The Block Shops Biggest Outdoor Trends
- 22 Nov 2022
It’s been a long cold, WET winter. But rejoice! Summer is around the corner, and now is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor space. Here are the trends worth getting excited about this year.
Retro beach umbrellas
These cheery little brollies have been doing the rounds for a while now. In recent years, outdoor accessories companies have outsized the average beach umbrella, making custom market umbrella versions. These are a great way to inject a bit of ‘Palm Springs luxe’ into your backyard – martinis optional.
Original Parasol Co featured on The Block this year, Scott Cam created this picture perfect pool area!
Outdoor workspaces
Now this is a trend we can REALLY get behind! As more of us gravitate towards working from home, there has been a rise in custom-built outdoor work spaces. While this may not be ideal for our Melbournian Blockshoppers, those in warmer climates may like to work with a chippie and electrician (you’re going to need a power outlet close by) to make your outdoor work dreams come true.
Take a look at outdoor work spaces on Pinterest, believe me, gone are the days of sitting in a tired old office with no natural light, when you can be at one with nature in the comfort of your own bakyard! Image via @pinterest. Check out The Block Shop's Office supplies to fit out your new space!
Tom and Sarah-Jane took the win for their working from home space, positioned in their shed the mezzanine home office has you with your head in the clouds, thanks to these incredible Velux Skylights.
Fire pits
Who doesn’t love a fire pit? Literally no one. They’re still a great addition to any outdoor area. If you’re after something with an organic feel, we love the Dakota 80cm Rust Fire Pit. It’s reasonably priced and has a lovely, aged, organic feel.
Rachel and Ryan went with this chiminea in their house on The Block to keep toasty warm! A slightly more child friendly option and it shoots smoke up into the air and not all over your guests!
Sharon and Ankur's game changer was a market garden, complete with firepit to keep you warm as you potter in the garden! Great idea, and what a view!!
Take a look at The Block Shop's firepit range right here.
“Conversation” areas
You’ve got your fire sorted, now it’s time to configure some seating for this snug little corner of your yard. Outdoor lounges look great when positioned around your new, toasty focal point. Popping down some gravel or a pebbled surface will allow you to clearly differentiate this area, and it also acts as a fire guard. You don’t want any errant embers – trust us.
Tom and Sarah-Jane's firepit area on The Block Treechange provided a cosy spot for trades to keep warm as the block wrapped up for 2022.
Dylan and Jenny's backyard had not one but many "conversation areas" throughout their Block Backyard, if comfort is key for you, then this is your lounge, but best of all it is purchase in singular pieces so you can design your own space as you please!
Scott Cam spoilt us for choice this season with so many outdoor conversation areas, this is definately more cocktails than coffee with the Trend Sofa by TH Brown.
Breezeblocks
They were everywhere in the 50s and 60s, and now the humble breezeblock is having its moment once more. They’re now available in a number of patterns and styles and are an ideal way to provide a decorative focus in your garden. Why not have a go at building a wall yourself – it’s grown-up LEGO!
Perfect for a piece of Palm Springs at home! Image via @pinterest.
Stepping stones
Time to tiptoe through the tulips on your newly installed stepping stone path! Inset into lawns or groundcover, pavers provide a delightful focal point and are also super practical. Opt for natural stone that blends with the colours of your yard – sandstone works particularly well in coastal areas.
Scott Cam placed stepping stones throughout the high traffic areas of his house, most importantly around the pool as we all know pool chlorine and kids feet dashing across the grass is not a good mix!
Tom and Sarah-Jane also cleverly used stepping stones in high traffic sections of their yard. Landscape products by Block sponsors Soilworx.
Go Greek
Tired of seeing your friends’ Insta pics from the Greek Islands? Go one better and recreate The Med at home!
White-washed walls, curved surfaces, the use of blue -- there’s absolutely no reason you can’t bring a bit of Santorini to your home, too. This style works well if you’ve got an outdoor pizza oven – lime wash it, and voila! Now you’re cooking!
Opa! For all of your med inspo head over here on The Block Shop, images via @pinterest.
Good food, good wine and a great pizza oven are the key elements here, oh and incredible styling of course! Check out everything Scott Cam's landscape reveal here.
Natural timber
Natural timber continues to be a big trend, but a word of warning: all timbers are not created equal. Be sure yours has been treated for outdoor use, otherwise you may find your expensive purchase warping and discolouring in a matter of months. We’re totally obsessed with the Bahir Outdoor Sunlounge – swoon!
We can just see ourselves getting some vitamin d on the Bahir Outdoor Sun Lounge over the summer.
Shop the look the Block heads used Schot's Imporium timber furniture throughout the season.
Outdoor rugs
Outdoor rugs have come a long way from the plasticy synthetic jobs doing the round a few years back. These days you can get all manner of fabrics and styles, coated for outdoor use. Using natural timbers? Opt for something neutral like the Outdoor Collection 3900 rope rug – it will tie in beautifully.
Lifestyle shot via @pinterest, shop outdoor rugs here to get this look.
Colourful hoses
Who says your garden hose needs to be green and boring? Inject a bit of style into your outdoor area with a colourful hose, like this bright cherry red number. Watering never looked so cool.
