Inspiration

Create your own tropical seating nook

Article by Your Home and Garden

If space is at a premium in your courtyard, deck or veranda, a small seating nook might be just what you need. See how to create your own slice of paradise

chairs

Create your own tropical seating nook

If space is at a premium in your courtyard, deck or veranda, a small seating nook might be just what you need to indulge in your morning coffee or enjoy your favourite book. A bistro setting normally has two chairs and a small table, making it the perfect set-up for small spaces. Many of the settings are stylish enough to be brought indoors and used as extra seating when needed, making them ultra-versatile.

Colour your world

Painting a wall in your courtyard in a bright colour or bringing in coloured accessories is a great way to make your outdoor space zing. For extra comfort, add a couple of scatter cushions to your setting. Outdoor rugs are great for defining the seating space as a separate zone. A blanket or throw that can be brought outdoors on cooler nights won’t go amiss either. We’re all longing for summer but don’t forget it brings with it those annoying insects, so a good citronella candle will keep those pests at bay. Plastic tumblers or wine glasses also are a great option for the outdoors – the brighter, the better.

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Group therapy

Clustering potted plants in a group always looks good, especially if you include plants of different heights to help create visual interest. If you want a tropical theme, it’s best to check with your garden centre to ensure you select the right plants for your area. The amount of sun you get will determine this. Woven baskets look great as plant holders as they add texture but they are more suited to covered areas rather than being exposed to the elements. If you have the space, try adding a hanging planter – they look great hanging under a veranda or from a wall bracket.

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Get the look

Script beige 600×600 floor tiles, $65 per square metre, from Tile Space. Havana rattan white chair, $39, round outdoor handle table, $22, plastic wine goblets (set of 4), $9, flamingo canvas tote bag, $6, tall terazzo pot with bird of paradise plant, $17, monstera and banana leaf artificial plants, $32 each, plastic tumblers (set of 4), $6, all from Kmart. Living & Co bucket citronella candle, $10, from The Warehouse. Sea breeze outdoor floor rug, $49.95, pink lemonade cushion, $44.95, Azai cushion, $44.95, Sabine planter in pink lemonade, small, $34.95, large, $44.95, all from Freedom. Milly & Eugene imitation monstera plant (in hanging basket), $44.90, aura chevron throw, $210, Jas zig-zag seagrass basket, $48.50, all from Allium. General Eclectic white metal hanging planter, $79, Fredrik white pot, $79.99, both from Shut The Front Door. Zitto tall planter box, $89.99, from EziBuy. All other plants stylist’s own. Wall painted in Resene ‘Dauntless’.

Words by: Vanessa Nouwens. Photography by: Melanie Jenkins.