GREAT OUTDOORS

AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP, CREATE A BEAUTIFUL ROOM OUTSIDE, WHETHER IT’S FOR DINING, LOUNGING OR CURLING UP TO READ.

Our eight-page guide to creating enchanting outdoor spaces for entertaining and simply relaxing.

A chic dining retreat

It’s hard to top the simple chic of white table linen coupled with the natural textures of timber and rattan. Interior designer Melissa Penfold’s home in the Southern Highlands of NSW is renowned for its pared-back elegance, leavened with a touch of French country. Here, it’s the latticed greenery that provides both geometric elegance and a shot of colour to the refined restraint of the table setting. This table is a reminder that timeless charm is as much about what you leave out as what you put in. Good quality pieces in a neutral palette will always retain their appeal. >

When a long day of garden lounging slips into night, a wool throw … counters evening breezes.

A balmy haven

In this coastal home, a relaxed, outdoor living room in which to relax suits the surrounding tropical garden. Crisp whites and organic materials mixed with cool blue accents add a subtle beachy feel, while swapping out heavy dark wooden furniture for sun-bleached timbers speaks of summer year-round. Floor cushions provide extra seating and an outdoor rug defines the space. When a long day of garden lounging slips into night, a wool throw with a soft texture will counter evening breezes, and a cane lantern illuminates the scene with a warm glow. >

A classic blue-and-white colour scheme is a time-honoured way to evoke the life aquatic.

Lakeside luxe

This weathered old jetty on Lake Conjola, NSW, makes the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for two. A classic blue-and-white colour scheme is a time-honoured way to evoke life on the water, while rattan and timber furniture lends texture and warmth. Antique fishing floats and storm lanterns round out the maritime theme – rowing boat optional.

A hanging chair in a shady spot is the ideal place to while away long, languid afternoons.

The secret garden

A hanging chair in a shady spot is the ideal place to while away long, languid afternoons with a book. Furnishing an outdoor literary hideaway is simple: first, select a chair. Pick tight-woven rattan for maximum cocooning, or an open latticework to catch the breezes. Then add cushions and throws for support and softness, and place a table within arm’s reach for your favourite cool drink or a cup of tea. Add an extra chair for a friend if you’re feeling sociable, spread a an outdoor rug on the ground for a picnic. There’s no need to step inside all day.

At Melissa Penfold’s home in the NSW Southern Highlands, a sandstone wall protects from the wind as the table is set for an alfresco lunch.

9 1 West Hampton teak 3-metre table, $2595, from Mrs Blanchett’s Summer House. 2 Moss white tablecloth, $143, from L&M Home. 3 KR Harmony wine glass 450ml 6-piece set gift boxed, $59.95, from Maxwell & Williams. 4 West Hampton chair, $450, from Mrs Blanchett’s Summer House. 5 Pebble cotton napkin, $6.95, from Provincial Living. 6 Panna urn, $328, from Horgans. 7 Chester cutlery silver 16-piece set, $149.95, from Maxwell & Williams. 8 Vintage lace dessert plate, $38.50, from Kim Wallace Ceramics. 9 Capri chair in natural and white, $699, from Provincial Living. 10 Pink carafe and glass by Maison Balzac, $89, from Aura Home. 11 Rattan placemat in white, $17.95, from Alfresco Emporium.

1 2 4

5

3

11 10

8

7

6

A sofa built to withstand the weather is the perfect place to relax and enjoy this lush, tropical garden.

12 11 2 9

7

1

3

8 1 Custom order oval cane chair, $849, from Worn Store. 2 Pennington throw in ivory, $299.99, from Sheridan. 3 Moroccan cactus silk cushion cover in blue, $79.95, from Maison & Maison. 4 Christophe linen cushion in natural, $99, from Papaya. 5 The totem tabouret stool, $520, from Worn Store. 6 Pai bowl ceramic white, $36.95, from Oz Design Furniture. 7 Custom order Judd sofa, $4900, from Coastal Living. 8 Palma wide Fedora, $129, from Lack of Colour. 9 Shaka tribal flatweave rug in ivory, $730-$2381, from Miss Amara. 10 Vincent Sheppard Tika lantern steel base, $795 (small) $855 (large), from Cotswold Furniture. 11 Large Indah basket in white, $119.95, from Provincial Living. 12 Inartisan Sanna dipped jug in blue, $69, from Salubrious Living.

5

4

6

10

1 Stripe and barre cushions, $88-$216, from Shibori. 2 Glass floats, $25 each, from Coastal Vintage. 3 Dark-terra place setting in coast, $84, from Robert Gordon. 4 Iko teardrop cheese board, $29-$39, from Inartisan. 5 Salt & Pepper alfresco small hurricane candle holder, $79, from Domayne. 6 Sika design Grace dining table, $1175, from Domo. 7 Salt & Pepper finesse large ribbed vase, $44, from Domayne. 8 Pebble print napkin in navy set of four, $84.95, from Bright Threads. 9 Large salad bowl in banksia, $72.95, from Robert Gordon. 10 Landlubber bottle opener, $40, from The Society Inc. 11 Flowering gum blue round, $350, from Bonnie and Neil. 12 Elisabeth chair exterior collection, $525, from Domo. 13 Windsor outdoor blue floor cushion, $219, from Domayne.

Take time out to read, curled up in a hanging chair hidden away in the garden.

1 Sika design hanging egg chair, $3150, from Domo. 2 Hapuna hanging chair in white, $599, from Abide Interiors. 3 Bay scatter cushion in olive, $39.95, from Papaya. 4 Gemela lantern, $99-$159 and Gemela votive, $29.95, from Papaya. 5 Maxime linen throw in grey, $159, from Papaya. 6 Monet exterior chair in dove white, $1095, from Domo. 7 Duke plush pet cushion in dark grey, $49.95-$99, from Papaya. 8 Canvas mug, $41.95, from Robert Gordon. 9 Ryker planters in white, $199-$279, from Domayne. 10 Ceramic dinner plate in cream, $28.05, from Horgans. 11 Martino Gamper Arnold circus stool in pistachio, $245, from Worn Store. 12 Traditional power-loomed outdoor rug in white and navy, $69.95-$299, from Temple & Webster.