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The best outdoor areas feel like a natural extension of the home.”

Size matters

Whether you’ re styling a balcony or a backyard, both experts agree: it’ s all about proportion and flow.“ Work out your space with a measuring tape and draw a basic floor plan,” advises Katherine, who has been specialising in residential design across Sydney for more than 14 years.“ And don’ t forget to make sure there is ample room to move around in the area.”

Katherine has suggestions for outdoor spaces of all sizes.“ Small balcony spaces can work well with an L-shaped lounger and coffee table to one side of the space,” she suggests.“ A large alfresco area, however, can benefit from creating two zones – for example, a dining set and a lounge set with a small coffee table – to make it feel like a multipurpose space.”

Josie is also a fan of zoning in larger spaces.“ Create distinct areas for lounging, dining, even a quiet corner for morning coffee,” she says.“ Just make sure there’ s a thread of consistency – repeating a material or colour across zones keeps it all feeling cohesive rather than cluttered.”

And how does this translate for smaller spaces?“ Think vertically,” Josie says.“ Hanging plants, wall lights, foldable tables. Every centimetre counts. Choose pieces that multitask, like a bench with hidden storage or a stool that doubles as a side table.”

Just add personality

Small details can make a major difference to the overall feel of your space.“ Don’ t be afraid of pops of colour and texture,” says Katherine.“ Bright outdoor cushions with a pattern or different texture can completely transform a space. Throw in a large white decorative pot with a beautiful tall plant, and a small item on the coffee table to finish. Your outdoor space will look just as beautiful as your indoors.”

For Josie, lighting is one of the quickest ways to elevate a space.“ A few warmtoned globes or a string of festoon lights instantly make any space feel more inviting,” she says.“ Cushions and throws add that soft, finished look, but make sure they’ re outdoor grade so you’ re not dragging them in and out every five minutes.”

And don’ t overlook layout, she adds.“ Even a subtle shift, like angling your lounge to face greenery or a view, changes the mood completely. It’ s those small details that take a space from‘ nice’ to‘ let’ s never go back inside’.”

Pine Knoll Swing Item 1807161

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ALIX

NICHOLSON

is a Sydney lifestyle journalist who covers travel, beauty, homes and wellness.

COSTCO CONNECTION JAN / FEB 2026 | 17