Outdoor entertaining has become a key part of the Australian lifestyle, particularly heading into warmer months. From outdoor barbeques to pool days and backyard cricket, a lot of our hosting takes part on balconies, outdoor patios and grassy backyards. But how do you design the perfect space from scratch? This article dives into top tips from our very own Pillow Talk stylists on how to decorate an outdoor area for entertaining!
As the saying goes ‘measure twice, cut once’ and the same can be said for your outdoor home decorating. It’s important to start by measuring the space you will be working with before you jump into planning, layouts, shopping or styling.
Using a tape measure, note down the size and shape of the outdoor area you want to decorate. This will help to determine layout and furniture options later down the track.
After taking the measurements, jot down the key areas you would like to sit within this outdoor space. From dining to lounging, cooking, gaming, a bar or coffee spot, consider how you will use the outdoor area in your everyday and when entertaining. This will create the guidelines for the outdoor area layout and zoning.
Style Tip: Use Pinterest or Instagram to get some inspiration for what your outdoor area can look like and the type of areas you will want in your space. Make a new board dedicated to your outdoor area or save all the posts in a folder online and fill it with images of spaces that you love! This will also give you some indication of key themes, design styles and looks you like for furniture and decor later on.
After measuring your outdoor area, it’s time to fill the space with purpose. Choose outdoor furniture pieces that are functional whilst still adding new elements of visual interest to make the most out of your outdoor entertaining space.
We recommend starting from the largest furniture items and working your way to decor elements at the end. This ensures you cover all your bases and place the most priority on sourcing the big-ticket items that you need to create a functional space. Typical furniture items you will need in your outdoor area include:
It is also important to choose furniture that has been specifically designed for the outdoors. Outdoor furniture is designed with weather-resistant and durable materials to make sure it lasts outside in rail, hail or shine. From outdoor chairs to outdoor coffee tables, make sure your furniture is functional for your space.
Another consideration is the balance of furniture when decorating your outdoor area. Make sure to create a balance between comfort and style with soft furnishings like outdoor sofas or sectionals with dining tables or bar seating. This mix of hard and soft materials will tie your outdoor area together!
Style Tip: Keep a spreadsheet with your budget as well as the measurements of your space and begin listing out the furniture items you need. As you begin to find furniture you like, add the cost and size to the spreadsheet to stay on budget!
Once you understand the form, functionality and furniture going into your space, it’s time to zone. In interior design, “zoning” refers to classifying certain areas to a specific function. With your list of areas that you want to have in your outdoor space, assign a ‘zone’ for each listed and sketch a rough layout of your outdoor area.
For example, an outdoor patio with a barbeque should have a dining setting near the barbeque or bar area for easy entertaining and a smaller sofa and coffee table setting off to the side for morning coffees or outdoor lounging. If you’re stuck on space, consider opting for multi-functional spaces that can double as dining and lounge with expandable tables or stackable chairs.
A popular way to clearly define spaces in design is using rugs and furniture. By placing a rug in an outdoor dining area or a lounge space, it visually indicates the different spaces and adds texture and dimension to your design.
It is recommended to choose an outdoor rug that is large enough to fit in your space. For an outdoor dining area, choose a rug that will fit under a dining table and chairs with room to move the chairs out and in with ease.
Whilst an outdoor lounge area should have an outdoor rug large enough to fit the outdoor chairs and outdoor coffee table comfortably. As all outdoor furniture will sit within each rug area, it visually creates the look of groups of spaces to provide visual order and cohesion to your outdoor area.
Style Tip: Using paper, a pen and a ruler create a scale model of your outdoor living space. Then make model sizes of the furniture you have planned and use this to shift furniture around your space. This not only ensures the furniture will fit but can let you play around with the layout and zoning easily.
No outdoor area is truly complete without decor and soft furnishings to tie the space together! Taking into consideration the colours, materials and fibres in the furniture, lighting and plants, pick out the decor elements to complete your design.
Outdoor cushions are a great way to add warmth and comfort to your outdoor area design. Layer cushions on outdoor lounges for a comfortable and chic space to relax and unwind. This can instantly make your outdoor space feel comfortable for guests and your everyday – making it the perfect spot to have your morning coffee or a hang out area when hosting. Or add outdoor bolster cushions to daybeds by the pool to create a hotel-inspired style that feels luxe and elevated.
Short on space? An outdoor floor cushion is an easy way to incorporate a new styling element into your outdoor area design without taking up too much room. A great option to lay out in the backyard, deck or balcony when hosting for extra seating. Easily store away in the shed or storage space when not in use – talk about versatile styling!
Enhance your outdoor dining experience with outdoor chair pads. This can create a more comfortable and inviting environment for entertaining long lunches or dinners with friends and family. Plus, it’s a great way to infuse colour, texture and pattern into your outdoor space!
Style Tip: Use contrasting colours in your decor to create a more visually interesting, dimensional design.
Creating the tablescape of your dreams for an outdoor area is simpler than you may think. It comes down to selecting timeless tableware, dinnerware and serveware designed to not only look stylish in the space but crafted with durable materials made for the great outdoors.
Start by selecting an outdoor tablecloth to set the tone. Whether you opt for a neutral-toned outdoor tablecloth to keep it classic or are after a statement style to bring a pop of colour to your outdoor area – find an outdoor tablecloth that suits you and complements the tones, textures and fixtures featured throughout the rest of your home’s interior and exterior. At Pillow Talk, our outdoor tablecloths are each created from durable and spillproof fabrics making them simple to clean and able to stand the test of time for outdoor use.
Next, it is time to choose outdoor tableware and dinnerware to plate up in style at your next soiree. Typically, outdoor tableware and dinnerware is available in ranges that feature outdoor plates, outdoor bowls, outdoor cups, outdoor trays and outdoor jugs. This makes it simple to find pieces that work together for your tablescape.
If you have selected a more muted outdoor tablecloth, it is recommended to select a bolder print or pattern in your serveware to create a dimensional design. However, if you chose a statement tablecloth, try neutral-toned tableware and dinnerware to contrast.
After ways to style your outdoor lounge setting? For practical touches that combine form and function, add an outdoor tray to your outdoor coffee table for hassle-free hosting. Select an outdoor tray with a new material, colour or texture that complements your outdoor lounge, rug and cushions to create visual interest. This can be used to add stylistic elements such as an outdoor candle, or as a simple way to transport food and drink from the kitchen to your outdoor area.
Style Tip: Using a colour wheel is a great way to find complementary or contrasting colours that would work with your design. Simply search ‘colour wheel’ online to find a free template that you can use to plan your tablescape design.
After following this simple guide, your outdoor entertaining space should by styled and ready for guests! Starting the process? Discover Pillow Talk’s premium range of furniture and outdoor entertainment pieces to complete your design. Shop the collection online or in-store today to elevate your outdoor area.