Summer’s calling - and she’s saying “get outside!”

We Aussies are pretty obsessed with our outdoor spaces (and for good reason). Whether it’s backyard BBQs, sunset spritzes on the deck, or watching the kids splash around in the pool or run through the sprinkler - the alfresco life is the good life.

But if your outdoor area’s feeling a bit neglected after winter, don’t stress. With a few clever styling moves, you can turn even the most underused corner of your yard into a heavenly summer escape.

Here’s how you can do it, step by step, no renovation required.

Step 1: Choose your zones wisely

Before you bolt out the door and start shopping for all the bits you think you’ll need for your alfresco makeover, sit down, take a breath and ask yourself this: how do we actually want to live out here?

Perhaps you’re all about long lunches and need a dedicated dining area. Maybe you love lazy afternoons lounging by the pool. Or maybe, if you’re lucky, it’s both (plus a pizza oven, fire pit and soccer pitch… we can dream, right?). Your alfresco area should be an extension of the way you live, not just your house.

If space is tight, choose just one zone that’ll make the biggest impact. A comfy outdoor lounge might win out over a dining table if your inside table is close by. The trick is to use your space the way you’ll love it (and use it!) most.

Working out what you want from alfresco life will help you decide which elements to include. Once you’ve made that decision, your next stop is your vision board (of course). It ALWAYS comes back to your vision board!

Top tip: stand at your back door and look out - the natural sightlines will help you decide where each “zone” should sit. You might notice the sun hits one corner perfectly for morning coffee, or another stays shaded for afternoon lounging. Let the light guide your layout.

Step 2: Bring your indoor style outside

We always say your alfresco should feel like your home style just kept going. Don’t fall into the trap of going rogue on your vision board and creating a whole new style, just because you’re stepping outside.

Use the same colour palette and materials you’ve got inside to create a gorgeous indoor/outdoor flow. If you have warm timbers and gold accents in your kitchen, carry those out with timber furniture and a golden-hued pendant. If you love soft neutrals and rattan inside, keep the vibe going outdoors with woven textures and creamy cushions.

A little matchy-matchy is actually a good thing here - it keeps your whole home telling the same story.

Step 3: Pick the right furniture

Your outdoor furniture is what defines your zones and gives the space purpose. But here’s the thing - bigger is not always better. Always measure before you buy - outdoor furniture tends to look smaller in the showroom, but it can crowd your space fast.

You don’t want your deck so full of furniture that no one can move without playing Twister. If you’ve got the space, go for a 75–90cm walkway between pieces of furniture -it instantly feels more comfortable. And in busy zones where people pass each other, 100–120cm is the sweet spot. Empty space is just as important as the filled bits.

And don’t forget weight - lightweight furniture can be a win outdoors. It lets you reconfigure your space for parties, pool days or just a fresh new look whenever you feel like it.

As for materials, please only use pieces made for the great outdoors. All-weather wicker, aluminium, or quality outdoor timber that silvers beautifully over time - they’ll all survive our Aussie sun way better than that old indoor chair you “temporarily” moved outside three summers ago.

$$$-saving tip: If your budget’s tight, invest first in seating (it’s what gets used most) and add smaller tables and other styling items later.

Step 4: CUSHIONS & RUGS ARE ABSOLUTE WINNERS!

If we could give you one alfresco styling commandment, it would be this: thou shalt never skip cushions.

They’re the easiest way to zjoosh up an outdoor space and make it feel like home. Go for quality outdoor fabrics (so you’re not bringing in soggy mouldy messes every time it rains) and don’t be afraid of a little pattern or colour. Replicating indoor cushion patterns in an outdoor fabric is a great way to keep things cohesive.

And while we’re at it - don’t forget the rug! Outdoor rugs are total game changers. They anchor your furniture, define a zone, and make concrete or pavers feel warm and intentional. Plus, if your porch floor’s looking tired, an outdoor rug is the quickest facelift you’ll ever give a space.

Our best advice: Our go-to combo for cushions is one solid base cushion, one pattern, one texture, repeated in pairs for balance. And when layering rugs, go up a size bigger than you think you need. It instantly makes your zone feel more luxe.

Step 5: Light it right & ADD GREEN STUFF

Lighting really is the unsung hero of alfresco styling. The right pendant or string of festoon lights can instantly turn your space from daytime hangout to nighttime magic. If your yard’s visible through big windows, think about how it looks after dark - no one wants to stare into a black abyss once the sun goes down! Mix your lighting just like you would indoors: pendants or wall sconces for task lighting, festoons for ambience, and lanterns or candles for that soft, romantic glow. Keep it warm, inviting and a little twinkly, not bright and clinical.

Then comes greenery and we’re talking plenty of it. Pots, palms, trailing vines, or even a cheeky faux plant if you’re not a green thumb. The bigger the pot, the better. Plants can work wonders to soften spaces, hide ugly corners, and instantly make everything feel lush and loved. Cluster pots in odd numbers (it’s more natural on the eye) and vary heights for that lush, layered look.

Step 6: Shade, fire pits & THE FRONT ENTRY

Every good alfresco needs some form of shade. Awnings and umbrellas aren’t just practical; they’re style statements. We love a retractable or motorised awning (especially if it’s solar-powered - fancy!), but if that’s not in your budget, a classic sun umbrella in a coastal stripe is just as chic.

And when the weather cools, a fire pit keeps the good times going. You can go full statement setup or keep it simple with a few chairs around the flames. We love to create circular setups around our firepits to create natural balance and that cosy campfire feel.

Don’t forget the front of your home, either. Your front entry or verandah counts as an alfresco zone, and it deserves some love too. A couple of big pots, a bit of greenery and a seat with cushions is our fail-safe formula. Easy. Beautiful. Done.

Small space tip: Even a small doorstep can make a big impact. Try symmetry by placing matching pots on either side of the door, a fresh doormat and a warm wall light to say “welcome home” before guests even step inside.

IT’S TIME TO GET STYLING, BABY!

Remember, styling isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a space you actually want to spend time in. So trust your instincts, have fun with it, and let your outdoor space reflect your kind of summer magic. Your alfresco space doesn’t have to be huge (or high-maintenance) to feel amazing. It just needs thought, flow and a few hero pieces that make you want to be out there with a glass of something cold in hand.

So grab your vision board, plan out your zones, and turn your backyard into the summer escape you deserve.