What to Look for When Buying Outdoor Furniture: Tips and Tricks from Jodie White (featuring Your Home & Garden)
Your outdoor space should be more than just a yard—it’s your personal hangout, where you kick back, entertain, and live life outdoors. Picking the right outdoor furniture isn’t just about style; it’s about making sure your patio or garden works for you and your needs.
That’s where our stylist extraordinaire Jodie White comes in. With her insider know-how, she’ll guide you through choosing outdoor lounge and outdoor dining furniture that’s not only trendy but also tough enough to handle the elements. As our Visual Merchandising Manager, she’s got an eye for detail and knows how to make the best of a space, indoors or outdoors.
Your Home & Garden magazine recently sat down with her to get her opinion on everything outdoors. From nailing the perfect setup for outdoor lounging to picking pieces that make hosting a breeze, Jodie’s suggestions are all about making your space work harder and look sharper.
YHG: What are the most important considerations when planning an outdoor space?
To create an outdoor oasis where we can rest, relax, socialise, and enjoy the outdoors, we need to consider layout, design, and functionality. It’s essential to ensure your space harmonises with its surroundings, encouraging you to take a break, connect with nature, and contribute to your overall well-being.
Outdoor spaces vary in size and purpose, but generally, in most New Zealand homes, we use them to dine, lounge, or both. Some of us might also have a pool, patio, or water feature to factor in. Once you have defined your space and established your requirements, you can work on the layout and landscape. You can then select materials and finishes, such as teak or rattan, to suit your style aesthetic. From there, you choose your outdoor furniture to reflect your purpose and needs.
Adding a shade sail or umbrella is crucial for protection from the sun. More greenery, moveable pots, and plants enhance the aesthetic. Outdoor accessories are also important to add ambience and functionality to your space.
Don’t forget lighting. The right light, like the Solstice Outdoor Lamp, can transition your courtyard from day to night effortlessly. It’s stylish, weather-resistant, and exactly what you need to keep the party going. These touches make all the difference in creating an outdoor space that’s not just good-looking but also built to last.
Consider incorporating weatherproof storage solutions and even outdoor kitchens to add value and create more functional outdoor spaces. You may also need access to a water and power source to fully utilise your courtyard.
YHG: What are the trends for outdoor furniture this summer?
This summer, the focus is on comfort and durability. Our outdoor furniture range, designed with European flair, effortlessly blends form and function. Shapes, textures, and finishes like wood and aluminium foster a sense of unity and connection to nature.
Subtle retro influences are visible in the soft curves and oval contours seen in our dining sets, which feature a durable aluminium finish. Olefin rope wraps around powder-coated steel frames on our lounge sets, creating an open, airy feel and enhancing visual appeal without the bulk of heavily cushioned sofas from the past. Natural teak and marble finishes add texture, contrast, and balance to the arms and legs of our outdoor sofas and coffee tables.
Our Sidney and Riva lounge suites are examples of modern outdoor furniture that’s up to the test against unreliable NZ weather. These aren’t your grandma’s clunky outdoor sofas—this is modern outdoor furniture that looks good and wears well. It’s luxury without the fuss, perfect for anyone who wants their outdoor space to be stylish and low-maintenance.
We also have some amazing bar trolleys and outdoor lights in our range that will modernise your outdoor setup. Our retro-inspired influences continue with our range of functional and convenient drinks trolleys. With a natural wood top and lockable caster wheels, our Leto Drinks Trolley can go wherever the party takes it, making summer entertaining easier.
YHG: What are some tips for creating an outdoor room with furniture?
Think of your outdoor space as a relaxing retreat that balances comfort and style, with colours and textures that create continuity between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Keep your outdoor furniture neutral, allowing it to blend seamlessly into your garden landscape. Opt for designs that facilitate a smooth indoor-outdoor flow, keeping things simple and elegant. Make the transition from the dining table to the lounge area seamless, ensuring you end your evening in comfort. Our Shore Picnic Table is the perfect style to accommodate the whole family so that no one misses out on the outdoor dining experience.
If you want to inject some bold colours or patterns, use outdoor cushions. Add throws to take the chill off as the evening wears on. An outdoor rug can anchor and define your spaces, and is often made from sustainable materials, making them eco-friendly as well! It’s a simple yet effective way to add colour and personality to your space.
Outdoor lighting is also essential for creating ambience and illuminating your outdoor space, extending your evening outdoors.
Finishing off.
Want to know the secret behind how we style an outdoor space? We’re actually just reflecting our indoor style outside – the same rules apply. So, have fun, be creative, and make your outdoor room as inviting as your indoor lounge.
Head into any of our 11 stores nationwide to browse our outdoor range or shop our outdoor collection online.