It’s no wonder that people enjoy living in Perth. Our city always rates towards the top of the list on any world poll when it comes to quality of living. We experience mild winters and hot dry summers, the perfect combination for extending our lives into the outdoors.
Given the potential of outdoor spaces to add to our enjoyment of life, it’s surprising that many people’s back yards, courtyards and exterior covered areas are treated as an after-thought when it comes to planning and furnishing. It doesn’t matter if you own your home or rent it – there are heaps of things that you can do to make your outdoor area a more pleasing space.
Increasingly we hear the term ‘outdoor room’ and if you think about your outdoor area like this, it opens up many new ways to use it. Immediately a sense of something more intimate, sophisticated and valuable comes into play. You can add a stunning additional living zone to your home that can be enjoyed and shared year round.
If you think about your space and how you want to use it, the answers will come quite easily. After completing the basics like tidying up, painting and replanting garden beds you can begin to put your room together and see the difference unfold. Once you’re out shopping for new pieces to bring into your outdoor room you’ll see an amazing array of products to create every look you can imagine. It’s really important to have a grand vision and work precisely towards it. Have a look at the list that I have put together so that you can properly plan in advance and not make costly mistakes.
OUTDOOR DINING SETTINGS would have to be the most popular choice in outdoor furniture. Big tables look great and encourage entertaining. If you are trying to create a sophisticated look, avoid those settings where the chairs match the table. Instead mix tables and chairs of different materials – as an idea, a timber table with a woven chair, a stone table with an iron chair or metal and glass table with a plastic resin chair.
OUTDOOR SOFA SETTINGS add a great dynamic to your outdoor entertaining space. It’s just like having another lounge room, only cooler. If you are more inclined to hang out with friends, have a few drinks and lots of conversation, these are a perfect option – everyone can be comfortable and relaxed for a lengthy time.
DAYBED SOFAS should be generously deep with soft comfortable cushions. They instantly conjure an informal look and are perfect if you want a place to chill out or luxuriate. There’s nothing quite like a daybed and a few drinks enjoyed with your partner on sunny day or a starry night. It’s a much sought after location when you’re entertaining as well – after all, who doesn’t want to be really comfortable?
BIG COFFEE TABLES double up as a place to put your drinks and finger food or somewhere to eat an informal meal. Make sure the piece that you choose can tolerate outdoor conditions (sometimes and outdoor table with the legs cut down will work just fine if you are having trouble finding something large enough). Park a few small ottomans or easy chairs around it and the scene is set.
CAFÉ TABLES are a great alternative if you are short on space or want to create a place just for you. Good if you simply want somewhere to sit, read the paper and have a coffee – not overly comfortable unless you put it back with a couple of easy chairs.
BAR TABLES borrow from the concept of a hotel beer garden. Their ideal height means that they can be used with or without stools as an easy place to lean put your drinks or whatever. Because you tend to stand around them, conversation seems to follow. If you’re a big entertainer you may want more than one.
OUTDOOR UMBRELLAS can really define a space. They are a brilliant idea if you are looking for a flexible shade option without putting up a major structure (really handy if you are renting because you can pack it up and take it with you). A large size umbrella (3 metres or so) can turn a hot open expanse into a cosy cool zone.
OUTDOOR POTTED PLANTS soften a space and fill it with life. Your best option is to follow the old rule of less is more. You’ll get a far better result with really big pots mass planted with a single species. One trick that I love is to use very tall pots with carefully chosen trees – you don’t have to wait so long for their canopy to grow and provide overhead shade.
WALL ART has a place outdoors just as it has inside. Screen cladding, metal wall panels, mosaic features, mirrors and u.v. safe printed outdoor art can all have a place if used correctly. As a guide, don’t use too much or in too many places – its best appreciated as a feature.
WATER FEATURES add a sense of tranquillity and movement into your outdoor environment. Their placement should be considered carefully, not just dropped into any space. The sound of water is very calming and particularly useful if you want to anchor your senses into an area or obscure traffic noise. Don’t choose anything too small though or the effect can be underwhelming.
Now that you have an understanding of the basics, why not take on an outdoor makeover project yourself. At the very least, think differently about how you use the valuable space around your home. Visit Matt Tucker Interiors on Facebook for more interesting information.
Matt Tucker
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