Have a summer staycation with inspiration from holiday hotspots — and a good old Kiwi backyard movie screening
The Amalfi Coast
While sitting poolside on a sunny day, your abode could echo the clear waters of Southern Italy. With sun protection front of mind, the colours and textures of the ever-so-romantic Amalfi Coast could inspire the design of your staycation set-up. Think The Talented Mr Ripley: striped umbrellas, woven baskets and a pitcher prepped for the afternoon aperitive to bring Italy to your own backyard.
Shop the look: Sunnylife beach umbrella, $179 (see similar); Tishy waffle bath sheet, $119; Rylie round cushion, $89.99; Nicci key ring, $32.99 (see similar); Flemington acrylic jug, $59.99; and Pavilion acrylic tumbler, $14.99; all from Shut the Front Door; Tasselled cushion cover, $34.99, and jacquard blanket, $99.99 (in basket), both from H&M. Lorna Murray Tuscany Capri hat, $182, from Ornament. French market basket, $69, and Oranges weekly diary, $55 (see similar), both from Father Rabbit. Mecca Max Screensaver sunscreen, $28 (see similar), from Mecca.
Take your blankets and cushions outdoors to create the ultimate reading nook in the sunshine. Pinks and oranges, velvet and cotton, do we need to say more? This is the perfect setup for slow afternoons to lay out in the sun with your favourite summer read.
Shop the look: Rylie round cushion, $89.99; pink suede cushion, $129 (see similar); and Biggs cotton cushion, $129 (see similar); all from Shut the Front Door. M&Co Belmont corduroy cushion, $79.99, from Farmers. Jacquard blanket, $99.99, from H&M. Fermob Luxembourg bench with back, $1360, from Jardin.
The Hamptons
If you’ve been dreaming of serene summer days filled with delicious food and entertaining company take a few notes from this design aesthetic. Taking cues from the summer garden, bright sky and deep sea, use colours generously and joyfully. No tablecloth, dinner plate or candle holder is safe from the wave of hues at the table this summer. The Hamptons outdoor aesthetic is luxurious yet relaxed, effortlessly blending elegant elements with natural touches.
Shop the look: Washed linen tablecloth, $69.99; linen-blend runner, $19.99; tapered candles, $9.99 (for two); glazed candlestick, $12.99; linen napkins, $19.99 (for two); metal bowls, $27.99 (for three); and textured mini vases, $22.99 (each); all from H&M. Porto La Mer 12-piece dinner set, $71.99 (usually $119.99), from Farmers. Living & Co Urban cutlery set, $29 (for 16-piece), from The Warehouse. Wavy placemats, $8 (for two), from Kmart. Petal champagne flutes, $79.98 (for four), from shop.yourhomeandgarden.co.nz. Franco rustic cake stand, $99 (see similar); clear bottle vase, $29.50; and Beldi cobalt wine glasses, $15.50 (each) (see similar); all from Father Rabbit.
When it comes to setting the perfect table for a summertime meal, details matter. One simple addition that can make a big impact is layering a table runner over a tablecloth. This small touch adds an extra sense of luxury and sophistication to your dining experience.
But why stop at just the table runner? Take your summer tablescape to the next level by incorporating matching placemats and plates to create a cohesive look. Complete the look with some statement glassware, such as the two-toned champagne flutes from Shop Your Home and Garden.
Shop the look: Fermob Caractere folding table, $1490, and Fermob Opera+ chair, $480 (each), both from Jardin.
Tip: Leave a runner overhang the length of your forearm at the ends of the table for a multi-layered effect.
Magical Movie Night
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your outdoor movie night with this simple and cosy set-up. On the flattest part of your lawn, layer your blankets and cushions, find a couple of lanterns (we’d opt for lighting citronella candles to keep the bugs away) and your favourite microwavable popcorn for a picture-perfect movie night under the stars.
For your personal film premiere, all you’ll need is a white sheet that can be hung between two branches, a portable projector and speakers.
Shop the look: Benjamin the Chihuahua sits on braided oval jute rug, $99.99; Panama green jute rug, $89.99; metal planter console in sage, $269; stripe cushion, $109; Forbici olive cushion, $129 (see similar); and Pandora toolbox, $109; all from Shut the Front Door. M&Co chevron storage basket with lid, $179.99; M&Co jute floor cushion, $149 (usually $199); all from Farmers. Home Chic Cole metal lantern, $84.90 (usually $169.99); Archie side table, $89.90 (see similar); Cove Rohini throw, $59.00 (usually $169.90); and Design Republique Cassidy cushion, $49.90 (usually $99.90); all from Bed Bath & Beyond. Solid fringed green throw, $115 (see similar), from Father Rabbit. Tasselled cushion cover (in basket), $34.99; washed linen cushion cover, $24.99; and linen-blend cushion cover with fringe, $34.99, from H&M. Velvet cushion cover in heather, $38.43, and cotton velvet cushion cover in nori, $54.90, both from Citta.
Tip: Keep extra cushions and throws near at hand by stashing them in a raised planter box
Metal planter in terracotta, $179 (short); from Shut the Front Door. Solace Harry check throw (in planter stand), $43.90 (usually $109.90); from Bed Bath & Beyond.
Styling Lauren Olive Photography Helen Bankers
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