Decorating tips for your outdoor space

A big, comfy chaise is the perfect addition to any outdoor oasis. Recline and relax on warm nights with a good book and glass of wine.

Minotti ‘Le Parc’ outdoor chaise lounge, from $6633, De De Ce. On chaise, Handmade crochet throw, $140, Sky Parlour.

On tray: Glass tumblers, $19.90 each, Citta Design. Oval platter in White, $20, Orson & Blake. ‘Mekong’ breakfast tray in Dove Grey, $59.95, Home Republic ‘Oslo’ cotton cushion in Rust Pyramid, $59.95, both Adairs. Jug and side table, stylist’s own. Terracotta pots, from $10/5cm, Flower Power. Glass terrarium vessel, $140 (plants not included), Zuster. Plants, from a selection at Eden Gardens.

Extend your living space beyond the back door with these bright and beautiful decorating ideas. A big outdoor table is a must along with chairs for outdoor entertaining. Dress your table in sweet spring hues to match stunning seasonal blooms.

From left: Olive tree, $30, in ‘Avoca’ pot, from $41/small, both Flower Power. ‘Georgian’ hanging planter baskets, $25/40cm, Eden Gardens. On chairs, from left: Mrs Darcy ‘Storm Clouds And Blush’ silk cushion, $84, Ada & Darcy. Ikat indoor cushion in Blue, $45, Flower Power. Sika Design ‘Affaire Monique’ outdoor rattan armchair (left), $350, side chair (back), $325, both Domo. On table: ‘Hobnail’ glasses, $13 each, Zuster. Cereal bowls in Pink, $16 each, Orson & Blake. Cutlery, $19.90/piece, Citta Design. Malcolm Greenwood ‘White Series’ porcelain side plates, $35 each, Koskela. ‘Ensidig’ vase (used as milk jug), $1.50, Ikea. Cake stand in Grey, $85/27cm, Orson & Blake. Moroccan platter in Silver, $72, Flower Power. Planet Earth eco natural flax tablecloth with stitched detail, $286/350cm x 100cm, Koskela. On trunk: Vintage kantha quilt, $168, Bowerhouse. ‘Kubu’ rattan rectangular storage chest (used as bench seat), $499, Citta Design. ​

Bright colours and accessories add flair to your table and make guests feel welcomed. 

Left, clockwise from top left: Cereal bowls in Pink, $16 each, Orson & Blake. Parrot  tulips and paper daisies, Samambaia Flowers. ‘Hobnail’ pitcher, $55, Zuster. Forks, $19.90 each, Citta Design. Rosewater marshmallows, $15/packet, Black Pantry. Malcolm Greenwood ‘White Series’ porcelain side plates, $35 each, Koskela. ‘Hobnail’ candle in Coral, $49.95, Eden Gardens. ‘Hobnail’ glasses, $13 each, Zuster. ‘Ensidig’ vase (used as milk jug), $1.50, Ikea. Cake stand in Grey, $85/27cm, Orson & Blake.  Moroccan platter in Silver, $72, Flower Power.

Have a small space, or run out of chairs? Bright cushions can double as decoration and as extra seats. They are perfect for a casual BBQ or picnic.

Clockwise from top left: ‘Varm’ acrylic throw in Off White & Mist, $139, Citta Design. Home Republic vintage washed linen cushion in Lemon, $59.95, Adairs. Mrs Darcy ‘Oh My Blossom’ linen cushion,
$79, Ada & Darcy. Chess set, stylist’s own. ‘Suzani’ outdoor cushion,  $89, Yellow Front Door. Cereal bowl in Finch Blue & Natural, $16.90,  Citta Design. ‘Ensidig’ vase, $1.50, Ikea. Concrete round tray, $39/31cm, Zakkia. Moroccan outdoor rug in Medium, $125, Terrace.

Dainty pots filled with fresh blooms, or herbs look great. Arrange pots on a bar cart or plant stand for an effortlessly chic display.

On chair: Home Republic ‘Airlie’ cotton/linen cushion in Paw Paw, $39.95, Adairs. Chair, $79/3-piece setting, Masters. On bar cart, pots, from top left: Terracotta pots, from $2.50/mini, two-tone woven basket in Orange, $28, all Flower Power. Plants, from top left: Snapdragons, cyclamen and strawberry plant, miniature daisies, butterfly bush, all Eden Gardens. Spade, $16.98, Eden Gardens. ‘Roy’ rattan bar cart, $445, Bowerhouse. On ground: ‘Red Dot’ sliders, $37.95/pair, Eden Gardens.

A small table allows guests to pop their drinks down somewhere and can also be used to add to the ambience of your outdoor retreat. A stunning vase filled with plants is a beautiful focal point.

Left: Glass terrarium vessel with ball lid, $140 (plants not included), Zuster. Plants, from a selection at Eden Gardens. Glass tumbler, $19.95, Citta Design. Side table, stylist’s own. Home Republic ‘Oslo’ cotton cushion in Rust Pyramid, $59.95, Adairs. Stockists, page 252 >