News
LATEST NEWS

LATEST NEWS

Topic: Outdoor Living Ideas



Date Posted: Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Posted by: Tanya Zanfa (Master Admin)
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/home-property/10515020/How-to-p...


How to: plan your outdoor living space


How to: plan your outdoor living space

WE CAN DREAM: It's free to imagine our outdoor living looking like this!

Summer is here... well almost. And now is the perfect time to get your outdoor living organised so you have maximum time to fire up the BBQ, pull up a deck chair and soak up the sun as soon as it arrives (and sticks around for more than a day).

But for those serious about their outdoor entertaining, it isn't just about chucking out a couple of cheap white plastic chairs that survived the winter. Planning proper use of your space, no matter how big or small, is the best way to ensure you will use it as much as possible during the summer.

The furniture

Deb Ridling, New Zealand's managing director for Freedom Furniture, says before buying the main furniture items you need to think about what you want to use the space for. Whether it is entertaining, relaxing or cooking, working that out first is the best place to start.

"If you want to create a calming, relaxing setting you wouldn't be placing your furniture next to the kid's sandbox. Likewise, if you know you will be entertaining large groups often I would want to ensure that whatever you bought meant there was enough space for guests to move around freely and comfortably."

When it comes to practicality, Tina Stephen, a designer who heads up Roomie, says that one of the crucial questions to ask when shopping for outdoor furniture is - will it stand up to the elements?  

"Make sure that whatever you are purchasing is going to survive the exposure of a New Zealand summer and subsequent winter. Also it is important to consider the function of each piece - what will it be used for, when it will be used, and by who?" 

And Vic Bibby, who has her own online design blog Cush and Nooks, agrees with that sentiment.

"I recommend investing in quality pieces. It's true that 'you get what you pay for,' and your furniture needs to be able to withstand the weather. In the long run you'll spend more money buying two or three sets of cheap furniture, than buying one that will stand the test of time."

Maximising minimal space

While having a large backyard with a beautiful paved area for furniture would be lovely-to-have, it is not a reality for many - especially those living in apartments and townhouses. But that doesn't have to be a barrier to enjoying the outdoors, you just need to think creatively.

"Invest in quality pieces of furniture which are multifunctional - a stool or an ottoman that can be used as a side table as well as a seat. You can also install bi-folding or French doors to increase the sense of space, and help achieve the all important indoor/outdoor flow," says Stephen.   

In small spaces it is also important to think about clutter, in that it's best to steer clear of it. Ridling says that you should choose anchor pieces with seating capacity in mind, rather than using up all the room with lots of smaller items.

"I'd also suggest picking items that can be easily moved to clear space, just in case your intimate drinks turn into a full blown party."

And for those not keen on lugging items home only to find they don't fit, Freedom has a virtual showroom app that can actually place items into your space, just by using your smartphone or tablet.

Bibby recommends combining storage and seating into one, by having a booth seat or coffee table that doubles as a place to put outdoor cushions and other items when they are not in use.

"A booth-style bench seat also takes up a lot less room than chairs."

Appropriate décor

When it comes to homeware for outside, Bibby likes that fact that you can have lots of fun with colour in your outdoor space and it doesn't always mean having to buy new items.  

"Old furniture will take on a new life painted in a bright colour, and if it's metal you should powder coat it for longevity."

And after adding in your pops of colour, Stephen says that you can complement the outdoor elements by using natural textures and materials, such as copper, wood, bamboo, shell and linen.

Planters and cushions are an easy accessory to update spaces for little cost, and Ridling's favourite style trend for this year is island jungle which can be created using all the tropical themed products in stores now.

Tips and tricks

Bibby says that outdoor spaces should be an extension of your indoor living and should be treated the same way - considering function, style, mood and a reflection of your taste. And she also says you shouldn't buy everything from the same place.

"Mix it up to give it a more eclectic feel. Splurge on your staple furniture pieces, then add in less expensive fun accessories that you can easily change out when you want to."

 And Ridling is also keen on breaking all the rules and having to follow a set of guidelines. 

"Where one design rule applies in one property, it may be the opposite for another. At the end of the day the space is your own so explore your options and have fun with it.

Lastly, Stephen says to never underestimate the effect of lighting in an outdoor space - especially since the evening is when we tend to spend the most amount of time outside. A little can go a long way and if the budget is tight, she suggests using copper fairy lights for immediate impact. 

- Stuff



GET SOCIAL WITH US!
Follow OLP on our Social Media platforms to stay abreast of the latest happenings.

Follow Us on Facebook Follow Us on Facebook » Follow Us on Twitter Follow Us on Twitter » Circle Us on Google Plus Circle Us on Google Plus » Visit our Blog Feed Visit our Blog Feed » See Us on Pinterest See Us on Pinterest »
STAY CONNECTED!
Get the Latest News and Events from OLP delivered directly to your email inbox via our OLP eNewsletter.

We promise you'll love our content!


  I agree with Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Subscribe to Outdoor Living Magazine - It's FREE!
MOST POPULAR