It’s hard not to despair when the holidays are over – that relaxing euphoria and un-rushed feeling. But there’s no reason why you can’t recreate the vacation spirit at home, especially where your indoors meet the outdoors.
Create a lazy-days vibe with a relaxed and casual outdoor space, from rustic fences and shaded nooks to alfresco dining areas, outdoor showers and garden seating. A simple outdoor bench or chair placed in the garden – whether it’s under a tree, by a water feature or somewhere with a glorious view – acts as a focal point, enticing you to venture outside and sit down and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, or positioned for watching the ever-changing sunset.
Let these four global-inspired spaces inspired you to create a tropical, low-maintenance garden that transports you to where you’d rather be.
Bali dreaming
Make a cosy nook in the corner of a deck with a generous timber Balinese daybed, piled with comfy cushions. Here, the roof is also made from latte poles – the organic appearance providing an interesting contrast to the clean and contemporary lines of the building. They offer shade, while the narrow gaps between the poles allow for shifting patterns of dappled sunlight on the floors and walls.
The cane sun loungers are the perfect place to relax after a swim at the sustainable Bali home of the Yoli & Otis founder.
(Photo: Tomosso Riva | Styling: Kristin Rawson) (Credit: Photo: Tomosso Riva | Styling: Kristin Rawson)
Brazilian fresh
An outdoor fire pit instantly suggests an exotic, tropical holiday – and it’s very practical, too. There’s nothing better than gathering with friends and family in our own backyard and making the most of indoor-outdoor living. Adding the right outdoor heating solutions will ensure your outdoor entertaining zone is perfect all-year round.
Photo: Lynden Foss
Greek isle delight
“We wanted to create a relaxed and inviting alfresco dining area that takes advantage of the view,” said the homeowners of this Greek-inspired outdoor space. The combination of timber, white cement wall and built-in daybed loaded up with blue and white cushions lends a Mediterranean feel – and allows the colour of the nearby brilliant-blue ocean to pop. A slice of Italy is represented in the traditional Italian-style brick pizza oven. Hardwood decking in various timbers, has a nail-free finish, eliminating the risk of injury to bare feet (perfect for a barefoot-holiday atmosphere!). The posts of the pergola are tallowwood and the roof is made from latte poles.
The design of this alfresco dining area – complete with pizza oven – was inspired by the Greek Islands. A covered deck area provides protection from the elements. Photo: Sharyn Cairns
Out of Africa
Timber deckingl, palm trees and a luxurious poolside accessories like a large umbrella create an African safari resort vibe beside this pool. Another way to bring an African aesthetic is characterful timber poles used for fences, privacy screens, pergolas and outdoor furniture, which lend an instant holiday vibe to a space, adding texture and warmth.
The Photo: Lynden Foss
