At long last, summer has landed. Time to dust off those loungers, rake up the leaves and reset your outdoor space to its former glory before the cold NZ winter took over!
There’s something about a classic Kiwi summer – our backyards become an extension of our living spaces, and the warm evenings make it possible to relax outside well into the night.
From casually lounging with a good book to inviting the whole family round for a BBQ, let your home become the perfect spot for every summer gathering with these handy tips.
It can be overwhelming knowing where to start and tempting to jump in and buy a whole lot of bulky pieces just to accommodate your guests. You know you want the space to feel cosy and inviting, but with longevity, so you can still enjoy it during warm autumn days.
Assessing the flow of your home is a great first step. Think about how you will use the space both when guests are there and when they aren’t - after all – you want your space to be multifunctional!
Start with the core pieces then layer in the finer things that really bring the space to life. If you’re a family who love to entertain over dinner, and space allows, an outdoor table could be the perfect addition.
The Positano Table has a rust-resistant coating so you can leave it outside without a second thought. Its vertical panel detailing makes it feel elegant and relaxed. Available in two sizes, these tables make summer dining so easy. Dot around the matching dining chairs, layer in some dining accessories and you’ve got a stylish gathering point.
For lounge rooms that connect to a cosy patio, you might want to keep the dining indoors and style the patio with side tables or stools for extra seating and convenience without feeling crowded.
If a good book and a refreshing beverage in the sun is more up your alley, the Soleil and Solace range of loungers and bean bag covers are a great way to chill out. These pieces are nood classics, refreshed for the season in a mix of solid tones and stripes, ready to make your outdoor space feel a whole lot more inviting and so easy to move around to suit your entertaining needs. Plus, the loungers and chairs come with a matching cushion for additional lounging comfort. Furry friend optional!
Colour plays a big part in the feeling of your space. This season we are seeing bold splashes of amber, terracotta and teal tones plus a mix of softer, light shades to balance it all out.
Once you’ve mapped out the core furniture pieces you want, it's time to bring in bright pops or tonal accents. If you like, you can keep your outdoor area feeling simplistic and refined, closely mirroring your interior style. Pieces like baskets and trays, salt and pepper grinders, napkins and placemats can be used both indoors and out when you feel like dressing your meals up a little.
Layering outdoor cushions across dining chairs and loungers, makes a fun pop of colour and keeps your guests comfy as the night unwinds. Dot around a few side tables or stools like Kelly or Corsica, so there's always a place to rest drinks or place snacks.
To keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, pack it away for winter or when it’s not in use. You could also bring pieces like stools and bean bags indoors – perfect for the kids’ room or as handy extras when hosting.
Recently refreshed your outdoor space? Use the hashtag #showusyournood on your post – we'd love to see it!