It
doesn’t seem that long ago when a typical backyard consisted of a grass
patch, a clothesline and a barbeque with simple table and chairs.
Today, with the boundaries between indoors and out blurring, Australians
expect the same style, quality and comfort from outdoor entertaining as
we do from our indoor living areas.
So how do we bring the inside out?
Opening homes to nature’s elements with indoor areas flowing
effortlessly to outdoor entertaining spaces combining harmoniously with
landscaping creates the all important Australian alfresco lifestyle. As
the concept of the outdoor room has grown in popularity, so too has the
range of designer outdoor furniture.
It’s now possible to create an idyllic entertaining area, regardless of
the size and orientation of your outdoor space, and then decorate it
with virtually any style of furniture imaginable – from classic and
whimsical to ultra-contemporary, all in weatherproof materials that are
appealing enough to move inside and out.
Dylan Nye from Impressions Outdoor Furniture in Castle Hill, Sydney says
just like the kitchen, the alfresco area is now the hub of the home,
where more and more we escape to and relax.
“When it comes to the outdoor furniture scene a key trend that has
emerged is woven synthetic wicker furniture,” Dylan says. “Synthetic
wicker has all the beauty of natural wicker, plus a host of other
benefits too. It is proving to be one of the most popular choices – and
for good reason; it is sophisticated yet natural, sturdy, stylish, rust
proof, easy to care for and brings a resort-style ambience to any
backyard, providing a strong link between inside and out. Plus it’s UV,
fade and water resistant.
“Dark mahogany and black wicker still dominate, while the ever popular
natural stone tables continue to service our French provincial
customers. Colours are moody and sophisticated; black, brown and
charcoal grey are key tones.”
Gone is the bulky outdoor furniture that dominated a few years ago;
today the look is lightweight, finely woven and laser-cut so that the
sunlight can flow through the nooks and crannies of your outdoor
furniture. Low-key powder-coated aluminum furniture is taking over
where high-shine aluminum left off.
“We are seeing a strong trend in outdoor fireplaces adorned with
beautiful deep seat modular settings. It is hard to differentiate
these days between indoor and outdoor furniture with the use of sleek
stainless steel and glass,” Dylan says.
“It is very important when looking at outdoor furniture to consider the
warranty that comes with it, particularly when associated with outdoor
wicker and UV ratings. At Impressions, we specialise in getting our
customers into the right furniture for their home, taking into
consideration design and location.
“Continuity of style is the key to an elegant home; from the front of
the house where a first impression is made, right through to the back of
home for a lasting impression.”
Take a seat (comfortably!)
Outdoor cushion trends
Not long ago, plastic chairs were about all that was available to
furnish your alfresco area – but luckily times have changed, and the
fabric industry has helped drive the changes. These days your outdoor
chairs or sofa can be covered in a material that’s just as soft and
stunning as the fabric on your living room furniture. The choice of
colours, patterns and textures has never been better!
Vibrant colours, bold patterns and stripes are big hits this summer,
says Anna Day from Elements Weatherproof Soft Furnishings. If bold and
bright is not your style, try the various hues of blue.
“Look to your outdoor furniture for inspiration,” says Anna. “Formal
furniture calls for classic mixes of charcoal with striped grey and
white scatters. Contemporary furniture lines come to life with bright
stripes of red, blues and oranges.
“Also look to your planting schemes for inspiration or tones used
poolside. Even exterior feature walls can be highlighted with the
correct colour choice in your soft furnishings.
“The transformation of adding colour and texture to the furniture and
your outdoor area is simple, fun and easy to do, and achieves fabulous
results. People are increasingly wanting the same sense of style for
outside as well as inside.”
Easy upkeep
Using the correct materials for outdoor use is imperative to sustain the
elements of the Australian climate. Whether poolside or for use in
entertaining or dining areas, choosing a superior fabric provides a low
maintenance product with an extended lifespan.
“In recent times, even polyesters have been passed off as outdoor
fabrics,” explains Anna. “Today olefin and polyolefin mixes are being
marketed for outdoor use. The 100% solution dyed acrylics remain the
leaders in true outdoor fabrics because they provide water, UV,
chlorine, salt and mould/mildew resistance.
“Each year we see the range increasing to more textured and patterned
fabrics which are soft enough to be used indoors as well as out yet
provide maximum durability and longevity.”
The Elements
range of cushions includes bench seat cushions, day bed cushions, seat
pads and throw cushions. “A major goal of ours is to help people glam up
their gardens,” adds Anna.
Light my fire
Traditionally the domain of indoor spaces, the open
fireplace is ‘on the move’ – and it’s increasingly being integrated into
outdoor rooms for year-round ambience, warmth, as a lighting element,
or to make a clear design statement.
“Outdoor rooms have become
one of the hottest trends in home design – and with householders
wanting to use them throughout the year, outdoor fireplaces have become
very popular,” says Stephane Thomas, director of The Fire Company and
creator of EcoSmart Fire, the award-winning range of bioethanol fires.
“Think
lighting, atmosphere, or simply and effectively transforming an outdoor
space to create a design statement or eye-catching focal point.
Whatever the use, the EcoSmart Fire is changing the paradigm.
“Akin
to the kitchen being the heart of the home, a fireplace is widely
considered the centrepiece of an outdoor room. It’s the ultimate
drawcard, adding a comfort factor much like plush cushions and
furnishings do indoors.” |
