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Under the (Kiwi) sun: A guide to updating your alfresco space for summer and beyond

Welcome warmer days with al fresco breakfasts, long lunches and lazy, sun-soaked evenings.

When the weather starts to warm up, we all breathe that collective sigh of relief. The lanterns come out, the barbecue fires up, and the invitations start filling the calendar. 

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And if you want to keep the action at your house, now’s the time to start planning, updating or adding to create your ultimate entertaining space with Freedom.

LEFT: ‘Lacquer’ tray in green, $69.95. ‘Studio’ hi ball glass set in clear, $49.95 (for four). ‘Tribeca Coupe’ dinner set, $149.99. RIGHT: ‘Boree’ coffee table, 80cm, $599. ‘Boree’ coffee table, 60cm, $399, ‘Krosno Avant-Garde’ wine glass set, $99.99 (for six). ‘Codena’ condiment set in large, $59.95. ‘Codena’ wine chiller, $94.95. ‘Codena’ lazy Susan in white marble, $159. ‘Codena’ cheese knives, $69.95. ‘Studio’ tumbler set, $49.95 (for four).

Our guide to elevating your outdoor space this season

OUTDOOR DINING

If you have an outdoor area that’s not under cover and you don’t want to have to move furniture around, look for all-season items. 

A concrete table can become a feature and anchor a space, while withstanding the elements throughout the year when properly cared for. 

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Don’t worry, it’s happy with some coasters, a wipe-down and an annual coat of concrete sealer. Add contrasting chairs in a quality outdoor-friendly material such as teak (the natural oil of the wood naturally repels water) or outdoor wicker. 

Hot tip when buying outdoor furniture: A reliable measure is to see how many UV hours the piece is tested against (Freedom’s minimum standard of 2000 UV hours offers ideal, moderate resistance).

‘Enzo’ dining table, $3999. ‘Nara’ dining chair, $599 (each). ‘Reime’ tumbler glass in clear, $12.95. ‘Aliena’ napkin set in mid green, $17.97, ‘Studio’ carafe and tumbler set in green, $34.95. ‘Leura’ decorative bowl in white, $119. ‘Eleanora’ decorative bowl in white marble, $169. ‘Armidale’ oval plate, $49.95. ‘Tribeca Coupe’ dinner set, $149.99. ‘Lacquer’ tray in green, 45cm x 35cm, $69.95. ‘Studio’ hi-ball glass set in clear, $59.95 (for four).

SHOP THE LOOK WITH FREEDOM

Freedom Nara chair

Nara Dining Chair

$599 (each) from Freedom

With a solid wood frame, smooth natural finish and handwoven wicker seat, these outdoor chairs are both comfortable and stylish. Arrange them around your outdoor table and create a space your guests won’t want to leave.

Enzo table from Freedom

Enzo Dining Table

$3,999 at Freedom

Sealed for durability and outdoor protection, this striking outdoor table is both a work of art and a place for loved ones to gather around. Handmade from a durable concrete mix and finished with a protective seal, each piece is unique, sculptural and elegant.

Tribeca Coupe Dinner Set

$149.99 at Freedom

Crafted from quality porcelain, this crisp, white diner set is durable and contemporary. With dinner plates, side plates and bowls, it’s perfect for serving up an al fresco feast.  

Leura Decorative Bowl

$119 at Freedom

Handcrafted and watertight, this stunning bowl is made of earthenware and painted. It makes a stunning centrepiece either indoors or out. Fill it with fruit or let it stand on its own. 

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Aliena Napkin Set

$17.97 (for four) at Freedom

Say goodbye to paper napkins and elevate your outdoor setting with this elegant fabric napkin set. 

Studio Carafe and Tumbler

$34.95 at Freedom

We firmly believe that drinks just taste that little bit better when served from an elegant carafe and tumbler set. This dishwasher-safe set will add vibrancy to any tablescape. Prefer a tall drink of water? Pair it with a set of the Studio Hi Ball glasses in green (set of 4 RRP $59.95) 

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Create a secondary entertaining space with a dedicated lounge area – just perfect for summer afternoons that stretch into the evening. For added ambience, don’t forget an outdoor rug, throws, latest season cushions and some mood lighting, be it candles, lanterns, hanging outdoor feature lights or a classic festoon or fairy lights.

‘Boree’ sofa package, $6299. ‘Boree’ coffee table, 80cm, $599. ‘Boree’ coffee table, 60cm, $399. ‘Corfu’ outdoor cushion in green, $69.95. ‘Fitzroy’ outdoor bolster cushion in olive, $49.95. ‘Logan’ outdoor rug, $1679. ‘Corfu’ outdoor ottoman in green stripe, $349.
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SHOP THE LOOK

Create a secondary entertaining space with a dedicated lounge area – just perfect for summer afternoons that stretch into the evening. For added ambience, don’t forget an outdoor rug, throws, latest season cushions and some mood lighting, be it candles, lanterns, hanging outdoor feature lights or a classic festoon or fairy light

Boree Outdoor Sofa Package

$6299 at Freedom

This outdoor sofa set is made for lazy spring and summer afternoons lounging in the sunshine. It’s easy to maintain, thanks to the laminated FSC teak timber with its abundance of natural oils, adjustable feet, and removable cushions in a UV- and water-resistant fabric. The package includes one 3-seater sofa and two armchairs, so there’s room for everyone.

Boree Coffee Tables

From $399 (60cm) and $599 (80cm) at Freedom

Why stop at one? Rather than using a single large coffee table, make the space more interesting with a complementary pair.

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Green freedom rug

Saidee Throw (in Olive)

$119 at Freedom

Throws are a welcome addition to the outdoor space, and even if they don’t get used, they’re a great way to add colour
and texture.

Logan Outdoor Rug

$1679 at Freedom

Contrary to popular belief, yes, rugs do belong outside. Soften your outdoor area with the Logan rug, handwoven by skilled artisans. It features traditional craftsmanship with modern design. Made from 100% recycled PET, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and is available in four sizes.

Reko Lantern

$199 at Freedom

Summer evenings call for candlelight. Set the scene with the sturdy and durable Reko lantern, which provides all the impact without the worry of your candle blowing out in the breeze. Use it to create a romantic setting – or pair it with music to enjoy some solo time on the balcony.

Corfu Outdoor Cushion

$69.95 at Freedom

Give your outdoor space a sense of softness by scattering cushions in a similar colour palette. These Corfu cushions feature a soft bouclé texture and can be mixed and matched with the hardy, water-repellent Fitzroy outdoor cushions ($49.95).

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Shop for more on-trend all-weather furniture and decor to update your outdoor space for spring at freedomfurniture.co.nz

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