1. Consider the space
The first step in planning outdoor areas is to consider the size of the space, and how you want to use it. Is it compact to allow for a small café table and chairs, or slightly larger for relaxing lounge chairs – or perhaps it’s large enough for sun loungers and a dining table with drinks area. Knowing the space you have to work with, and how people will interact within it is key. Ensure pieces selected are right for the space and how it will be used, avoid crowding the area.
2. Ensure flexibility
Flexibility is key. Assess how you want to entertain in the space – for example, with a growing family, consider stacking chairs, stools, benches or modular lounging pieces to host those unexpected guests! Pairing a table with chairs on one side and a bench seat on the other so it can be multi-purpose is one option. It’s better to have a flexible approach that you can reduce and expand where required. What you leave out, is just as important as what you include!
Because we make-to-order at Tait, items can be powder coated in the same colour, or you can have a harmonious collection in fun, tonal colours that work together, ensuring a cohesive space.
3. Layer
Layers help to create a warm and inviting area for sharing a meal, enjoying the sunshine and making memories. Furniture should sit happily within the space, without dominating. Considering what extras you can add in to build a more complete look with maximum wow factor is always a good idea! Layering nesting tables, drink trolleys, firepits, umbrellas, cushions and planters that can be moved easily when gathering is a great option as they add depth and ensure the space looks lived in. Greenery is wonderful to add life to a space too – Tait has some great planters on wheels so they can be moved seasonally and easily watered.
4. Blend colour, materials and natural elements
If you can see the outdoor space from the house it’s good to have a flow through of colours, materials and natural elements for consistency of design. Look to the garden or building materials to complement your outdoor space and create an entertaining oasis with lush garden plants. Adding to this, consider whether there is a style the furniture should reference – a tropical garden, modern minimal or a retro space – perhaps a Palm Springs vibe. If you want the space to be long lasting, keep the colour palette more neutral and always try to reference the house building materials as a guide, bringing colour in with fabrics and scatters.
Australian earthy tones which complement building materials, architecture styles and native plants are increasingly utilised. For colours – green is still really big, and rust and brown has made a big comeback. Textured fabrics, powder coats, boucles and weaves are everywhere. I’m thrilled to see comfort, longevity of materials and sustainability becoming important as people increasingly consider where products come from.
5. Invest in quality pieces
Buy beautiful quality that works hard outside and is low-maintenance, allowing more time to enjoy life! Luxe finishes, such as porcelain which we include on our Trace Dining Table, or mirror polish on the Swing Chair, create an inviting, stylish environment – a sanctuary! In the same way you decorate indoors, there’s a lot of options outdoors.
If you’re planning your outdoor space for Summer visit our website or book a design consultation in one of our showrooms in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and celebrate Summer with Tait.
Well-designed, well-made outdoor products that are both reflective of Australia’s enviable outdoor lifestyle and built to withstand the harsh Australian elements are important. Make sure you select UV-safe powder coat materials and be realistic about how much maintenance you want to do. A simple cleaning and maintenance program is ideal, just like a car, it’s good to wash things down. Invest wisely!
BROWSE OUR RANGE
The lounging season is almost upon us! And we say there’s no better way to while away the longer days than to do it reclining in a Tait Sunlounge.
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With a passion for the outdoors, Tait is happy to be popping-up on the sun-drenched shores of Byron Bay. The warmer months are on our doorstep, so we’ve booked an extended spring fling in Byron Bay. Our 6-month pop-up on Banksia Drive opens Wednesday 2 October.
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You can still order your favourite Tait pieces with guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. For residential/trade orders, the cut-off is Saturday 26 October; and for commercial orders, talk to your sales rep to see what we can do for you.
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The bright and bold Billy Collection has made 2 shortlists in this year’s Interior Design Excellence Awards: the Object, Furniture and Lighting category – and Sustainability category.
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Textiles play a large part in making A Life Outside comfortable and characterful. Although improvements are always being made to our processes, some waste is unavoidable during manufacture. But with the help of After, we’ve diverted 500kg of textile waste — that’s the size of a 1-year-old elephant! — from landfill.
Read More Our creative neighbourhood in Fortitude Valley, Queensland is gathering for a Spring-inspired afternoon of design and networking. Mark the date in your diary: Thursday 17 October, 3-8pm.
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