Inspiration

Alex Walls from The Block NZ creates the perfect outdoor nook

A comfy outdoor nook gives you extra living space for whiling away afternoons in style. Alex Walls from The Block NZ shows us how to create her look

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Alex Walls from The Block NZ creates the perfect outdoor nook

After being pregnant for a very long winter and then spending the past few months getting used to having our adorable little son, Austen, to brighten our lives, I have been craving summer and the chance finally to be outside with a cocktail in hand, soaking up a sneaky bit of vitamin D.

And if you’re going to relax in the fresh air, why not do it in true comfort and style? With this in mind, I decided to put together our ideal outdoor lounge setting, and already knew the perfect spot for it: the gorgeous outside nook at Mondays Wholefoods in Kingsland, Auckland, which is sheltered by ivy-clad walls and a partially covered pergola.

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You can pretty much treat your open-air lounge in the same way as your inside living areas, in terms of layout and design. All you need to do is choose items made to withstand an outdoor environment.

I like to use rugs to frame a space and communicate the boundaries of the ‘room’. The simple, attractive rug I’ve chosen adds lots of texture, distracts from the plain pavers and can be left outside, rain or shine. The cane hanging chair is the pièce de résistance and one of my favourite pieces of furniture. It’s the seat that everyone fights over as it offers a comfortable spot to curl up and relax away from the sun.

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The staff at Mondays have built their own movable loungers from vitex hardwood, which is typically used for decking but has a lovely colour that fades nicely. Add your favourite cushions and throws and have a basket or box handy so you can pop them in at the end of the day, keeping them fresh for the next day’s activities

Words by: Alex Walls. Photography by: Bayly & Moore.

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