Summer inspiration

Lazy summer days are all about rest and relaxation ... and social gatherings and entertaining! Now is a great time to start planning and organising.

If you're feeling refreshed with new hopes, positive energy and the prospects of implementing a few changes in your life, why not redirect some of this new-found motivation into your outdoor living space...

Plants

Our suggested plants for this time are flowering grevilleas, plumbago, hydrangea, agapanthus, flowering gums, bouganvillea, jacaranda’s, crepe myrtle or convolvulus
Fragrant: frangipanis
Plant now: zucchini, squash, watermelon and cucumbers
Tip: make your garden drought tolerant with mulch, water saving crystals and fertiliser

Materials

There are endless options when it comes to overhead shelter and shading structures for your outdoor room. Awnings, louvres, umbrellas or sails; be it temporary or permanent, there are plenty to choose from. Attention to detail like this will dramatically impact on your space, providing shading from the heat of the summer sun, as well as enveloping the space in the evenings to create a more intimate setting.

Paint

Fresh shades of green are a great way to cleanse and revive a tired area. Why not try combining some of the contemporary, fresh colours from Jamie’s new range of paints Jamie Durie Signature by Porter’s Paints. Bunya Nut, Lemon Myrtle and White Waratah used in combination with whites and oatmeals will create a crisp and tranquil place to cool down with friends during the warmer months. Green represents nature, restfulness and a place of balance – the perfect sanctuary for escaping the heat.

Furniture

Sun lounges, day beds and floor cushions scattered around a deck or pool area will allow you to lie back and relax when the sun slides low in the sky and the heat of the day starts to drop. Uncluttered and uncomplicated, a modern piece of furniture such as a streamlined sun lounge is perfect for flopping onto. Where space allows it, outdoor furniture should be generous and comfortable, catering for both relaxation and entertainment. It should be moveable, modular, generously proportioned and designed to suit the style of the setting.

Soft furnishings & accessories

Second-hand sheets and linens in different shades of whites and oatmeals can make unique tablecloths, cushion covers or napkins. Layering different shades of similar colours can create a look of casual luxury. Choose fabrics with a tight pattern repeat, stripes or repetition in cool icy mints, pastel sages and introduce other favourite soft colours to your scheme.  

To add a certain kind of magic for a special occasion, try hanging lighting like solar powered lanterns or strings of fairy lights in trees. Burning essential oils can also introduce the sensory dimension of smell to your space. Lime, orange or bergamot, are some suggestions you may like to try. Your local health food store may also have their own uplifting and invigorating blends for you to experiment with.