Creating fun summer outdoor spaces: Our top tips

Home decor

1. Purpose-driven design

Begin with a clear vision: decide if your outdoor space will prioritise dining, lounging, gardening, entertaining, or a harmonious blend. This foundational step ensures a cohesive layout and purposeful furniture selections.

2. Create comfortable seating areas and shade

Invest in weatherproof outdoor furniture like loungers, bean bags, or sectional sofas. Local Hawke’s Bay company Nala Outdoor offers a gorgeous range of outdoor soft lounging and funky umbrellas to elevate your outdoor space.
Visit nalaoutdoor.com for more options to create your dream summer setup.

 

Use cushions and throws with bold, summery colors to add comfort and style. Little and Fox offers a beautiful selection of soft furnishings to elevate your outdoor space.
Visit
LittleandFox.com to explore their range.

 

Add a hammock or swing for a touch of fun and relaxation.
Check out stylish hammocks from
hammockshop.co.nz known for their great range of designs, perfect for enhancing your outdoor space.

3. Elevated alfresco dining

Transform your outdoor dining space with a chic, wind-resistant table and chairs that seamlessly blend style and practicality.

 

Integrate a bespoke outdoor kitchen featuring a sculptural fire element and a top-tier BBQ or pizza oven. Renowned New Zealand brand Flare Fires offers refined, ready-to-use options that epitomise modern design. Discover more at flarefires.com

 

Elevate the mood with thoughtfully designed lighting, including string lights, lanterns, or candles, to create a warm and sophisticated evening ambiance.

4. Greenery as a design element

Curate a sophisticated outdoor aesthetic with intentional landscaping, utilising plants that thrive in the local conditions. In Hawke’s Bay, prioritise species with drought tolerance and wind-resistant qualities to ensure a harmonious and enduring design.

 

Incorporate fragrant and functional herbs such as basil, mint, or thyme to blend beauty with practicality, making the area both visually appealing and useful for culinary purposes.

5. Artful lighting design

Create an enchanting evening ambiance with elegantly arranged fairy lights or festoon bulbs, perfect for sophisticated gatherings.

 

Introduce a sculptural fire pit that doubles as a design focal point, adding both warmth and charm.

 

Highlight pathways and key features like trees or flower beds with sleek solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly and stylish touch.

6. Integrate playful and luxurious features

Add a lawn game area with options like cornhole, petanque, or giant Jenga.

 

Install a luxurious hot tub that doubles as an ice bath. Consider Sulis Hot Tubs, a premium New Zealand brand offering beautifully crafted tubs that seamlessly blend design and functionality. Explore their range at sulishottubs.co.nz

 

Include a projector for outdoor movie nights.

7. Designer flooring and textures

Use outdoor rugs to define seating areas and add comfort.

 

Opt for decking, gravel, or stone pavers for a polished, low-maintenance look.

8. Practical and functional additions

Provide outdoor storage for cushions, games, and other accessories to protect them from the elements.

 

Install insect-repelling plants or citronella candles to keep bugs at bay.

9. Sustainability as a design ethos

Use recycled materials for furniture or decor where possible.

 

Plant a vege and herb garden, add a hidden rainwater storage tank and use efficient irrigation systems.