10 Outdoor Accents to Enhance Your Alfresco Area

Suzie Anderson | Owner of Suzie Anderson Home Interior Styling Tips | Tips
05/10/2023 8 minute read

Today we will be sharing our top 10 outdoor accents to elevate your alfresco area. Whether you are curating a festive gathering, updating your outdoor lounging area, or wish to create a permanent alfresco entertaining space that instantly transports your senses, here are some of our ideas for stylish, functional, and timeless outdoor accents:

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Photo Source: Veranda Magazine

Tip #1

Outdoor Lighting

Layered lighting doesn't just apply to your interior design, there are numerous creative outdoor lighting ideas to enhance the ambiance and functionality of your outdoor spaces.

Here are some ideas to consider:

String Lights: String lights are versatile and can be draped across trees, pergolas, or along fences. They create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings.
Pathway Lighting: Use path lights to illuminate walkways, making them safer and more visually appealing during the night.
Landscape Uplighting: Place spotlights at the base of trees, shrubs, or statues to create dramatic uplighting effects, adding depth and interest to your landscaping.
Lanterns: Hanging, floor, or tabletop lanterns can provide both decorative and functional lighting. They come in various styles and can be filled with candles or battery-operated lights.
Water Feature Lighting: Underwater LED lights can transform the look of pools, fountains, and ponds at night, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Outdoor Chandeliers: Hang a weather-resistant chandelier over a patio or dining area to add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Outdoor Wall Sconces: Choose stylish wall-mounted sconces to add character to the exterior walls of your home and provide necessary illumination.
Candlelight: Place candles in lanterns, hurricane vases, or on outdoor tables for a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

Photo Source: Kim Rooney Design

Photo Source: Thomas Gentilini

Tip #2

Outdoor Flooring

If you don't have a lawn, soften paved areas with rugs and floor mats. Attractive and durable, outdoor rugs made from durable materials like polypropylene can transform a space, by adding a pop of colour, and texture and framing the outdoor conversation areas. Be sure to choose a shape and size that mirrors the setup.

Other ideas include:

Gravel
Brick Pavers
Wooden Decking
Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles
Luxury Outdoor Vinyl
Flagstone, slate, travertine, and other natural stones.

Photo Source: Frederic Magazine

Tip #3

Outdoor Accent Furniture

For dual-purpose spaces, consider stackable chairs, directors' chairs, collapsible or extendable trestle tables, and lightweight modular furniture pieces.

A portable bar cart, lightweight console, or trestle table can serve as a makeshift mobile bar station.

For longevity that doesn’t compromise on style, select weather-resistant finishes on wood and wicker or opt for synthetic rattan, teak, wrought iron, or metal frames.

You can explore our range of contemporary outdoor furniture here.

Photo Source: Jenni Kayne

Photo Source: Isabel Lopez Quesada

Photo Source: Business and Pleasure

Tip #4

Stylish Shade Solutions

In the warmer months, a classic parasol, sunshade, cabana, pergola, or gazebo will allow you to linger even on the hottest of days, whilst providing shelter on cooler days. More permanent solutions include installing partly covered roofing, adjustable shutters, and retractable awnings.

For stylish outdoor umbrellas, explore our range of Business and Pleasure outdoor umbrellas here.

Holiday Beach Umbrella | Le Basque Navy | W168 x H183cm

$199.00

Part of the holiday range, this umbrella has all the features of our premium style in a light-weight and convenient size that is ideal for a quick beach trip or having in the boot of the car for an unexpected… read more

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

Tip #5

Water Features

Statement water features form beautiful outdoor accents that can add a touch of tranquility, elegance, and visual interest to your outdoor space.

When planning an outdoor water feature, take into account the size of your space, the available water source, maintenance requirements, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Water features can be tailored to fit any style, from contemporary to rustic, and can truly transform the ambiance of your outdoor area.

Here are some creative outdoor water feature ideas to consider:

Fountains: Classic fountains come in various styles, from tiered to wall-mounted, and can create a soothing sound while complementing your other outdoor accents.
Mini Waterfalls: Incorporating a mini waterfall into your landscape can create a dramatic effect and provide the soothing sound of cascading water.
Birdbaths: Birdbaths not only provide water for birds but can also serve as decorative outdoor accents.
Japanese Tsukubai: This is a traditional Japanese water feature that typically includes a stone basin for cleansing before entering a garden. It can add a touch of Zen to your space.

