Cosy up a corner with an
abundance of lights and seating
grouped around a sparkly fire pit.
(Remember to remove fairy lights
before lighting the pit!)
Light it up
Great outdoor lighting is essential
for producing a warm and inviting
atmosphere in your outside space,
says Marianne Zagaras of Lytworx.
“Fairy lights are versatile – use them to
create a dispersed, twinkling glow,”
she says. “Trace them along awnings,
pergolas and columns to frame an
entertaining area or chill-out space
with soft sparkling light.” Winding fairy
lights around the branches of a tree
can bring it to life at night. “This can
44 bunnings.com.au |
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“Whether creating a
calm space or a lively
party vibe, outdoor
lighting can make it
happen – fast!”
Marianne Zagaras, Lytworx
add a welcoming, whimsical vibe to
your garden,” says Marianne. Net
lights can create a canopy over an
uncovered patio setting, or be
wrapped around tree trunks for
columns of lattice-shaped light.
Curtain lights work well as outdoor
space dividers, or to turn a wall, fence
or hedge into a sparkling feature.
Warm festoon lights look wonderful
almost anywhere, and provide a
brighter, more punctuated effect.
“Place them loosely for a fun, abstract
vibe or in a straight line for a sleek,
streamlined look,” says Marianne.
Many of these lights come in solar
options, making it easier (and more
affordable) to illuminate even the
farthest reaches of the garden.
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Eating under the stars
No matter the season, a barbecue is
a must for any outdoor dining space.
From small charcoal models to a full
alfresco kitchen, an outdoor grill
creates a fantastic atmosphere.
It’s also great for those with limited
indoor entertaining space and keeps
cooking odours out of the house.
While it’s designed for cooking
rather than heating, there’s something
wonderfully cosy about standing
around a hot grill. To make this more of
a feature, consider a woodfired pizza
oven, so you can watch the flickering
flames before your dinner is cooked.
Heatwave
There’s a huge variety of outdoor
heaters to warm up chilly evenings,
from freestanding propane heaters
to electric patio models. But it’s
important to consider the needs of
your space before making a decision
– for example, a heat source that’s
within reach of small hands may not
be the best option for families with
littlies. And how big an area do you
need to heat? Is it wired for electricity
or plumbed for natural gas?
Photography James Moffatt, styling Tilly Roberts. *
E
njoying life outside can
continue well beyond the
end of summer. With a little
planning and a few key
pieces, you can make the
most of your backyard throughout the
year. Ramping up alfresco cooking
options and specialised outdoor
furniture can help reinvent a backyard,
but even small changes mean you can
enjoy time outdoors during the cooler
months. It can also add value to your
home by creating a usable backyard
for every season, whether you’re
entertaining guests, relaxing with
the family or doing yoga!