shop our latest outdoor furniture range here.