Snapshot

BACKED INTO A CORNER

Turn an underused nook into the cosiest of reading corners. Maybe it’s a spot where you can hide from the kids for a minute, hang out with your partner or catch up on work. However you intend to use the space, don’t skimp on cushions but do decorate with overhead lighting, wall art and personal treasures. Photo by LA khai-way. unsplash.com

COLOUR ME COSY

You don’t need to make big, expensive changes to your outdoor area to achieve impactful results. Sometimes it’s as easy as changing your cushion covers! For a cosy approach, choose cushions in warm colourways. Autumn tones like red, orange and brown are ideal, particularly when paired with the fl ickering orange fl ames of a fi repit. myface.eu

RUG UP

The simplest way to encourage a warm and cosy atmosphere is by throwing down a rug. Opt for outdoor varieties made to withstand whatever weather conditions are thrown their way. Paired with the Outer wicker sofa, this setup is as picturesque as it is durable. The new sustainable living brand Outer has introduced a range of products to make it easier for Aussies to spend more time outside. Examples include its patented Outer Shell®, designed to protect sofas from everyday dirt, debris and rain, through to the Bug Shield Blanket, a lightweight blanket infused with a natural bug-repellent blanket to protect from pesky bug bites all year round. liveouter.com

SOFA, SO GOOD

A comfy couch will inject your outdoor area with a sense of cosiness, like this stunner available from Cosh Living. A welcome edition to Tribu’s range of celebrated outdoor furniture, the Nodi sofa is capable of looking at home in almost any setting. The frame of the sofa sits lightly on the ground thanks to a solid powder-coated stainless-steel construction. Airy and architecturally appealing, it accommodates users with comfortable Canax woven backrests and super-soft outdoor cushion fi lling. Adaptability is always a bonus, and with three seating elements and four seat depths, Nodi can be customised to suit the individual specifications of anyone and everyone. Defi ned by twisted interlaced rope stretched across precise geometric frames, each piece enjoys a minimalist approach and refi ned proportions, making them ideal for casual, care-free Aussie outdoor areas. coshliving.com

Best Best of Play areas & outdoor activities

Cultivate your kids’ love of the outdoors with a backyard that promises to spark their imaginations and encourage interactive play

words louise smithers

01.

CUBBY HOUSE DREAMS

Like kids, cubbies come in all shapes and sizes, from a simple wooden fort to a large-scale cubby house with indoor play spaces and exterior swings. Consider adding elements such as climbing structures to encourage physical activity. Image courtesy of Art in Green. artingreen.com.au

02. A SPACE TO CALL THEIR OWN From fully constructed, prefabricated models to DIY structures, the allure of the backyard cubby house is enduring. Increase the longevity of your cubby by opting for taller ceiling heights and a larger fl oor plan. This will ensure the space is capable of evolving as your child grows and their interests change. Image Nikole Ramsay. castleandcubby.com.au