Favourite Outdoor Furniture by Heather Nette King

The ambassador of style

For our summer 2021/22 outdoor furniture collection, Early Settler is proud to have had stylist Heather Nette King coordinate the photography for the range book as our Ambassador of Style. Check out Heather’s favourite outdoor furniture from the new collection.

Welcome to the Outdoor Collection Summer 21/22

If you’re like me, you’ll find the anticipation and build-up to leisure time spent outdoors is almost as much fun as the actual thing! From dreaming of the warmer months ahead to locking in dates for gatherings, working out the logistics of having enough seats and glasses to menu planning and setting the tables — I adore the whole process.

After so many of us have had another tough year with constant separations from our loved ones, I am tipping that this year the coming-together celebrations will be even more longed for and cherished — whether big family get-togethers or simple barbeques with friends, neighbours and even workmates we’ve only seen on screen all year!

With brilliant pieces to cater for every outdoor scenario, from super-long tables for big celebrations through to deep, comfy sofas that encourage post-lunch siestas, we’ve got you sorted, so turn the page and join in a little summertime dreaming with me.

Sanctuary Outdoor Sofa

Styling the photoshoot

Here at Early Settler, we were a very happy crew when we met up again to shoot this year’s stunning Outdoor Collection.

It’s always a curious thing, trying to create those easy-breezy-summery outdoor vibes in the depths of Melbourne’s winter — with one eye on the weather radar and gloved hands mixing iced drinks. Fortuitously (and despite the forecasts), the weather gods shined down on us and each day the ominous clouds parted to reveal the most delicious sunshine. Lucky, huh?

We chose some amazing locations to showcase the Outdoor Collection this year: a lushly planted mid-century suburban garden; a contemporary home that makes such clever use of its undercover indoor–outdoor zone; and finally, a coastal pad where we could hear the waves crashing at the nearby back-beach. Each of them showcased the depth and versatility of Early Settler’s range, from tables that extend and benches that squeeze in those extra guests to chairs that stack — and even hang!

For someone that loves to set a table and create a stylish scene, this is always a dream gig, and it’s a thrill to see it come together. I hope you are as inspired by this book as we were when creating it.

Reclaimed Teak Splay Base Outdoor Dining Table 300cm

My favourites from the collection

I have a theory that long dining tables have a way of filling themselves… I mean, if you’re inviting six, you might as well invite eight, and if you don’t mind sitting along a bench, then why not just go the whole way and seat 10 or 12? See how easily the party starts?

It’s no surprise, then, that I adore the Reclaimed Teak Splay Base Table and benches. Its strong lines and honest, unfussy design perfectly suit our laidback entertaining style and the timber has a beautifully golden and sunkissed look. I’d use it in the city, the suburbs or the coast, and dress it up with chairs, napkins, good china and candles for a special dinner; or dress it down with a bench seat and some cane lanterns for a quick barbeque after a swim.

And, as much as I love company, the allure of the Byron Hanging Chair in blue is obvious — it’s somewhere to curl up and enjoy some ‘me time’ with a book and a chilled drink. Bliss!

— Heather Nette King

Byron Wicker Hanging Chair Blue

More in-store

Come and visit in-store or online to check out the Outdoor Collection Summer 21/22. And don’t miss our furniture buyer’s favourites!

Heather Nette King is a Melbourne‑based interiors stylist and writer for many leading interior titles and newspapers. She has been the Melbourne Homes Editor of Sunday Life magazine for over a decade, and her work has appeared in many Australian and international magazines, including Inside Out Magazine, Country Style, Australian House & Garden, Real Living Australia Magazine, Home Beautiful Magazine, Vogue Living, ELLE China, The Design Files and The Interiors Addict. Her own home has appeared in Belle Magazine, and her previous home was featured in the international style bible, ELLE Decoration UK. Heather has created the visual imagery for many well-known Australian brands, and also works behind the scenes copy-writing for their advertisements and websites. Heather is currently renovating her family home in an iconic, heritage‑listed apartment block. Her hobbies are gardening, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and walking her beloved Golden Retriever, Dougal.