How to Theme Your Outdoor Entertainment Area

May favorite outdoor theme, pink & orange with a connection to travel!
{source}

I have some time to work on one of my own home projects and have started with my future outdoor entertaining area. This project includes finding:

• 2No huge timber daybeds (doubles if possible)
• 1No recycled timber dining room table and timber benches
• 1No low recycled timber coffee table 
• Cushions, bolsters table runners, throws and decor.

So where do you start?

This is great opportunity where you can create something quite wild and magical without it having too much of an impact on the rest of the home. It may be your main entertaining space or a simple quiet space for relaxation.

Step 01 - Find your theme and style 

If you are looking for a quiet zone then you may look at colours and materials that are calming like, whites, natural finishes and pastel colours.

If this is to be your main entertainment area then you may want a theme that provokes conversation, brings back fond memories and lifts your mood. It may be a style, a colour, a selection of colours, shapes and patterns or something you have brought back from a travels. 

For me I have always fancied an outdoor space that reminds me of my travels through India and Turkey. This space would then work well for me as an eclectic mix of Indian fabrics, natural textures, Turkish and Moroccan lamps and decor mixed in with recycled timber furniture. This would finally give me a home for the my Istanbul Bazar Turkish lamps that have been sitting in a drawer for a few years.

I also love the happy and fun colour combination of pink and orange on a white background. This colour combination is quite bold and reminds me of the mass of strong colour combinations you find everyday in India. 

Step 02 - Collect inspiration and images to create a mood board or your ideas 

Now for the fun bit... collecting inspiration and images. 

A mood board is a collection of inspirational images to base your final selections around. 

I would start by adding a photo of your key furniture pieces or decor objects. Then start adding images for cushions, fabrics, seating, decor, furniture, drapes, glasses, tea lights, pendant lamps etc that suit your theme or style.

I would save your images in one place where you can see them all together like on Pinterest, or on a desktop file, or stuck to a pin board. The trick here is to see everything together so that you get a clear sense of what is working together and what is not.

I started with my travel theme and my favorite colours orange & pink below...

Step 03 - Source and create 

Once you have your mood board you would have a clear idea of knowing what you need to source and purchase. 

You may need to look at second hand shops, interior magazines and local decor shops for sourcing your ideas. Whenever you see something on the internet always keep a note of how much and from where. If you need furniture and cannot find exactly what you want, how about a search on Ebay or commissioning a local furniture maker to make something for you? 

If time is your issue then I would go to a couple of furniture retailers with a print out of your ideas and ask them if they have anything similar. 

If you can not find exactly what you are after then how about making your own? For example, I would like a cluster of outdoor cushions made with different Indian fabrics styles but in my colour combination of orange and pink. Not an easy task due to my colour restriction. I could be on the internet for months to find these already made, so instead I have been sourcing recycled cotton sari fabric from Delhi via Etsy with a view to make my own cushions.

Note: With outdoor spaces there are a few things to be mindful of...

1. Buy quality weatherproof outdoor furniture - do check your furniture is appropriate for use outdoors. Timber needs to be sealed as it can rot with moisture. 

If you are on the coast metal furniture may rust unless it is a high quality marine grade or powder coated. Check with the suppliers recommendations. Aluminum and cast iron are more durable outdoors. If you choose timber furniture then remember to apply seals, oils as requested by the manufacturer to help with moisture and UV protection. 

I would also look at covering or storing furniture if possible.

2. Buy well constructed furniture - Furniture outdoors have many more opportunities to fall apart due to weather exposure. Check under the furniture to see how it is constructed and if the construction can withstand rust and moisture.

3. Buy weatherproof cushions and fabrics - Fabrics outdoors are susceptible to mildew from moisture and discoloration from sunlight exposure. Do check that the fabric is appropriate for outdoor conditions with a light fast rating, UV treatment and that it has a resistance to mildew. Note the fabrics cleaning and maintenance regime. 

I would also have a space inside where cushions and fabrics can be stored when not in use. 

Projects like these do not happen overnight, but if you make a start collecting things bit by bit the final result will be rewarding. 

Have fun.

Recycled Burlap Coffee Sack Ideas

Last weekend I went to see a cafe that I designed called Kiva Han in Mermaid Beach. 

