Category Archives: Outdoor Entertaining

Different ways to add colour to your outdoor space

Injecting colour into your outdoor area at home doesn’t need to be an effort nor does it need to break the bank. Here we list 4 simple ways you can add colour to your outdoor space.

Adding soft furnishings such as scatter cushions and throws

Image via Outdoor Living Direct

Adding some colourful scatter cushions and a throw rug will instantly add a pop of colour to any outdoor space. Not only will they brighten the area they will also provide a comfortable place to rest and relax. Add various sizes, patterns and colours to attract the eye and add interest to the space. Shop our scatter cushion range online today. With prices varying from $29 to $150 we have a cushion for every style and budget.

Colourful pots and plants

Image via Etsy

Another satisfying way to add colour to your outdoor space is by incorporating pots filled with varying, colourful plants and flowers. Choosing plants depending on the season will ensure you have colour growing all year long. Your pots needn’t be dull either. With a huge variety available mix and match sizes, patterns and styles to suit your garden and existing outdoor landscape. Shop our range of pots in store at one of our three Melbourne showrooms – 337 Warrigal Road Cheltenham, Shop 4, 283 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing and 194 Whitehorse Road Blackburn.

Selecting colourful outdoor furniture

Image via Outdoor Living Direct

Filling your outdoor space with colourful furniture will instantly brighten the area and create a fun place to hang out all year long. Here at Outdoor Living Direct we have a variety of colourful pieces sure to do just that! Whether you choose our contemporary California balcony chairs or our resin Persia dining chairs or even one of our famous Kakadu pod chairs, all will provide that colour as well as a comfortable spot to sit back and enjoy.

Create a feature wall

Image via www.idealhome.co.uk

Feature walls are a great alternative when it comes to adding colour and texture to your outdoor space as they take up little to no room. They’re ideal for areas where space may be limited such as a balcony, patio or apartment area. Using wall art, murals, water features or even a mirror will create depth and interest and a talking point at your next dinner party. The use of plants and vines will also create an eye catching feature.

How to best care for your cantilever umbrella

The following guide outlines installation and care of our cantilever umbrellas, step by step instructions on how to properly open and close them, along with important warranty information.

Installation and care of your umbrella

  • At least two people are required for the safe assembly of your umbrella
  • Our umbrellas are a non-permanent structure, do not use in extreme weather conditions
  • Ensure that the base is full of water prior to attaching the pole and at all times when in use
  • Install at ground level on a stable and even surface
  • Retract wheels into the base prior to opening the umbrella canopy, and for extended outdoor use
  • Please use the supplied base only – any modifications in set up or assembly will void warranty
  • When moving the umbrella, ensure that the canopy is down and secured to the pole prior to relocation
  • When not in use; close the canopy as directed, place a protective cover over it and store in a dry place. Ensure that the canopy is fully dry before storing
  • Do not use in windy conditions – damage to the umbrella as a result of excessive wind, including where winds have caused the umbrella to fall and sustain damage are not covered by the warranty
  • Do not leave the open umbrella unattended
  • When in the closed position, the canopy tie must be secured around the canopy and pole
  • Check for obstacles and allow ample room before expansion of the canopy when opening the umbrella. Damage to the umbrella or surrounding structures is not covered by the warranty
  • Please note, there will be some movement in the pole rotation when not in use. This allows flexibility in outdoor conditions and helps prevent damage to the bearing mechanism
  • All moving parts on the umbrella are best maintained with an annual application of silicone based lubricant

How to open the canopy

  1. Undo the ties from around the canopy and pole
  2. Wind up the canopy and raise the canopy arm; taking care not to over-wind

How to close the canopy

  1. Wind down the canopy and lower the canopy arm
  2. Secure close the canopy to the pole with the attached ties

Warranty information

  • Your umbrella comes with a 1 year manufacturer warranty
  • The warranty is for the original purchaser, valid from the date of purchase, covers domestic use and does not apply to commercial applications
  • The warranty covers repair or replacement of impacted pieces of the umbrella only
  • The warranty covers defects in manufacturing and materials, but specifically excludes:
    • Damage to the umbrella as a result of excessive wind, including where winds have caused the umbrella to fall and sustain damage
    • Damage resulting from misuse, modifications, cleaning, storage, transportation, product neglect or as a result of product being used outside its intended purpose
  • For all other questions, please contact our Customer Service team on 03 9583 3060 or customerservice@outdoorlivingdirect.com.au

Our range

To view our entire cantilever umbrella range, please visit us online or in store at 337 Warrigal Road Cheltenham and Shop 4, 283 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing. Both stores open 7 days.

How to Accessorise your Billy Fresh Outdoor Umbrella

The Billy Fresh outdoor umbrella is a striped piece of fashion, providing shade, style and a place for good times in your outdoor area. To really liven up your space, we’ve compiled a list of a few matching accessories that will complement your Billy Fresh umbrella and impress your family and friends!

Firstly, start with one of our effortlessly stylish Billy Fresh umbrellas. Available in a range of colours and sizes there’s a Billy Fresh umbrella for everyone! A winner here at Billy Fresh HQ is our Sunny Marbella 2 metre, square outdoor umbrella. A popular piece, the 2 metre Sunny Marbella is a great choice for those who’d like to add colour and life to their area. It’s also a perfect size to be placed over a table whilst entertaining or relaxing.

Next, why not add in a yellow and white deck chair or two, to add underneath the umbrella or on another part of patio. Either way the combination of the deck chair and umbrella will brighten up any backyard.

Another idea is to keep a water proof, canvas bag filled with a towel for the pool if you have one, and some great books to read, ready for those quiet days under the umbrella. We love the idea of matching, so if you can find a bag that matches the stripes of your umbrella, you’re onto a winner!

Finally, to top it all off, add in an ice cold Pina Colada, call your friends, and hope for some sunny weather so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the Billy Fresh lifestyle.

We take pride in ensuring that our products are functional, deliver on quality and remain affordable. Check us out for yourself today, shop the Sunny Marbella and our entire range online today.