LET THE OUTSIDE IN
People in Australia know how important is to enjoy the outdoor as well as the indoor spaces of their homes, but to me it was a whole new concept.
Coming from Italy I was used to small apartments, if you want to enjoy a bit of fresh air, you must go to public spaces such as parks, gardens, beaches etc. In Italy you design and furnish the outdoors mainly for commercial projects and public areas, so I felt like my world was expanding and I remember thinking “wait a minute, I can now design residential outdoor spaces too!”
Materials are the key to creating durable exteriors and basically every furniture supplier in Perth stocks outdoor furniture and decor. Unless in an apartment, any Australian house has an ‘Alfresco’ area (I also remember finding the name so funny as this literally means “in the fresh” in Italian).
The Alfresco is at the back of the house and it creates an intimate outdoor area within your own property. In most cases at least part of it is undercover, but with larger areas it’s common to also have some spots open and directly exposed to the weather for trees, plants, and flowers or a swimming pool.
Flooring
Decking, aggregate, pavers and tiles are probably the most common used materials for external flooring. There is no wrong or right, the material choice is often based on the space and its inhabitants needs (how much money are you prepared to invest? How are you going to use the space?). Also, it doesn’t have to be one material only! Always think outside the box and ask tradies and experts on how to lay two different materials and how they can coexist in the long term.
Your exterior space it’s an extension of your home, so make sure your main flooring complements your external flooring and vice versa. You want to create a seamless connection between the two areas.
Furniture
In terms of furniture this really depends on your style and preference, but there are materials more recommended than others. One of them is rattan, warm, natural and durable. It’s an extremely versatile material and the industry has a lot to offer.
I love rattan because of its vintage vibe, it always kind of takes me to another era. I recently found this chair at a vintage/mid-century shop in Perth and I love it!
My Favourite Picks
I’ve rounded up some of my favourite picks to create a welcoming outdoor area using warm tones and textures.
Rug: Freedom Australia | Pendant Light: Globewest | Coffee Table: Sarah Ellison | Armchairs: Ferm living from Arrival Hall | 3 Seater Sofa: Ikea | Patterned Cushion: Ferm living from Arrival Hall | Cushion: Décor Avenue | Vase: Loam
There is so much more to say and I am super excited to address your questions if you have any, I would also love to hear about your experience with your exteriors and what your space looks like, so please get in touch! I am only one keyboard click away!
