5 tips for styling your balcony with the outdoor furniture specialists

outdoor-furniture-specialists

Living in a unit or home with a small balcony as your outdoor space means that you need to get creative! Your best option is to contact outdoor furniture specialists, such as Daydream Leisure Furniture, because we not only have wonderful outdoor furniture stores in Noosa and Warana, but we are also happy to share our design and styling knowledge with our customers.

As outdoor furniture specialists, we can help you to create the perfect relaxing space for your balcony, a place where you can spend quality time with friends and relatives. We have an extensive collection of outdoor furniture on the Sunshine Coast, just waiting to grace your balcony!

However, if you are struggling to put together a design for your balcony and you are looking for some advice, here are five design tips that should get you started.

1.     Take size and proportion into account

If you have a small balcony, you don’t want your furniture to overwhelm the space, but by the same token, you don’t want your furniture to disappear into a large space. It’s all about proportions and the size of your furniture compared to the size of your balcony. If you bring in a few photos and the measurements of your balcony, our outdoor furniture specialists can help you to select the best furniture settings for your needs at one of our Sunshine Coast stores.

2.     Consider the effects of layering

Layering is all about textures and drawing the eye around the space by adding interest. Layering can include rugs, cushions, wall hangings, planters, privacy screens, pots and even creating small defined spaces for reading or dining on your balcony.

3.     Ramp up your style with lighting

Lighting is essential to any outdoor space, but to improve the ambience of your balcony, it’s a great idea to add a selection of lanterns and candles that can be changed to suit your mood. None of these need to be fixed, which is ideal if you are only renting your unit! Consider adding a selection of different lanterns and candles to a small side table or even running a string of lanterns along the side of your balcony to brighten up the space.

4.     Don’t forget vertical spaces

As an outdoor specialist, we know that including vertical spaces in your design is a way to visually increase the size of the space and add extra interest. Consider mirrors, artworks, privacy screens, murals or wall hangings – all in designs and colours that complement your furniture.

5.     Optimise your garden space

Adding greenery to your small balcony is a great way to ground your space in nature, but make sure to select the type of plants that grow well in the environment of your balcony. Examples include grasses and succulents, even a herb garden or a planter filled with agapanthus because they don’t need much attention and look good all year round. You might think that a vertical garden is a good option, but the small pots often don’t provide enough water and nutrients for plants to grow well on balconies.

If you want help selecting the perfect balcony furniture on the Sunshine Coast, don’t hesitate to drop into one of our local furniture stores and chat to one of our outdoor furniture specialists or send us an email. It’s our passion to make your entertaining and living needs a reality.

Encouraging Social Media Engagement Through Furniture and Décor

selfie for social media

With the huge popularity of Instagram and Facebook, it’s no wonder that every business wants to encourage their patrons to share snapshots throughout their social media networks. In fact, this has become one of the major strategies that restaurateurs use to engage their own customers and drum up new custom.

If you want to drive new customers to your eatery, here are five décor and furnishing ideas that should give you a head start.

1.     Themes or eye-catching interior designs

With social media, everything is about being visually appealing, which is why your business needs a theme or an eye-catching presentation that customers want to photograph. These can include digital or neon signs or menus on the walls, as well as a stand out theme, such as communal eating tables, open kitchens and using Italian style furnishings such as Nardi.

social media setting

@NardiNetDiningChair

2.     Lighting for social media engagement

Lighting is an integral part of any eatery, creating its mood and ambiance. This can include a variety of pendants, chandeliers, candles, and lanterns, all used to establish your theme. Lights need to be positioned to allow your customers to visually appreciate your theme, décor, table settings and food, all of which comes together to make an instagrammable vignette.

If you make a feature of your lighting however, this itself can encourage customers to take photographs to share with their social media followers. People love taking photos, and the more reasons you give them to photograph your business, the more you increase online engagement.

social media lighting@thegrounds

3.     Food presentation

Why not give your chef the freedom to create food that is photogenic and instagrammable? It makes perfect sense when you want to engage your target audience via social media, because everyone wants to share a visually amazing display of food with their followers. An even better idea is to commission plate ware that is eye-catching, taking your food’s presentation up another notch. At Daydream, we stock a huge range of tableware and dining settings that are the perfect addition to any commercial business. Browse our beautiful entertainment accessories here!

plate ware for social media

@Dining&Entertainment

4.     Fun and branded menus

Since people automatically look for something unique and photogenic when they eat out, it makes sense to design your menus to be photographed. This means that engaging a local artist to design fun and interesting menus that complement your furnishings and theme, is a cost-effective exercise. People no longer simply photograph the food, so creating a space that has multiple photogenic factors within its décor is a win-win situation!

