How to redecorate your outdoor room on the cheap
The holidays are a great time to think about getting stuck into those jobs around the house you’ve been putting off all year. But if you’re thinking about redecorating or renovating your outdoor living areas, you might be having trouble justifying the expense so soon after Christmas.
Most people think they’ll have to spend the time and money planning a new style—and shopping around for new furniture and accessories—to bring their outdoor spaces to life. But if you’re willing to expend a little energy and get innovative, you’ll be pleased to know there are a few simple ways you can transform your outdoor spaces without forking out the big bucks—and that you could soon be enjoying a fresh, vibrant outdoor mecca with your family and friends.
Splash some colour around
It’s amazing how far a pop of colour can go towards transforming your outdoor living spaces. Although painting does need a fair amount of preparation and elbow grease, it won’t break the bank to get a couple of tins of paint and bring some pizzazz into those bleak monochrome spaces. Painting is always a good option, because it lends itself equally well to brick, cement and timber surfaces, so you’re bound to find at least one surface to brighten and a paint product to do it.
It’s important to choose the right colour scheme for the style you’re trying to achieve. If your home is looking a bit dreary and ‘Brisbane suburban’ in neutral colours, but you’ve got a pool, let loose with a feature wall in well-saturated aqua and blue tones for a beachy, tropical feel. If you’re dreaming of warm nights entertaining family and friends with your famous tapas, be bold with pinks and oranges—and add in some cacti and timber garden seats to really set them off. The best part? When you want to change your décor again, just paint over it!
Add some inexpensive flair
One of the simplest ways to redecorate your outdoor spaces without emptying your pockets is to steal from other rooms in your house. Forage around in the back of your cupboards, and you’re likely to find forgotten décor items that you still like but couldn’t find a place for. Maybe you went a little overboard last time you tackled the living room décor? Perhaps syphon off some of the cushions, vases or collectables that are cluttering up your indoor spaces, and give them a new lease on life and a chance to bring fresh vibes to your outdoor entertaining areas.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in your own stash, you can still steal a bargain in the shops. Thrift shops are always an untapped resource of décor items, particularly if you’re brave enough to make a retro kitsch statement with your styling. You’ll sometimes find floor coverings and cushions still in good condition—which give your outdoor entertaining area a truly authentic ‘outdoor room’ feel—but it’s always worth a trip to your local Vinnies just for the colourful decorative glassware you’ll find.
Embrace the greenery
Another way to add some style to your outdoor entertaining areas on the cheap is with plants. Potted plants aren’t generally expensive when you’re only buying a few, but you can even take clippings from your own garden if you don’t want to buy them new. Succulents are always a perfect choice: transplant some of your Agaves into painted pots in stands near your daybed, and you can transform a dreary outdoor area with spa-like luxury.
If you’re going for a modern, minimalist look, choose large, monochrome pots for your plants. You don’t have to pay big bucks for these either: there are lots of plastic versions available that look like ceramic, and they’re a heck of a lot easier to move around when you want to change again. But if you’re feeling adventurous, aim for an eclectic look, and get your DIY on by painting your own—then cluster your motley collection of pots and plants together to make a bohemian statement. And if you’ve only got a small space to work with? Try a DIY vertical garden or wall-hung ceramic pots. They’re a great way to add greenery in tight spots, and they’re always talking point.
Revamp your furniture
A successful outdoor room revamp relies a lot on the furniture you’re working with. Furniture can date, and unfortunately, it’s easy to end up with a lacklustre and unfashionable outdoor room if you choose your furniture on the basis of a short-lived trend. It’s always a good idea to choose outdoor furniture with a clean, sophisticated and neutral style, because it’s easier to pair with a number of decorating styles when you feel like making a change. Timber and steel tables and chairs are always the best choice, because they’re elegant and conducive to both modern and traditional colours and themes—and they’re hard wearing, so they’ll look great for a long time with very little maintenance.
If you really want to make over your outdoor living areas without the expense, consider having your existing furniture restored. This is always a great idea for those statement pieces that are looking a bit tired and old, but have the potential to bring a joyful and unique aesthetic to your outdoor room. Most reputable brands can be restored back to their former first-class glory, if the technicians are well trained, at a fraction of the price of buying new furniture.
If you’re looking to inject some life back into your outdoor room, Australian Garden Furniture Company can help. We’ve got a huge range of outdoor dining and lounging furniture that will completely transform your outdoor space, in styles to suit both traditional and contemporary decorating. We’ve also got highly skilled technicians who can lovingly restore your statement pieces back to beautiful, and keep your outdoor furniture protected and healthy all year round with our regular onsite maintenance service. Contact us anytime for more information on our extensive range of products and services, and we’ll be happy to help you create your dream outdoor room.