In Australia we love sitting outside and enjoying our outdoor areas. An outdoor area should be considered as an extension of your home. When styling your outdoor space consider the colours and style inside your home and replicate this outside to create a free flowing transition from room to room. With the right set up and careful consideration you can easily transform a tired space into a fun, lively area where you and your family can enjoy all year long. Below are our top 5 tips on how to style your space using outdoor accessories.
1. Comfort factor
Styling with cozy accessories such as cushions and throw rugs not only makes an outdoor space more comfortable, they’re also a great way to add texture and warmth to any space. There is a wide range available however for long lasting results we recommend choosing cushions rated for outdoor use, as they will stand the test of time as opposed to other styles. Outdoor cushions are UV and water resistant making them an ideal choice. Outdoor Living Direct have a variety of outdoor cushions in various patterns and sizes. Outdoor rugs are another great way to add colour to your space. They complete a room and add another touch of warmth under foot especially during the cooler months.
Image via Pinterest
2. Lighting
An outdoor area with poor lighting will feel claustrophobic. To avoid this, choose lights that will bounce off the walls and visually make the space larger. Candles don’t take up a lot of room, yet they produce beautiful mood lighting for any occasion. Lanterns, fairy lights and lamps also look great and come in various styles, heights and colours. Efficient lighting is important to setting the mood and appeal of an outdoor living space at night.
Image via Pinterest
3. Plants
If gardening is not your strong point, yet you’d still like to enjoy a garden feel, why not opt for low maintenance plants such as succulents and creepers to decorate your space. Both of these plant choices are easy to maintain and will guarantee you optimal outdoor enjoyment. Another idea would be to create pot clusters. Using colourful pots and plants with varying heights will create a stylish, layered focal point. Hanging pots and vertical gardens are another great idea as they take up very little space and will add a touch of greenery to any balcony area. Or why not opt for a shelving unit to display your pots, plants and other favourite accessories.
Image via Pinterest
4. Outdoor art
No longer is art just for inside. As long as you have walls outdoors that are fairly protected from the elements then the right piece could really provide your space with the focal point that it needs. Outdoor screens are always a lovely choice. Ornate in design, they will provide interest to a space in a simple, yet effective way. Bamboo screens are another nice way to cover a tired fence or wall area. A mirror is another great outdoor accessory. It will reflect natural light and create the illusion of extra space.
Image via Pinterest
5. A place to sit
If you plan on sitting outside and enjoying your space with family and friends outdoor furniture is a must. Considering the size of your space and determining how it will be used will govern what type of furniture to buy. Choose light weight furniture that can be easily maneuvered depending on the occasion. Furniture that folds or stacks tends to work quite well in smaller spaces such as apartments or town houses whereas modular lounges and larger dining sets work better in bigger areas. Multi-functional outdoor furniture pieces are also a smart idea, for example a cushion box that doubles as a bench seat. Outdoor Living Direct have a variety of outdoor furniture pieces available in a variety of colours, shapes, sizes and materials.
Image via Pinterest