Inside And Out

The Age

Wednesday January 30, 2008

Lisa Blundell

Couches, side tables and cushions are migrating outdoors as the backyard becomes a decadently appointed lounging zone, writes Lisa Blundell.

AS JAMES REYNE from Australian Crawl sang, "Beautiful people; their gardens full of furniture, their houses full of plants". But now it's not just the beautiful people who want their outside rooms: we all hanker for a day-bed or to hang out in a hammock.

We can't get enough of the great outdoors, and no wonder given how much time, effort and money it has taken to convert our backyards from the domain of the Hills hoist into decadent landscapes. The humble banana lounge is just not good enough for our patios, pavilions and deck-a-randas.

We don't hold back when it comes to decorating our patch under the stars; lounge suites, side tables and, yes, even the kitchen sink now grace the back deck.

Stylist Nicole Delves says the trend for indoor as outdoor has been around for some time now: "Two-seater couches, armchairs and coffee tables have been very popular outside in recent years.

"But nowadays everyone wants their outside rooms decorated even further with cushions, throws and side tables."

And it doesn't stop with soft furnishings. The inside kitchen can take a break over summer now that the outside cooking area rivals it for cabinetry and accessory options.

Kitchen cupboards, granite benchtops, sinks and outdoor fridges snuggle up next to the barbie and will help turn the humble sausage sizzle into a gourmet extravaganza every time. Bunnings stocks the Mimosa range which includes a cooler bar with granite bench top for $599 and an outdoor sink, also by Mimosa, for $344.

Even the barbecue has matured and now the old hot plate and grill can come with wok burner, rotisserie, teppanyaki grill and pizza oven.

But after all that cooking you'll want time to relax and you'd be hard pressed to find a more comfortable outdoor lounging piece than the Kuh de Tah day-bed from Nicholas Design in Hampton.

"It's so comfortable and it splits to convert from a day-bed to a sofa with two-seater bench should any visitors drop in and interrupt your siesta," says design consultant Nikki Ellis of Nicholas Design.

Fabric choices for outdoor upholstery and cushions are more varied than ever, giving the leisure-seeker a far greater range to choose from. "Exterior fabrics mirror interiors now," according to Ms Ellis. She says that the current fashion is getting well away from the stripes and neutrals of the early 1990s. "Manufacturers such as Mokum and Warwick are offering bold colours, interesting textures and fabrics with rich patterning. The fabrics are 100% polyester and won't be bothered by UV, stains or mildew. And of course they're waterproof," she says.

A real blessing for outdoor living in recent times has been the durable synthetic rattan, which now seems so real it takes a close look to see that it's not authentic cane. Ms Ellis says this product is getting away from the square look. "It's now all about the tub seat and pod chair and both styles work brilliantly in a more confined space such as a courtyard."

And just as beanbags are back inside the home, they're also in the backyard - and back in the pool (remember the Sunberg?). The contemporary range of brightly coloured Mojo beanbags are weatherproof (and pool friendly) and comes in several sizes with prices starting at $45.95 at Nicholas Design.

Lighting is, as always, a critical accessory outdoors this summer for balmy evenings, and a popular option is the breeze-proof hurricane lamp. From Moroccan to Balinese, the styles vary but the effect is the same - a romantic flicker with enough light to enjoy your steak and salad. "You can always use a citronella candle to keep the bugs at bay too," says Ms Ellis. Nicholas Design has a popular 70-centimetre-high hanging version in a bamboo random weave for $80.

This summer is all about convenience, fun and entertaining but, most of all, it's about relaxation, so bring your inside outside, kick back and enjoy.

Contact

Nicholas Design

465 Hampton Street, Hampton, 9521 0470

Bunnings

bunnings.com.au, 8831 9777

Nicole Delves

0419 004 561

Matt Blatt

mattblatt.com.au

© 2008 The Age

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