An Outdoor Zone for Every Occasion

Here comes the sun!

Nothing’s more enticing on a sunny day than a cushy selection of seating options out back to relax and entertain. We’ve got some great inspiration for creating an outdoor zone for every occasion.

1 Lovely living zone

An inviting outdoor living space should feel like an extension of your interior. It offers extra square footage for the family to spread out and a fresh space to entertain friends in the open air.

An Outdoor Zone for Every Occasion - living zone

Top tips

Comfort is key!
Arrange seating to encourage a social dynamic for chit chat.
If you want to create cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces, use a similar theme or accessories as your living room. This works particularly well in alfresco areas that spill directly off the living room via French or bifold doors.
If your outdoor area will be exposed to the elements, choose a setting that is better suited to all types of weather. In undercover areas, all furniture is protected so choose what you love.
Don’t forget the side tables for drinks and nibbles.

2 Divine dining area

Firing up the barbecue and dining outdoors is an Aussie institution. Whether breaky with the family, lunch with the gals or a feast with friends, the right dining set will be comfy and able to accommodate your clan.

An Outdoor Zone for Every Occasion - dining

Marson outdoor dining table

Top tips

Choose the right materials for your location — will your table exposed to the weather or beneath a pergola? (Talk to our team if you need help!)
Position your outdoor dining zone near the barbecue and/or kitchen for convenience.
An outdoor ceiling fan is a lovely way to keep you cool on hot days, and always have an option for shade. In the evening, festoon lights create a magical atmosphere.
If you like to entertain, go large — such as a long teak table.
Invest in comfortable dining chairs to invite long lazy lunches with friends.

3 Garden of Eden gazebo

If space allows, a garden gazebo can be the most enchanting way to make a lush little retreat for you and the family to relax. Tuck your dining set or some comfy armchairs beneath it create a Saint Tropez vibe in your own backyard.

Tivoli gazebo

Top tips

Select a gazebo with a detachable canopy so you have shade on hot days and sunshine in milder weather.
Create natural shade by threading your pergola with climbing ornamental grape vines, honeysuckle or wisteria that will bloom over the years.
For a magical setting at night, string up some festoon or fairy lights.

4 Your very own zone

We all need a scrumptious space to escape on our own from time to time. Spoil yourself with a comfortable outdoor armchair, day bed or hanging basket chair to position out on the deck or on the front porch. Select one with a fitted cushion so you can curl up with glossy magazine and a cool drink and escape into a little “me time”.

An Outdoor Zone for Every Occasion - your own zone

Byron hanging chair

Top tips

Try before you buy to find the most comfortable chair just for you.
Pick one with plump fitted cushions and add an extra scatter cushion or two for colour and extra cush.
Find a quiet corner of the garden or deck to create a mini-escape just for you.
Position your chair in a place that has access to sunshine and shade so you can adjust the angle according to the weather.
Don’t feel guilty about taking “me time”!

5 Happy hour haven

Summer really kicks off when it’s warm enough to enjoy catch-ups over cocktails with friends out on the balcony or deck. Create a special space for the chardonnay and canapés with an alfresco bar table and stools. A little taller than your standard outdoor table, the height makes it comfortable to sit or stand as you sip your cosmopolitan.

An Outdoor Zone for Every Occasion - happy hour

Windsor 5 piece balcony set

Top tips

Decide on the material you want, such as timber to be kept under cover or powder-coated metal that can be exposed to the weather.
As they’re taller than your standard table, get bar stools rather than regular chairs.
Position for bar set-up away from potential trip hazards, like the swimming pool or the drop-off point of the deck.
In undercover areas, consider accessorising with a bar fridge.
Create ambience with festoon lights and a bluetooth speaker!

6 Play zone

Don’t forget the kids! It doesn’t matter if your space is big or small, having a dedicate area with swings or a slide for the kids to play will keep them entertained. The littlies love sandpits and nothing beats the good ol’ fashioned inflatable swimming pool on hot days if you don’t have the real thing!

An Outdoor Zone for Every Occasion - kid zone

Top tips

Create a special zone just for the kids.
Make sure the kids’ play area is visible from where you’ll likely be spending your time, whether that’s on the deck or from the kitchen window.
Ensure the children’s zone is fully fenced.
Check cubby houses and tyre swings seasonally for spiders and other creepy crawlers.
Always keep a close on kids playing in or near water.