I am quite excited about this project as there are many interior design elements that are recycled, reused leftovers or adaptations. I will post in detail later this week about the design and refurbishment.

They roast and grind their own beans on site, so while I was behind the roasting area I was able to grab some of their used coffee bean bags. They smell great! All I need now is to decide on what I shall recycle them into; cushions, outdoor bench seating or a couple of ottomans?

image via Houzz

image via Better Living Through Design 

Have fun

Pastel Dip Painted Timber Dining Room Chairs

These chairs have been created by Interior Designer Alexander Waterworth Interiors for this cute cafe Hally's London in Parson's Green.

Earlier this year I was designing a resort that had a focus on the use of pastel colours. What a great way to bring some colour into any room and bring a little life back to some old timber dining chairs... 

This would also make and a nice DIY project at home!

Thanks to Holly of Decor8 for sharing such a great article on using pastels, thanks.

Have fun.

Recycled Patchwork Fabric Sofas

What can one do when your sofa looks tired, frayed on the seat cushions and has seen better days? 

Buy a new one? 
Buy a new cover? 
Throw a sheet over it? 
Or re-upholster?

I love my old sofa... It was a lovely house warming present from my dear Nan, purchased from Ikea UK over 12 years ago. It has participated in 4 house moves and one long boat ride from the UK...

It has lasted really well considering and still has the original fabric, is sturdy, the seat cushions still have great structure and it is so comfortable. The only thing now is that the seat cushions are a little thread bare and in need of a makeover. 

So this has now become a little personal project of mine to create a new look with my existing sofa. I am thinking of:

• Using recycled upholstery grade fabric where possible
• Changing the style of the legs
• Changing the colour of the legs
• Making new scatter cushions

To start my project I have added some images of other successful patchwork sofas for inspiration.

Image via Terry's Fabrics

I love how the choice of patterns used within this patchwork sofa co-ordinates so seamlessly with the colour scheme in this room. A great colour combination!

Image from the Spier Hotel

This sofa takes on more of a natural colour scheme and is highlighted by the green dining room chairs and co-ordinated by the use of natural woods and use of pale green within this room.

Image via Arthur G's furniture

By keeping the patchwork design structured, the cushions works well with the square style of the sofa frame.

Images via Design Rulz

This is where you can have a little more fun by creating a statement piece by using both strong colours and strong patterns.

I will let you know how it all goes.

Have fun.

Re-upholstered Dining Room Chairs :: Sari Fabric

I just could not help myself to add this image today by the style files. 

image via the design styles

This setting is actually an office board room of the fashion label the Free People in Philadelphia. 

The chairs have been upholstered with different pieces of recycled sari fabric and look amazing! It's a great way to add character to your room, tell a story of your travels and just the thing to go with my sari artwork. 

All I need to do now is find some second hand dining room chairs to upholster. 

Have fun.

Ethnic cushion style

I love traveling and have always loved the idea of bringing something back from my travels and integrating it into my home. 

I always make time to find those local fabric markets, not just for that holiday experience, but to bring something back that I know I would struggle to source back home in Australia.

Cushion cover fabric is one of the easiest things to look for at these markets.

If you keep your sofa base fabric neutral you can add a wild mix of colour, texture and patterns with cushions made from pieces of handcrafted textiles, old rugs and fabrics from your travels.

image from Richard Powers

These cushions have a handcrafted South American vibe!

Pairing cushions with a rug also helps anchor the room or area.

images from style files

These cushions are made out of old ponchos from Peru!

What a great way to remind you of your holidays and add a splash of colour and decorating confidence to your room.

Have fun.

Recycled Chairs :: Stackable Old School Chairs

My family and I have recently moved from our lovely 67 sqm Brisbane Post War home in Brisbane to a larger home by the sea in Hervey Bay. 

We plan to raise, extend and add a much needed deck to our Brisbane home at a later date but in the mean time we have swapped our city life for a sea change while we plan for the future new house build. 

This move has given us the opportunity to have outdoor living areas for the first time since we have been in Australia and this we are quite excited about.

So I now have some new "To do lists"...

