What are the signs of an Australian spring for you? For some, it’s the brilliant pops of purple as the Jacarandas come into flower. For others it’s the shifting light as birds rise earlier and daylight hours stretch into the evening.
For many of us, spring also means socialising weather. It’s when you hear ‘Let’s get together!’ everywhere you go. Plans are made for overdue catchups on the balcony with neighbours and long afternoon barbecues with family and friends.
Whatever it means to you, spring is a welcome yearly milestone that brings a sense of renewal. And what better way to celebrate its arrival than by giving your home’s outdoor living area a refresh? Here are five easy updates to help you spring into spring and get ready to be the host with the most.
1. Start with a clean slate
To breathe new life into an overlooked outdoor area after the winter months, start with a thorough clean up. Be ruthless and round up any broken furniture, toys, garden tools and other clutter to clear your space.
Look on your local council’s website for information about council clean-up and kerbside collection dates. Many offer set dates for household or garden rubbish pickup or allow you to book a set number of scheduled cleanups throughout the year.
2. Spruce up your outdoor dining area
Nothing beats getting friends and family together for a barbecue lunch or dinner ‘al fresco’ when the weather picks up. The beauty of home entertaining is there’s no rush. No two-hour sittings to adhere to, no pressure to dress up, or find a parking spot or a menu everyone can enjoy.
Some of life’s best moments happen around the table and enjoying them in the spring sunshine makes for even warmer memories. A beautifully welcoming outdoor dining area is the perfect place to kick back, relax and connect with the people in your life.
A quality outdoor lounge and dining set is a worthwhile investment in your outdoor living space, and they come in a wide choice of on-trend colours, materials and sizes to suit every space and occasion.
3. Spring clean your entertaining kit so it’s ready to roll
If it’s been a while between drinks of the outdoor kind, it’s probably time to give your entertaining kit a refresh. Give your barbecue an overhaul; clean out the grease traps, check your burners are working properly and make sure your gas bottle is good to go.
Eskys can get musty if they’ve been put away, so wipe inside and out with a soft cloth and a solution of white vinegar diluted 1:1 with water to remove mould spores and musty odours. Leave outside in the fresh air to dry.
Run any plastic tableware such as cups and plates through the dishwasher on a warm (not hot) setting, or hand wash in warm soapy water. Replace any cups or plastic stemware showing cracks or signs of stress fractures, to avoid leaks and splintering.
4. Tis the season to prune, weed and feed
There’s nothing inviting about overgrown garden beds and scruffy pot plants, so give your garden a spring overhaul and you’ll thank yourself later. Prune shrubs early in the season to allow for new spring shoots to grow, pull out those opportunistic weeds that are threatening to take over, and tidy any edges around garden beds or paths.
Some pretty potted flowers in hanging baskets or planter pots will bring colourful pops to your outdoor areas. If you’re feeling especially aesthetically inclined, consider matching your potted flowers to your tableware for a stylishly curated look.
5. Make time and space to rest and recalibrate
The finishing touch to your refreshed outdoor living space is without doubt, an outdoor lounge setting to sink into and while away the afternoon with friends. Just as your indoor lounge is a place to kick back and relax, it’s an outdoor relaxation essential.
With designs ranging from single seaters to modular suites, you can choose from a multitude of frames, fabrics and finishes to suit your space, your style and your budget from the range of outdoor furniture at Amart.
If you’re looking to create a modern-coastal oasis, the Hamptons-inspired Pavillion 4 Piece Modular Lounge from Amart features a sturdy aluminium frame for long-lasting durability, chic and comfortable striped cushions, and also includes a furniture cover to ensure your set remains protected from the elements and retains its beauty over time.
Once your outdoor area is ship-shape and ready for spring family fun and get togethers, all that’s left to do is get the word out that your place is open for business. Fill the Esky with ice, pop on a playlist, crank up the barbecue and enjoy making some magical moments with your favourite people around you.
Pavillion 4 Piece Modular Lounge from Amart
Adina Whitewashed Terracotta Pot from Amart
Luau Outdoor Setting from Amart
Mahana Outdoor Cushion from Amart
For over 50 years, Amart has been helping Australians transform their houses into homes by creating beautiful spaces that are stylish, functional, affordable and comfortable. Shop with Amart online or across 68 stores Australia-wide.
