What to consider when styling your outdoor space

 

Key things to consider when styling an outdoor space

• Plan around how you’ll actually use your outdoor space before choosing furniture, cooking equipment or accessories.
• Measure your usable space and consider sun, shade and exposure to the elements before deciding on your layout.
• Check access to power and gas early if an outdoor kitchen or BBQ area is part of your plan.
• Choose outdoor furniture and materials to suit where they’ll sit, particularly whether the space is exposed or undercover.
• Decide whether you’re planning a simple refresh or a larger renovation before setting your budget.

Look at your space as a whole

First things first: do a deep clean. Cart any broken tools, pots or old pet gear to the tip, pass on the playset the kids have outgrown and give the whole area a sweep and pressure clean.

You’ll also want to measure the usable space you have, to get a better idea of what you’re working with and how to plan a functional layout.

Take note of shade, sunny areas and which spaces are exposed to the elements. If you want an outdoor area you can use in different weather conditions, think about the shade, shelter, accessories and materials that might help create a more protected zone.

Plan what the space will be used for

Think about your lifestyle. Will you want to entertain? Spend time lounging with a book? Do you have kids who like to run around, or does the family love alfresco dining?

In a small space, you might only have room for a couple of zones, whereas a larger area could accommodate sections for cooking, relaxing, playing and even gardening.

If you have a pool, think about whether you have room for deck chairs and dedicated storage for pool toys and accessories. And if you’re a keen gardener with a sunny unused area, that could work for a green wall, veggie patch or pod.

Think about cooking, access and power

If you do a lot of entertaining, you might want a functional outdoor kitchen that lets you cook and serve a meal without having to go back and forth inside.

There are standalone outdoor kitchen solutions that combine cooking, preparation areas and storage in a single unit.

You’ll also want to think about access, gas points and powerpoints. If you don’t already have the services you need, engage an appropriately qualified professional for electrical or gas work.

Your outdoor shopping list

Here are some ideas to help you make the right choices for your space.

BBQ

Choosing the right BBQ style and size for your space is key. For occasional cooking in a small space, a portable BBQ could do the trick. If you’re feeding a crowd or have more room, you might want a barbecue with multiple zones or a built-in option.

Furniture

As a rule of thumb, you want furniture that fits your space without overwhelming it.

Think about what you’ll use all the time. For example, in a small courtyard a compact lounge and coffee table might suit. For a large area, creating zones for dining, lounging and cooking can help you group pieces around how you’ll actually use the area.

Materials

Choosing outdoor furniture materials that suit your space can make ongoing care easier.

Think about how exposed each piece will be to sun and weather, and whether it will sit undercover. Consider the material and finish when choosing furniture, privacy screens and planter boxes, particularly for exposed spaces.

Storage

It’s all too easy for your outdoor area to become cluttered and busy, so plan storage from the start. Weatherproof lidded boxes, storage benches and cabinets placed near high-use areas can make it easier to tidy up at the end of the day.

What’s your budget?

Figuring out how much you want to spend depends on whether you want a refresh or a full renovation.

If you have a smaller D.I.Y. budget, scrubbing your existing outdoor setting, decluttering, cleaning the BBQ and adding fresh plants may be enough to give the space a lift.

If you’re planning a larger alfresco renovation, consider the major elements before setting your budget:

• Hardscaping, such as paving and decking.
• Structures, such as pergolas or shade sails.
• Lighting and electrical work.
• Plants, turf and soil.
• Furniture, pots and styling accessories.

Start planning your outdoor refresh

Once you know how you want to use your space, explore our outdoor living range, including outdoor furniture, BBQs and outdoor shade. You can browse and shop online or visit your local store to see the range for yourself.

Frequently asked questions

What should I consider before styling an outdoor terrace?

Start with the space itself: measure the usable area and note where it gets sun, shade and exposure to the weather. Then decide how you want to use the space before choosing furniture, storage, cooking equipment or accessories.

How do I choose outdoor furniture for a small space?

Choose pieces based on how you'll use the space most often rather than trying to fit in every type of furniture. A compact lounge and coffee table, for example, may make more sense than creating several separate zones.

Should I plan an outdoor kitchen before buying furniture?

If an outdoor kitchen is important to you, include it in the layout early. Consider its position, access and the gas or electrical services it may require before arranging the surrounding furniture.

What should I consider when choosing outdoor furniture materials?

Consider where the furniture will sit and how exposed it will be to sun and weather. An undercover area and a fully exposed terrace can place different demands on furniture, so choose materials and finishes for the conditions they'll be used in.

How can I plan an outdoor refresh on a smaller budget?

Start with what you already have. Cleaning your outdoor setting and BBQ, decluttering the area and refreshing plants can make a noticeable difference before you decide whether furniture or larger changes are needed.