Summertime. It’s all about long lunches, impromptu catch ups and spontaneous late-night barbeques. It’s taking time out, hosting friends and family outdoors, relaxing with a drink, watching the sunset and getting the party started.

When it comes to getting your outdoor area up to style-speed this season, it doesn’t mean your outdoors can’t look as good as the inside too. There are some simple ways you can easily update your outdoor area and get amongst the latest design trends, whatever your budget and style.

We round up the top 5 things you should have on your list to ensure outdoor living style doesn’t get overlooked this summer.

1. Statement Pot Plants

Three Birds Deck,+Servery,+Outdoor+Dining.jpg
Three Birds Deck,+Servery,+Outdoor+Dining.jpg

The bigger, the better. Make a statement with an oversized tropical pot plant for your outdoor area. Create a dramatic focal point with just one (think a Kentia or Golden Cane Palm) or alternatively cluster three different sized pot plants at various heights for visual interest. Check out Artedomus for a wide range of pots in different materials, colours and sizes to suit any backyard space, no matter what your style.

 

2. A Fireplace

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EK1550.jpg

What better way is there to relax into the night than in front of a roaring outdoor fireplace? Even better, the EK Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen by Escea is also an outdoor kitchen, so impress your friends with a smoky, home-cooked meat lover’s feast, then unwind and keep warm into the small hours. No need to move an inch and you save on precious space too.

3. Designer Furniture

Byron Bay Hanging Chair.jpg
Byron Bay Hanging Chair.jpg

A relaxing outdoor area wouldn’t be complete without a hanging chair, just like this one by Byron Bay Hanging Chair Co. If you’re after a single cocoon shape just for yourself or want room to fit the whole family, get yourself a chair that’s not only stylish but is big on comfort and fun factor too.

4. An Outdoor Rug

Armadillo and Co Horizon Rug.jpg

To add a bit of luxe comfort, place an outdoor rug underneath your furniture. Rugs are also a clever way to frame a space so if you need to define an area or create a separate retreat, place a rug down (or even better, layer a couple) and finish off with some outdoor cushions or beanbags. Brita Sweden does a range of plastic rugs that are completely waterproof (you can even hose them down to clean), or try Armadillo and Co’s Horizon Rug for ultimate underfoot luxury.

5. Luxe Shade

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untitled-4304.jpg

Designer umbrellas are now a thing. 1970’s inspired but with a modern luxe update, think subtle patterns and pastel colours just like these ones from Sunday Supply Co.  Designed for the beach or at home, these umbrellas are the perfect way to spruce up your summer lazing.