1. Look for some second hand outdoor dining room chairs and recycle.

2. Reupholster and give some new life to some up my old dining room seats.

3. Look for some old timber doors or recycled timber furniture to make a new outside dining room table.

4. Find some old secondhand daybeds, refurnish to create to a new outdoor lounge area.

5. Start planning for the new build.

Now for Task 1 - Inspiration for new dining room chairs

Currently I have some old dining room, ply stackable, 'school style' chairs (originally from Ikea UK many years ago) and I am now looking for some ideas to give them a new face lift.

via poppytalk

This recycled old school chair has been given a great revamp just by adhering fabric scraps and samples to its back and base.

Here's a great idea if you love painting. These beautiful chairs from Anthropologie are hand painted with different flower and landscape scenes.

via decor8blog

Finally for something for softer. This comfortable revamp of a classic 1930's school chair by UK textile and pattern designer Ellen Calvert has created a cushion base and back by knitting the cushion and based with a giant woolen knit, then she applies a pattern print to then embroidering over on top.

Have fun.

Recycled Timber Stools :: Natural & Painted

I had the pleasure of walking around Brisbane in Design yesterday. There were loads of great new furniture ideas, artwork, rugs, kitchen and bathroom appliances to view and the odd glass of bubbly!

One of my favourite finds were these recycled timber stools by Jardan made from recycled telegraph or electricity poles! 

From pole to stool in the Jardan factory - images courtesy of the design files

They come in either a natural or painted finish and can be used for both indoor and outdoor situations. 

What a great sturdy stool!

Have fun.

Quilted Vintage Patchwork Chairs :: Japan & UK

As I was browsing in a department store in Kyoto, Japan I stumbled across a range of recycled patchwork chairs. Unfortunately I have no idea as to their origins as I was unable to converse with the assistant but what a great DIY patchwork project this would make at home!

Stool seen in a department store in Kyoto, Japan

In the past I have sourced something similar from furniture designers in the UK. Some of the suppliers designs are below. 

Chairs from Kelly Swallow (top left), Squint (top right) & Viva Terra (bottom)

As I have not seen many similar items made in Australia, I would like to get in touch with any Designers or Hobbyists in Australia who want to sell their recycled patchwork chairs.

Any recommendations would be most appreciated.

Have fun.

Recycled Upholstery Chairs & Poufs

How about these Drops chairs and poufs for recycled inspiration... This lovely idea is by a Norway based furniture designer Camilla Hounsell Halvorsen.

images via Khio

These chairs are made from inner tubes wrapped with recycled upholstery fabric. As the tube seat is not attached to it's frame it can be tilted for comfort or removed and used as a pouf.

It just goes to show it's worth keeping all the scraps of fabric!

Have fun.

Green Furniture Upholstery Fabric Alternatives :: Knitted Stools

I happen to agree that reupholstering furniture is a quick and easy way to bring new life to an old piece of furniture and make a basic piece of furniture look amazing. 

Also it does not have to stop with recovering chairs, you could recover stools, make a new headboard, transform an ugly ottoman, recover old cushions, beanbags, the list goes on...

Also there is no reason why you could not use these fabric alternatives:

• Vintage curtains


• Old covers for sofas


• Thick felt blankets


• Old thick clothes like denim


• Knitted wool

So following on from last weeks knitted lamps I found these lovely knitted stools. 

Created by Claire-Anne O'Brien these stools are a texture mix of hand and machine knit stitches inspired by the elements of the knitted stitch itself such as rings and loops. 

image from Claire-Anne O'Brien

Also these Urchin Poufs designed by Christian Meindertsma are hand knit in the Netherlands using wool from a New Zealand and when you purchase your stool you get a card identifying where the sheep flock came from!

images from  Christian Meindertsma 

They are so inviting don't you just want to sit on them all?

Have fun.

Kitchen & Dining Room Furniture Ideas :: Timber Stools

What if we could create a beautiful piece of furniture from a forest weed? 

A local Queensland furniture designer has done just that.

Designed by a local Queenslander Darcy Clarke, these stools are made from Champor Laural timber and fully recyclable plastic (moulded from the timber stool). These simple stools have a natural honest charm reminiscent of camp fire logs. 

They also come in a variety of colours and can work in a wide range of situations like kitchen stools, dining room seats and outdoor furniture. 

I love the timber with the yellow stools!

images from darcyclarke

Also there is no need to worry about the source of the timber because in SE Queensland, Champor Laural is classed as a weed, and is threatening the native blue gums which is home to our Koalas.

You can see more of Darcy's designs at darcyclarke.com

Have fun.