20
alfresco AREAS
E-Grill Features ✱ Electric tabletop
barbecue from Patio by Jamie Durie ✱ Features cooking grill and plate ✱ Plugs into power point; no gas bottle required $198, from Patio by Jamie Durie at Big W stores, www.patiobyjamiedurie. com.au
✱ All prices are estimates
Onfalos Features ✱ Cooker designed by Mario Bellini
for the Atelier Bellini Studio in Milan ✱ Suitable for indoor and outdoor use ✱ Circular cooktop consists of a
12mm-15mm thick steel, chromium-treated plate ✱ Resistant to corrosion and rust ✱ Smoke-free and easy to use ✱ Available in three sizes $10,400 for medium-sized cooker, from Ultimo Interiors, Osborne Park, phone: 9201 2479, www.ultimointeriors.com.au
SURF by Royal Botania Features ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱ ✱
Two-person lounger hammock A progression from 2008’s Wave hammock Pivoted from a single base point Portable through cleverly concealed wheels Available in white, black or blue and electro-polished stainless steel and fabric
From $12,900, from Ultimo Interiors, Osborne Park, phone: 9201 2479, www.ultimointeriors.com.au
SKURAR Features ✱ Outdoor plant
pots made from galvanised steel ✱ Measure 20cm high $9.95 each, from Ikea, www.ikea.com.au
EXTERIOR MOTIVES The outdoors are no longer areas where you have a few chairs and a table to enjoy a cup of coffee in the open. It is now an extension of the home with special furniture, features and lighting
W
ITH designated alfresco areas now de rigueur in the modern Australian home, more attention than ever is being paid to outdoor furnishings, lighting, appliances, shading and accessories. It’s not enough for these areas to simply be functional throughout the year – they now need to look the part, too. “Alfresco living has been one of the most significant areas of change in the home over the past few years,” says Joel Bartfeld, Shine Group creative director and the man behind SunnyLife. “What was once an afterthought is now a key entertaining and living space. Almost all new homes have a conceived outdoor living space – be it courtyard, winter garden, terrace or even outdoor room. Australia’s climate, lifestyle and environment mean that people seek the outdoors and try to integrate that into their homes.” Bunnings leisure buyer Cameron Rist agrees that Australians are utilising their outdoor spaces more than ever before. “Many people see the alfresco area as ‘the fifth room’, an extension of the indoor space
HOME
and somewhere they spend a good portion of the year,” he says. “More homes now include a sophisticated alfresco area equipped with removable shade structures, storage and elegant furnishings. Landscaping has also expanded into feature walls and water features, vegetable patches, and sophisticated lighting to create the ideal ambience.” To ensure alfresco areas are utilised all year round and not just in summer, Joel recommends creating an area that is shaded, heated and easy to clean. “That way it’s not just cleaned up come summertime, only to become cobwebbed when the weather turns,” he says. According to Cameron, shade, lighting and stylish furnishings are necessities in today’s outdoor living space. Throw rugs, cushions and pillows are a cost-effective way to add comfort and colour to your alfresco area. Outdoor lighting is especially important heading into the darker winter months. “In addition to standard floodlights and downlights, ambient lighting can help to alter the mood of alfresco living spaces,” Cameron says.
This season in particular, alfresco areas are all about relaxing and entertaining in style, says Frank Novembre, managing director of Domo Collections. “Outdoor furniture is about large feature dining tables that make a strong statement,” he says. “Lighter-coloured furniture and accessories are one of the key trends this summer, particularly neutral colours such as pale hazelnut, light greys and shades of white. “Modular outdoor furniture that is contemporary in its design also seems to be a popular choice.” Lisa Shearon
Mimosa timber cooler Features ✱ 34-litre cooler ✱ Made from FSC timber ✱ Keeps drinks cool for hours $149, from Bunnings, www.bunnings.com.au