Share
Get ready for summer
With the warm season upon us, now’s the perfect time to dress up your outdoor-living area and get it ready for endless summer entertaining. But before you go on a spending spree, take some styling tips from the Early Settler buying team.
“When furnishing your outdoor area, consider how you want to use your space,” says head buyer, Monica Porter. “For me it’s about family, friends, good food and long lunches that go through to the evening.”
Also take into account the weather in your region — is it hot, dry, wet or coastal? — to find the right materials for your climate. Powder-coated aluminium furniture, such as the Blake outdoor table and benches, for instance, work well in all conditions.
Sustainable solutions
Warm, earthy materials — particularly those with an eco-friendly agenda — are becoming more sought-after than ever. Sustainably-sourced acacia and teak reclaimed from old jetties and abandoned buildings are very much the preference for 2019.
“I love this table and the story behind it. The rustic, family-friendly aesthetic looks better with age and use, which also becomes a part of its story,” says Monica. “Around a table is where memories are made.”
Go green
On a par with the earthy trend is bringing more greenery into outdoor-living areas with hanging fernery, potted flowers and faux plants. “Cut a few of your favourite green plants from your yard and put them in a simple vase on your outdoor coffee table to add visual interest to your space,” says Mamta Johal, from the homewares buying team.
Colour with cushions
Vibrant colours provide a striking counterbalance to earthy tones and textures in outdoor areas. “Cushions are the perfect way to get that indoor–outdoor vibe and create a welcoming space,” says Mamta. “On-trend shades are blue, green and burnt orange.”
Crafted from recycled PET plastic drink bottles, the Early Settler ‘Aruba’ range of outdoor cushions is moisture resistant, surprisingly soft and come in 30 vivacious designs of tropical palm leaves, lively florals and exotic animal prints. “You can add playful touches with side tables and stools like the Poppit and Lulu, too,” says Andreea, “They provide a fun splash of colour.”
Mix it up
But you don’t have to completely overhaul your entire outdoor-entertaining area to get the latest-season look. The eclectic style is also in. Anchor your space with key furniture and blend your new feature pieces with old favourites. The new Mix & Match range has been created with this idea in mind. Shoppers can pick the table they love, match it with the chairs or benches of their choice within the Mix & Match collection and still benefit from a package-deal price.
Creature comforts
“Most importantly,” says Monica, “Create a space that will become a comfortable extension of your interior living areas to enjoy with family and friends. Prolong the usability by adding a ceiling fan in undercover areas for those scorching summer days and a fire pit for night time to relax beneath the stars while toasting marshmallows with the kids.”
READY TO entertain?
Browse our outdoor collection online or visit us in person at your local Early Settler store. And don’t forget to check out our guide to picking the perfect fire pit for your backyard.
