Styling Your Outdoor Space for Summer: How to Create an Alfresco Oasis
So Christmas is done but summer has just begun! Now is the perfect time to transform your outdoor space into a stunning sanctuary for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the balmy Australian evenings. Whether you’re working with a spacious backyard or a compact balcony, thoughtful design can elevate your outdoor area into a place of style and functionality.
Here’s a guide to help you style your outdoor space for summer, ensuring it becomes the perfect extension of your home.
1. Define the Purpose of Your Space
Before diving into the aesthetics, it’s essential to consider how you’ll use your outdoor space. Will it be a serene spot for family dinners, a lively area for entertaining friends, or a tranquil escape for solo relaxation? Defining the purpose will guide your decisions on layout, furniture, and accessories. If you have the luxury of space for creating different zones for different purposes, include this in your planning and landscaping to make the most of every square metre available.
2. Invest in Durable and Stylish Furniture
Choosing the right furniture is crucial. Look for weather-resistant pieces that can withstand Australia’s harsh sun and occasional downpours. Materials like teak, aluminium, and synthetic wicker are excellent options.
Outdoor fabric technology has come a long way and there are some wonderfully textural options out there that feel just like indoor upholstery, so be sure to investigate custom options if budget permits. Tired outdoor furniture can also be given a new lease of life with freshly upholstered cushions.
Similarly there are some excellent outdoor rugs available – soft with wool-like texture, these are made from recycled bottles so they are kind to the planet too.
Dining Area: Opt for a robust dining table paired with comfortable, stylish chairs.
Lounge Area: A modular outdoor sofa with plump cushions in UV-resistant fabric can provide a cosy space for unwinding.
Compact Spaces: For smaller areas, consider foldable furniture or a bistro set to maximise functionality without compromising on style.
3. Create Zones for Functionality
Divide your outdoor space into functional zones to ensure versatility and flow, and if your outdoor space is uncovered, consider where the morning sun and afternoon shade can be found for the most comfortable location in relation to function. Eating breakfast in the winter sun can be wonderful, but having lunch in the baking heat less so!
Dining Zone: Place the dining set close to your indoor kitchen or outdoor grill for convenience.
Lounge Zone: Create a conversational area with sofas or armchairs centred around a coffee table or firepit.
Green Zone: Dedicate a corner for greenery with planters, herbs, or a vertical garden for a lush touch.
Layering rugs or using planters as dividers can help subtly demarcate these zones.
4. Focus on Lighting for Ambiance
The right lighting can completely transform your outdoor space after sunset.
Consider a mix of functional and decorative lighting:
Overhead Lighting: String lights or lanterns add a magical glow, ideal for evening gatherings. Alternatively a statement pendant or cluster of pendants can create a focal point to the area.
Task Lighting: Install LED strip lighting under countertops or bollard lights along pathways for practicality.
Accent Lighting: Lighting to some of the more striking planting in the garden will bring the whole outdoor space to life.
5. Incorporate Natural and Coastal Elements
As a business based in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, we embrace a coastal aesthetic that complements the region’s natural beauty. Bring in these elements through:
Natural Materials: Use timber or stone furniture and accessories for an organic feel.
Coastal Colours: Stick to a palette of whites and sandy neutrals to evoke the beach.
Textures: Add a mix of materials like rattan, jute rugs, or woven throws to create depth and warmth.
6. Add Greenery and Landscaping
Lush greenery is the key to transforming your outdoor space into a vibrant summer retreat. Opt for plants that thrive in the Australian summer to ensure lasting beauty:
Planting for Visual Impact: Create a stunning, cohesive look by mixing plants with contrasting sizes, leaf shapes, and heights. Consider grouping plants en masse for a structured, modern aesthetic, or go for a tropical vibe with a variety of vibrant, oversized foliage to evoke a sense of lush, exotic escape.
Vertical Gardens for Small Spaces: Maximise your space with vertical gardens, which are perfect for adding greenery to compact patios or balconies. These living walls not only save floor space but also bring a dramatic, eye-catching feature to your outdoor area.
Native Plants for Low Maintenance: Incorporate hardy, drought-tolerant Australian natives like kangaroo paw, grevillea, or succulents. These plants are ideal for withstanding summer heat while adding a touch of local charm and colour to your garden.
7. Embrace Multipurpose Features
Maximize your outdoor space by incorporating multifunctional elements that blend practicality with style.
- Built-in Seating: Opt for benches with hidden storage compartments to create a streamlined look while offering extra seating for guests and a convenient place to store outdoor essentials like cushions, throws, or garden tools.
- Shade Solutions: Ensure comfort on hot days with versatile shade options such as pergolas draped in greenery, retractable awnings that adjust with the sun, or oversized umbrellas that add a touch of luxury while protecting against UV rays.
- Firepits and Outdoor Fireplaces: A fabulous centerpiece for gatherings; whether used for roasting marshmallows or providing warmth on cooler nights, it’s a functional and inviting addition.
Don’t forget to consider an outdoor kitchen as a game-changing feature for entertaining and convenience. From built-in BBQs and pizza ovens to mini-fridges and countertops, an outdoor kitchen allows you to prep and serve meals seamlessly without missing out on the fun. Pair it with a versatile dining table to effortlessly transition from casual family lunches to elegant dinner parties under the stars.
8. Accessorise Thoughtfully
Accessories are the finishing touch that brings personality to your outdoor space. Here’s how to elevate the look:
Cushions and Throws: Choose weather-resistant fabrics in subtle patterns or muted tones, and if your outdoor area is uncovered, consider where these will be stored when not in use.
Outdoor Rugs: Anchor seating areas with durable, fade-resistant rugs, but avoid the low cost plastic feeling rugs if budget permits. There are some fabulous wool-like outdoor options out there.
Decorative Pieces: Add a sculptural centrepiece on your dining or coffee table such as an Agave in a large vessel of water, or a structural succulent in a decorative planter.
Remember to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Accessories should enhance comfort while tying the overall design together.
9. Think Sustainably
Sustainability is a rising priority in design. Consider these eco-friendly options for your outdoor space:
Solar Lighting: Harness the sun’s energy for eco-conscious illumination.
Recycled Materials: Look for furniture and décor made from repurposed or recyclable materials such as solid timber.
Rainwater Harvesting: If you’re adding landscaping, a rain barrel can provide a sustainable watering solution.
10. Stay Cool
For an extra level of comfort, integrate cooling features to beat the heat:
Misting Systems: Subtle and effective, they keep the area cool without soaking your guests.
Outdoor Fans: Ceiling or standing fans not only keep you cool but also help ward off insects.
11. Regular Maintenance is Key
To keep your outdoor space looking its best all summer, invest time in regular upkeep:
Clean and Protect Furniture: Use covers or store cushions indoors when not in use.
Tend to Plants: Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid scorching.
Inspect Lighting: Check for burnt-out bulbs or corroded fixtures periodically.
Creating a stylish outdoor space is about blending practicality with beauty. By investing in good quality, durable furniture, embracing the natural surroundings, and adding thoughtful touches, your outdoor area can become a cherished extension of your home. This summer your alfresco space can truly become the ultimate venue for connection, relaxation, and celebration.
Let us know if you need some help by emailing us here!
Final image credit – Beacon Lighting
