There are few pleasures as simple as sitting outside on a beautiful day, in the privacy of your own garden or patio, with a cold drink and nothing on your to-do list. Of course, if you can only enjoy it with your eyes closed imaging what it could look like, then you’re not going to truly be able to relax.
Fortunately, with the right tools, decorations, and outdoor furniture, you can easily and quickly transform your outdoor space or upgrade your garden, patio, or balcony so you wouldn’t rather be anywhere else! Here are 6 tips to help you do just that:
6 Tips to Help You Upgrade Your Outside Space
1. Embrace Greenery
Australia has some of the most unique and beautiful plants that can turn an otherwise plain outdoor space into a green wonderland. Acacia (wattle trees), eucalyptus and succulents all add a pop of colour and excitement to your garden. You can also grow vegetables and herbs for a pretty and practical option. Not only do herbs provide a gorgeous range of flavours to your home-cooked meals, but they also fill the air with a sweet fragrance unique to your garden.
If you don’t have green fingers, you can easily add fake foliage to trellis and other structures on your balcony or patio to give a similar effect, without the worry of how you’re going to keep them alive!
2. Choose a Theme or a Mood
Whether you’re a fan of nautical design, monochrome minimalism, or a quirky and quaint feel, setting a theme is the first step towards choosing your outdoor furniture and accessories. Your theme will help determine your colour scheme, furniture materials and overall feel of the area.
Do you envision it as somewhere to socialise? If so, you could go all-out and think about how you could incorporate a “bar” area, or use a gazebo or umbrellas to keep everyone out of the sun. If you want it to be a sanctuary where you can relax with your family or read alone, what kind of outdoor furniture and shade do you imagine? Keep this in mind as you shop for outdoor furniture and you’ll end up with a space that is as practical as it is beautiful.
3. Create (or Choose) a Focal Point
Many gardens and outside spaces feature a focal point, but whatever you choose will depend on your taste and style. This focal piece could be a fire pit, barbeque, a large plant, pond, water feature, trampoline for the kids (and big kids!), or anything you find eye-catching. If you have a long garden and plan to do some landscaping, use your path to draw the eye to it. If you’ve not got a lot of space to work with, you can still do a patio pond, find a water feature, statue, or even just a beautiful piece of furniture such as this Wooden Swing Bench.
4. Prioritise Your Outdoor Furniture
Sitting in the grass sounds relaxing, but the reality is uncomfortable and often ends in a few ant bites. Investing in great outdoor furniture can last you for decades, so choose pieces you love.
For a playful, family-friendly touch, you could get a Swing Hammock Chair, or for a sleek and modern feel, a Four-piece Rattan Furniture Set will work well.
It’s also worth remembering the Australian climate and investing in water-resistant and UV-resistant furniture so you can enjoy your outdoor without worrying about it fading in the sun.
5. Accessorise
With your theme set and your furniture to match, it’s time to tie it all together. Accessories are the best way to do this. Think plant pots, cushions, a throw, or blanket for evenings early or later in the year when it can be a bit chilly, and lighting. Add in some mosquito-repelling citrus candles and you’ll be able to spend all day outside.
6. Don’t Skip the Shade
Sitting outside in the sun can be incredibly relaxing, but it’s also not always good for you, so make sure you heed our advice and make sure you’ve got somewhere in the shade. If you own your home, you could plant a tree to cast shade. For a more instant solution, gazebos and umbrellas are a great option. For example, position an umbrella over our Daybed with Cushions and you’ll have a thoroughly comfortable outdoor experience!
If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space or upgrade your garden or patio seating, Rivercity House & Home Co. has everything you need to make it as comfortable and stylish as you desire. We offer free shipping throughout Australia, all our stock is based in Australia, and we offer flexible ways to pay. To see the full range, click here.