Outdoor Escape

Don’t let the weather stop you from enjoying your space year-round

- Carrol Baker

It’s no secret most Aussies love outdoor living. But chilly winter evenings, rainy weather and sizzling summer days can send even the most ardent outdoor enthusiasts scurrying indoors. But that doesn’t have to be the case. No matter what the weather, it’s possible to create a beautiful liveable outdoor haven in your own backyard that you can enjoy all year round.

FLUID DESIGN

The key to creating any liveable outdoor space is to find the balance between comfort and functionality. Claire Dowling from Sunshine Coast Interior Design says most importantly it should be inviting. “It needs to be beckoning and relaxing — a few throws, large generous chairs, and side tables for drinks will always create a welcoming space.”

Claire says the positioning of furniture also adds comfort to a space. “For example, a dry bar with chairs and a high table can be moved around an outdoor space to catch the sun or avoid the wind in the changing seasons.”

Keeping the design versatile is important to create a cosy winter nook, a cool summer retreat, or a place to enjoy lazy lunches during spring when the garden is in bloom. By keeping key elements in place and then swapping things out, and changing the look and personality of your outdoor space, it can take you from season to season in style.