Tip #6

Sculptures/Statues

Outdoor sculptures and statues can add a sense of artistry, intrigue, and personality to your outdoor space.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Zen Garden Elements: Add tranquility with sculptures like Buddha statues or Zen garden features that promote relaxation.
Animal Figurines: Stylized animal sculptures can bring a touch of nature to your space. Birds, rabbits, and other wildlife are popular choices.
Busts: Stone busts can add a sense of sophistication and history to your outdoor space.
Abstract Sculptures: Introduce artistic flair and a contemporary feel with abstract sculptures made from wrought iron, metal, marble, or stone.

Elevate your outdoor alfresco space with our collection of sculptural outdoor accents here.

The Three Graces | Stone Statue | Antique

$1,950.00

STORE PICK UP/LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY/FREIGHT QUOTE ON APPLICATION Due to this piece's size and weight, we cannot offer our regular Australia-wide delivery. For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece.This is not calculated online and will be in addition to… read more

Tip #7

Outdoor Textiles

For textural warmth, style, and interest, select a variety of outdoor, scatter, and floor cushions, along with a few extra comfy throw blankets, such as sheepskin, linen, or wool knits that you can bring out on cooler evenings for guests.

Other textural outdoor accents include:

Outdoor Fabric Cushions: Choose cushions made from weather-resistant materials like Sunbrella fabric.
Outdoor Curtains: Lightweight outdoor curtains can create a sense of privacy, shade, and softness. They also add movement and visual interest to your outdoor space.
Hammocks and Swings: Fabric hammocks or hanging swings can provide a relaxing and comfortable place to lounge while introducing a playful texture.
Outdoor Poufs: Poufs or ottomans made from outdoor-friendly materials can be used as seating, footrests, or even as small tables.
Bean Bags: Outdoor bean bags provide casual seating and add a laid-back, fun vibe to your space.
Cushioned Benches: Outdoor benches with cushioned seats offer a comfortable and inviting seating option.
Lounge Bed: If you have the space, a lounge bed with soft cushions and pillows can create a luxurious and inviting retreat.

Photo Source: Architectural Digest

Tip #8

Planters and Pots

Select large pots, planters, vases, and urns that offer visual beauty, and serve as sculptural pieces when filled or empty.

For lustre, consider bronzed, muted brass or glazed Anduze pots that offer a gentle reflection. For a more rustic look, incorporate natural materials of woven rattan, jute, and cane baskets or planters and recycled timber planters.

Look for vases that feature an interesting shape, texture, finish, or material that can function as stand-alone decorative pieces and complement your decor style when not filled.

For example, for coastal interiors consider using different shaped Turkish pots in chalky whites and terracotta or glazed Anduze urns for a more European décor.

For relaxed country or Belgian look for chunky greyed rattan baskets or traditional painted timber planter boxes. For Hamptons style, incorporate cobalt blue & white china pots, planters, and urns.

Other vessels include glazed or bronze urns, galvanized steel and cast-iron pots, earthenware vases in glossy, textured, or matt finishes, old metal watering cans, and lightweight fiberglass urns.

Explore our full collection of planters and pots here.

Tip #9

Outdoor Fire Pits & Heating

In the cooler months, consider an outdoor permanent fireplace, a mobile fire pit, or heaters to provide warmth in Winter & ambience at night-time.

Lassen Firepit | Black

$262.00

Whether it is a cold wintery night inside or a long summers night outside, there is nothing better than an open fire to stay warm and have ambience. This firepit is crafted from cast iron and comes in a striking… read more

Tip #10

Tableware

For casual family-style entertaining, serving trays, large platters, and wooden boards are the ideal vessels for share plates. Serving ware with handles crafted from bamboo, wicker, rattan or marble is durable & stylish. For kitchen supper style, place cutlery in flowerpots or mason jars on the dining table.

If dining outdoors is a regular occurrence, consider investing in a designated collection of plates, bowls, and condiment dishes that are crafted from acrylic, bamboo, melamine, or tin. These are light-weight, hard-wearing, and come in a range of shapes, sizes, and designs.

Lastly, mesh food covers, napkin rings, and tablecloth weights will ward off bugs and wind.