BUYING SMART: OUTDOOR LIVING
THE GREAT outdoor space
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From sprawling backyards to pint-sized balconies, here’ s how to make your outdoor living areas shine this summer. BY ALIX NICHOLSON
W ith summer in full swing, we’ re all spending more time outside. But styling an outdoor space isn’ t as simple as hauling a few chairs onto the patio. Between sizing, materials and functionality, there’ s a few things to consider before you start shopping. For many, the hardest part of styling your space is simply knowing where to begin, explains Katherine David, founder of KDI Interiors(@ kdi _ interiors. sydney).
“ Working out which products are right for your outdoor space can be one of the biggest challenges,” she says.“ There are many considerations that should be part of your decision, such as what will suit your general entertaining needs best, the materials used( based on whether your space is undercover or exposed to elements) and, of course, budget.”
Often, after you’ ve purchased a property, adds Josie Huynh, managing editor of Domain and Prestige magazines, the furnishing fund has vanished.“ Outdoor spaces are often the first to be forgotten, yet they’ re the ones that can add so much livability and value,” she says.“ If you’ ve bought a home with a generous backyard, make sure you leave room in the budget to make it livable, otherwise you’ re just staring at a very expensive patch of grass.”
Start smart
When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture, first consider how the space will be used.“ The best outdoor areas feel like a natural extension of the home,” says Josie.“ Think of it as another living room – just one that happens to have better lighting and the occasional magpie.
“ Start with how you want to use the space: entertaining, lounging, dining or all of the above. Once you know its‘ job’, you can layer in comfort, greenery and personal touches that make you actually want to be out there year-round.”
Keep this purpose in mind when you hit the shops.“ If you have a large family that does a lot of outdoor cooking, an outdoor dining table and chair set would be your best bet,” adds Katherine.“ If you tend to simply sit outside with a drink or a coffee on the weekends and enjoy the weather, rather than large-group entertaining, something like a lounge set and coffee table could work better for your space.”
Always remember a memorable outdoor space doesn’ t need to be big or fancy, says Josie:“ It just needs to feel like you.” >
COSTCO CONNECTION JAN / FEB 2026 | 15