SPECIAL FEATURE/ OUTDOOR LIVING
THE LAZY LAWN
Kiwis are learning to love apartment living and, in the process, discovering the joy of rooftop gardens. Where real lawn would be difficult to install, the fake stuff is a savvy choice. Add pots of colour, herbs, strawberries and cherry tomatoes, for an edible garden that’s also the ultimate outdoor room with a view. (A mini version could be created on a balcony). Artificial lawns such as Tiger Turf’s popular Summer Envy remain cool on the hottest day and are easy to care for. Just a spritz of water and an occasional sweep with a stiff-bristled broom will keep it looking good. And because you have avoided the muddy, scrubby lawn, all you need invest in are the stripy deck chairs. See tigerturf.com.
VERTICAL REALITY
When horizontal surface area is at a premium, plant on the perpendicular. Whether you call them green walls or vertical gardens, these upright spaces will add another dimension and they’re community-minded too. Says Leigh Nicholson of Hanging Gardens (hanginggardens.co.nz): “They reduce urban temperatures, help with the management of water run-off, remove air pollutants and play an important role in improving biodiversity.” For apartment balconies, she recommends a soil-based pocket garden that’s ideal for New Zealand natives, annuals, perennials, exotic subtropicals, herbs and vegetables. >
TAKE A SEAT
Ottomans are eminently practical. They can be a table, seat or storage unit. The Nomad ottoman by Monica Armani for Tribu from Dawson & Co (dawsonandco.nz), above, features quickdry foam with a waterproof cover and is upholstered in a variety of outdoor fabrics including Sunbrella and outdoor velvets for pure luxury.
Two’s company! Opt for a comfy his-and-hers setting with a tabletop in between to hold drinks and nibbles. Put the 150cmwide Lucca two-seater on the balcony and watch the world go by. From Danske Mobler, danskemobler.co.nz.
“Round tables with fine legs maximise a small space,” says Scott Fisk from Dawson & Co. A good example is Tribu’s Branch Bistro table, a slimline design with legs inspired by tree branches, that’s small and light on its feet.
With a small outdoor area, chances are your home is pretty compact too so you’ll need to be an expert in clutter-free living. One way, says Carole Farrow at Design Warehouse, is to use indoor pieces outside and vice versa. “That way the decor does not become a confusion of different shapes, materials and colours.” One piece she recommends is the smart and economical Kobii Relaxing chair. See designwarehouse.co.nz.
New Zealand’s coastal environment can wreak havoc on steel and timber, which is why some homeowners prefer polypropylene. The Masters chair, above, designed in 2010 by Philippe Starck for Kartell, is light and stackable, making it perfect for diminutive gardens. The open back means it doesn’t budge in a breeze and the colour is injected all the way through the chair, so it is also resistant to fading. “Black is always popular,” says Michelle Backhouse of Kartell (kartell.co.nz). But white, sage green and grey suit the local landscape, too.
Beanbags are no longer just for teenagers. In small suburban sanctuaries everywhere, they’ve come into their own. And why not? They are easy to move around, maximise space, and can be stacked and stored when not needed. Lujo’s weather-wise beanbags (lujo.co.nz) have matching footstools and ottomans, see page 147, so all you’ll need is a G&T to complete the picture.
SHINE ON
Outdoor lighting should be romantic, but strength and durability are a must. So choose lighting with a substantial warranty made of materials that are non-corrosive and UV resistant. If you live by the coast, you’ll need lighting that can withstand extremes of salt, rain and sun. Feiss fixtures feature a triple layer of emery rock, ground marble and latex composite called StoneStrong that gives them real longevity. And the outdoor collection by Hubbardton Forge in spun metals, right, looks bulletproof because it is. These lights carry a 20-year warranty. See nli.co.nz.
Candles lend instant ambience to a cosy corner but when the wind blows, a lantern is far more practical. We love Kartell’s Lantern light designed by Italian architect Fabio Novembre. The LED lantern’s faceted form in translucent jewel colours is simple yet sublime. It charges on a well-disguised base and you can take it anywhere. >
LIGHT MY FIRE
There’s no point in alfresco entertaining if Jack Frost thinks he’s on the guest list. Heat is essential, and if you’re sold on the ease and ambience of a gas fireplace, look for one that needs no flue so it won’t impede your view or annoy the neighbours. Escea’s EF5000 gas fireplace (escea.com) has electronic ignition, customisable style and 16.5kW of heat. Hook it up to a gas line or an LPG bottle hidden within cabinetry. “If you install the fire within a cabinet on wheels, your outdoor gas fire is transportable – great for renters,” says Escea’s designer Alex Hodge.
Sleek, space-age and tiny, Cocoon Fires from The Fireplace (thefireplace.co.nz) are orb-shaped little beauties that stand on pedestals or hang from the ceiling and, with a 60cm diameter, are the perfect fit for a balcony or boutique backyard. They come in either a marine-grade stainless-steel mirror finish or matt black carbon steel and run on biofuel that burns for up to six hours.
FINAL TOUCHES
An outdoor rug can define a zone within a space and draw all the elements together. Although they’re polypropylene, to withstand the elements, Flax by Mulberi rugs look and feel like sisal and have a natural texture underfoot. “They’re easy to clean – just hose them off,” says Lillian Baker from Furtex (furtex.co.nz).
The age-old trick of using mirrors to make a small room feel bigger also works outdoors. Reflect greenery or scenery to enhance the illusion of space. Online store Feature (feature. co.nz) stocks hard-wearing mirrors especially for the purpose.
The collection of outdoor cushions from Furtex featuring Kiwi summer scenes will put a nostalgic smile on your face. From kayaks pulled up on a secluded beach to landmark lighthouses and showy pohutukawa, they’re upbeat and vibrant to liven up small spaces. The fabrics are water-repellent, anti-mould and faderesistant, but you’ll want to use them indoors too.