Autumn Trends 2019
Summer has moved on, but that doesn’t mean outdoor entertaining has to end. With a few adjustments to your décor and furnishings, and of course a Fresco Shade, you’ll be good to go right until the blossoms are back on the trees.
Layer up
There’s no doubt that the first step to transfer your Fresco Shade space from summer to autumn is to add layers. A rug on the floor (there are plenty of outdoor options available these days), new plush cushions, and some lovely chunky knit throws is the best way to ensure you’ll still love using the space, even when the weather outside is less than average.
Our tip is to have a large basket or storage unit just inside the door to pop them in when it’s time to call it a night.
Pantone’s Colour of the Year is Living Coral, and adding it in to your space through soft furnishings will provide a pop of bright colour – keep a look out for it in your favourite homeware stores. One of the best things about Living Coral is that it has a wonderful tropical vibe – and when the cold winds blow, channelling the tropics is always a winner.
Fabulous furniture
Designers of outdoor furniture have finally come around to the fact that so many of us see the outside living spaces of our home as an extension of our lifestyle. Which is why this season’s trends – for outdoor seating in particular – are mirroring indoor furniture trends, such as large couches with chaises, and daybeds.
According to Vogue Australia, there is also plenty of woven detailing featured, low slung seating is a must, and tables with turned legs (which used to be only reserved for dining inside the home).
Modular and multi-functional furniture is also key, allowing you greater flexibility for the space – changeable depending on your needs.
Always accessorise
Fresco Shades come with plenty of accessories, so if you only have the arch canopy, it is worth considering how much more use you would have of the space if you added curtains, screens and/or blinds.
It really is like having an extra room in the house (without the significant cost of an extension) and for winter you can close it in with clear PVC screens that block the rain and wind. The Fresco Shade Glidetrak curtain also provides an open and close system that is extremely quick and easy to use – for those sudden changes in weather that New Zealand is well-known for!
And also think about the added feature of a fireplace or heating, such as a portable biofuel fire that you can use outside – perfect for instant warmth. Another option are infrared heaters which can either be mounted on a wall, or some brands come with a stand so you can move it around.
Green is good
Faux plants are a nice touch, but there’s nothing like the real thing. From hanging baskets with a string of pearls, to large leafed monsteras, pot plants are very much in vogue (so much so that some varieties are extremely difficult to get your green thumbs on).
Vertical or wall planting is great for growing all those herbs to add to autumn and winter dishes, and they take up less space too!
Mix and match
Just like indoors, combining materials – such as timber, metal, wicker and fabric – is a great way to add interest to your outdoor entertaining space décor. We humans are tactile creatures, and a cosy linen-look fabric chair next to a chunky timber side table just ‘feels’ good.
Just make sure that whatever you choose is still suitable for ‘outdoor’ conditions – and as this Houzz article mentions, plenty of fabrics and materials have been developed over the past few years to meet the needs for exterior living requirements.
And don’t forget to mix up your colours too – because while natural and neutral is good as a base, brighter hues can really freshen a space up.
While a Fresco Shade is ideal year-round, it really comes into its own during the colder months – providing you, friends and family with a space to relax, entertain and enjoy the lifestyle you deserve.
