Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

5 Outdoor Design Ideas that Marry Form and Function

  • Written by Chloe Taylor


Let’s be honest, it is never too late to inspect our outdoor living areas and show them some much-needed love. While you might already have a certain layout in place you don’t wish to change for whatever reason, you definitely should check out some of the latest outdoor trends that perfectly marry form and function and create a harmonious environment anyone would enjoy spending some time in. If this sounds appealing, check out these outdoor design ideas.

Mixed materials

Ever since last year, the use of mixed materials in outdoor designs has been on the rise. Nowadays, you can expect to see different furniture materials combined with soft and luxurious fabrics that together create the perfect area for relaxing and enjoying spending some time out in nature. For instance, wooden furniture with metallic and glass elements has been very popular, embellished with comfortable suede seating cushions, fluffy throw blankets and sturdy throw pillows. Basically, nowadays, you shouldn’t refrain from mixing different material together in hopes of creating a well-put-together outdoor space.

Chunky furniture

Furthermore, using chunky furniture to create a seating area in your backyard is the new hot trend. With maximalism rapidly gaining in popularity, it was only a matter of time until this trend made its way to the outdoors as well. So, chunky wooden furniture and even oversized outdoor sofas are definitely something you should consider adding to your outdoor area if you want to ensure you create a trendy outdoor seating area. Not only do these look absolutely amazing but they are extremely practical as well, However, if your garden space is limited then there is no need for chunky furniture, perhaps go to the garden furniture outlet and find one with a minimalist design to match the style of your garden.

Interesting details

Next, consider filling your outdoor living area with numerous eye-catching details. Things like bird baths, bird feeders, outdoor water features and even an elaborate fire pit will elevate the look of your yard in an instant and provide it with some additional pizzazz. Additionally, you can even choose to install a comfortable hammock swing chair somewhere in your yard that will offer an additional dose of privacy to anyone who needs it. All of these little focus points will fill your outdoor area with interesting, eye-catching elements which will constantly draw the attention of the observer, making every moment spent in your yard that much more interesting.

Luxurious statement piece

Additionally, no modern outdoor area can do without a luxurious statement piece. Here, you should think in terms of something that will both be useful and take everyone’s breath away as soon as they see it. For instance, you can opt to include a lavish 2 person outdoor spa in your backyard design and bring the look and functionality of your outdoor area to a whole new level. Aside from the fact that this amazing luxurious feature will make all of your friends and neighbors jealous of your backyard, it will also provide you with a place where you can pamper yourself and relax whenever you feel like it.

Neutral color palette

Finally, unlike the previous years where the accent was put on bright and colorful outdoor fabrics, this year, you can expect to see a lot of subdued and neutral shades. The fact of the matter is that neutral shades are simply timeless, and they make an excellent base for whatever style or look you wish to create. Therefore, make sure you add a natural jute outdoor rug to work as the base of your seating area and go off white or light gray with your furniture. Alternatively, you can top the design off with statement throw pillows with an interesting leaf design as not only are these very trendy, but they work wonderfully in outdoor settings.

These were just some of the hottest outdoor design ideas that guarantee you’ll be left with a breathtaking outdoor area where you can enjoy spending some quality time with your family and friends.



Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Make You Wiser? Debunking Old Beliefs

Wisdom teeth are among the most discussed teeth in dentistry, not because of their function but because of the myths that surround them. The name it...

How Long Do Dental Implants Really Last? The Facts Dentists Won’t Skip

Australians often ask one simple question before green-lighting treatment: how long will a dental implant actually last? The short answer is that th...

The Confidence Curve: Why Implants Change the Way You Carry Yourself

Losing a tooth is not just a physical change; it alters the way people see themselves and how they believe others perceive them. While dentistry has...

LIFE STYLE

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same spirit of discovery has moved online...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, the outdoors is woven into everyday life. However, this...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday household tasks difficult to manage on their own. For those...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation is making everyday tasks more convenient, secure...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, outfitting a commercial building, or designing an outdoor...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk...