How To

How To Style The Ultimate Outdoor Dining Area For Summer

If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor area, it’s about to get a workout as we head into the summer months.

This season, we’re dreaming of alfresco terraces and backyards that feel like an extension of our living areas: think pops of colour against leafy gardens, functional dining pieces, and resort-style umbrellas that will make it easy to soak up the warm weather.

Find our tips for styling the ultimate outdoor dining space below.

Written
by
Christina Karras

The Koala Torakina Outdoor 5-Seater Lounge Set in Sea Moss. Outdoor cushions from Bonnie and Neil. Photo – Eve Wilson. Styling – Annie Portelli, Sarah Hendriks + Lucy Feagins.

An Immersive Suburban Garden Inspired By Victoria’s Coastline. An L-shape bench seat and deck connects with the house to create a space for outdoor living. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Home of Rachel and Richard. The renovated patio. Walls in TopCer Tessellated tiles in turquoise and green from De Fazio. Paving in Castlemaine stone from Yarrabee Stone, laid by Hone Landscapes. Parisi Table and Chee chairs by Tom Fereday for SP01 Design. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.

This Multi-Functional Melbourne Garden Hides A ‘Mini Food Forest’. Wisteria Floribunda (pink wisteria) has grown up the pergola. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Writer
Christina Karras
3rd of November 2025

Outdoor areas can sometimes be an overlooked part of the house, but styling these spaces with purpose has the power to turn your average backyard into an open-air oasis.

The key is to focus on pieces that will unlock newfound functionality, encouraging activity to spill from inside to the outdoors on a sunny day, or extending a relaxed backyard barbecue well into the night!

For us, this starts with a good outdoor dining setting.

If you love entertaining and have the space, we suggest investing in a long rectangular table with either matching dining chairs or sleek outdoor benches, while a smaller courtyard could benefit from some mixed-and-match styles to create visual intrigue.

Something like the Freshwater Teak Outdoor Dining Table by Jati looks great alongside the HAY Palissade Cord Dining Armchair from Cult in a contrasting burgundy hue.

Green and timber always look calming and cohesive paired against a leafy backdrop, but we’re also big fans of how terracotta hues, woven textures, and earthy tiles can bring a bit of resort-style escapism to your backyard too — evoking memories of a rustic European hotel.

Most importantly of all, take time to think of how you want to use your outdoor space, and curate pieces that will accommodate that.

For example, want a designated spot for a sunset Aperol spritz? Add the Kylix Curvy Stool by Early Settler with the elegant Tidal Chair by Tait in a corner that gets great evening light!

Plus, don’t forget to make sure your backyard is equipped to withstand the sometimes-harsh Australian climate. A ceiling fan like the Caelid Fan from Beacon Lighting with timber blades a great way to help keep the breeze going, while an umbrella like the Caspar Patio Umbrella by Basil Bangs is a must-have for shade.

Sounds dreamy, right? All we need now is for the weather to improve!

Additional moodboard credits (from left): Palm Springs Large Nickel w Lacquer from Lightly, Barro Jug Tall – Dark Blue from Hay, 2 Palamós Gobelets in Clear & Natural from Maison Balzac, Mousqueton Portable Lamp in Brushed Stainless Steel from Hay.

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