Room of the Week: A Cosy and Stylish Outdoor Lounge Area
An apartment styled for sale provides a masterclass on how to create a cosy outdoor living area
Vanessa Walker
17 July 2018
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
In a Q&A format, we talk to the designers – and examine the creative thinking – behind some of Houzz’s most loveable rooms.
Answers by Leah Tipping, senior property stylist at Cordony Designs
Location: Davidson, NSW
Room purpose: A large alfresco balcony overlooking the leafy and tranquil surrounds of Davidson.
Location: Davidson, NSW
Room purpose: A large alfresco balcony overlooking the leafy and tranquil surrounds of Davidson.
Brief
The main aim was functionality, in order to maximise space of the 9-metre-long balcony. Stylistically, we went for transitional; we also wanted modern furniture in order to reflect the new-build aspect of the apartments.
The main aim was functionality, in order to maximise space of the 9-metre-long balcony. Stylistically, we went for transitional; we also wanted modern furniture in order to reflect the new-build aspect of the apartments.
Starting point
The view of the reserve was the focus, incorporating the treetops to feel a part of the natural environment. Taking advantage of the light-filled northerly aspect was also key.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: Organic, natural tones.
Materials palette: Timber – bamboo and mango wood – suede and soft leather.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings: Bamboo daybed, matching armchairs, mango hardwood coffee and side tables, all part of the Soho Collection from Shack.
The view of the reserve was the focus, incorporating the treetops to feel a part of the natural environment. Taking advantage of the light-filled northerly aspect was also key.
Key design aspects
Colour palette: Organic, natural tones.
Materials palette: Timber – bamboo and mango wood – suede and soft leather.
Key pieces of furniture/fittings: Bamboo daybed, matching armchairs, mango hardwood coffee and side tables, all part of the Soho Collection from Shack.
Thinking behind the arrangement of furniture
As you walk through the living room you feel a part of the natural elements. The indoor and outdoor spaces are mirrored, which allows for good flow out to the balcony.
As you walk through the living room you feel a part of the natural elements. The indoor and outdoor spaces are mirrored, which allows for good flow out to the balcony.
Challenges you worked around
The bulky air-conditioning unit on the balcony needed to be disguised, so a large fiddle-leaf fig was placed in front to maintain the luscious feel of the balcony.
Why do you think this room works?
It was styled to show the potential when entertaining for a group of people, and how to best use the large outdoor space.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join the conversation.
More
Want more? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Serene Parents’ Retreat
The bulky air-conditioning unit on the balcony needed to be disguised, so a large fiddle-leaf fig was placed in front to maintain the luscious feel of the balcony.
Why do you think this room works?
It was styled to show the potential when entertaining for a group of people, and how to best use the large outdoor space.
Tell us
What do you love about this room? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join the conversation.
More
Want more? Take a look at last week’s Room of the Week: A Serene Parents’ Retreat
Related Stories
Seasonal
Desperate for Shade? Find Some Temporary Relief on Hot Days
Get your outdoor space summer-ready with these quick and simple shade solutions that will keep you cool all season
Full Story
Outdoors
7 Types of Doors to Maximise Indoor-Outdoor Living
From French doors to bi-folds and sliders to stackers, here's a guide to external doors and the benefits of each
Full Story
Outdoor Entertaining
How to Heat an Outdoor Room and Stay Toasty Outside
A guide to outdoor heating that will keep more than the marshmallows toasty this winter
Full Story
Garden Design
Shed Spruce Up: Inspiring Ideas for Garden Sheds
That eyesore at the bottom of the garden has more potential than you realise
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Control the Cost of Your Renovation, Room by Room
Where to save, where to spend (and all the tricks in between) for keeping the cost of your renovation on track
Full Story
Most Popular
10 Terrific Trees for Your Courtyard
The right courtyard tree can make an inner-courtyard ever so inviting, whether you're inside or out
Full Story
Outdoor Projects
12 Great Ideas for Outdoors From Best of Houzz Award Winners
By Houzz AU
Parquet-style flooring, hammock-inspired nets and creative planting pockets: these outdoor spaces have us hooked!
Full Story
Picture Perfect
30 Tranquil Water Features to Soak Up
Our coffee-break escape offers you five minutes' worth of images to inspire and delight. Jump right in...
Full Story
Pools
So How Much Does a Pool (Really) Cost?
Dreaming of a pool for your backyard but unsure what it will set you back? We have the answers
Full Story
Outdoors
Fine Time: Take a Moment to Enjoy the Most Popular Decks of 2022
Is there any greater feeling than taking a few steps outside your home to enjoy sun, fresh air and birdsong?
Full Story
Stunning. Where did you get the sofa daybed and Armchairs from with the rustic accents?
You have nice ideas
V nice. Could see myself relaxing there with a nice cuppa and a good book. Well done.