You can even personalise menus for special occasion bookings, making it pretty much guaranteed that they will photograph them and share it with their followers.

Encouraging Social Media Engagement Through Furniture and Décor | Daydream Leisure Furniture

@NardiNetDiningChair

5.     Create a photo wall

We highly recommend creating a unique design element or photo wall that customers would recognise when featured online and through social media. A few excellent ideas may be creating a living plant wall, planters filled with living herbs in the middle of your Nardi tables, backlit glass shelves filled with spirit bottles behind the bar or a wall covered in fabulous artwork. All of these furnishing and décor ideas make your eatery ‘instagrammable’, bringing in more customers to share your eatery with their social media followers!

photo wall for social media@homebeautiful

Bonus Tips!

Instead of a boring photo of a plate of food, why not hand out wide-angle selfie sticks to your customers. This is a fun and creative way to engage your customers as well as showcase more of your business (furnishings included). Also, don’t forget to leverage your own branded hashtag so you can continue to engage with your customers post-purchase! Add these hashtags to all of your own Instagram images, captions and menus to keep your hashtag trending!

If you would like any styling tips or advice on new furniture fit-outs, feel free to contact the professional team at Daydream Leisure Furniture today. We are the outdoor living specialists who can help bring life back to your hospitality business.

 

 

The Aesthetic Value of Furniture in Hospitality

nardi chairs in cafe

Updating your outdoor furniture is extremely important, especially when running a business within the hospitality industry. A strong economy, rising global consumer purchase power and digital innovation have all contributed towards the hospitality industry’s record growth in the last few years.

What is the servicescape?

The servicescape is the environment in which a service is provided and there is customer interaction. Servicescape furniture should be designed to appeal to customers pleasure and arousal states as well as facilitate operational ease and efficiency. There are four roles in the servicescape that we’ll be examining offering strategic reasons as to why you should update your outdoor furniture. These include:

  1. Package
  2. Differentiator
  3. Facilitator
  4. Socialiser

italian inspired nardi furniture at a cafe

In order to shape the success of your own business in the future, you should be updating your servicescape furniture sooner rather than later. Why?

  • Firstly, remaining relevant and fiercely competitive in the marketplace will keep your business top-of-mind and successful (Package).
  • Secondly, the hospitality industry has potential in social media allowing greater awareness for ‘trendy’ businesses to be shared (Differentiator).
  • Thirdly, physical settings influence the customer’s ultimate satisfaction with the service flow, design and functionality (Facilitator).
  • Lastly, furnishing and updating your service area will help facilitate whether customers feel comfortable in socialising and staying longer (Socialiser).

outdoor table setting with nardi furniture

  1. PACKAGE || Updating furniture in hospitality creates an impressionable package

The first role in the servicescape is the package. This is when outdoor furniture settings and the overall layout of a business creates a split-second impression to outward-looking customers. For example, this could be potential or new customers walking past a café whose first impression of your business is the look and design. First impressions are mostly created by the furniture layout, design, lighting, music and mood.

Take a look at how the Cantilever Umbrella is styled at the Providore on Hastings café in Noosa. It’s a practical, yet aesthetic that creates ambience customers love! View it here

nardi furniture oceanside restaurant view

  1. DIFFERENTIATOR || Updating furniture in hospitality will help differentiate your business from competitors

The second role in the servicescape is the differentiator. This is often where a business can separate themselves from the market using unique furniture to offer a competitive advantage. That’s right! Outdoor furniture has the power to build your brand in the minds of customers, as well as establish your market position. Colours, design and feel will determine the value imposed on the customer whilst dining at your business.

Take a look at how the Cave Bianche Hotel have styled all white Nardi chairs by their poolside bar here

nardi furniture and table setting

  1. FACILITATOR || Updating furniture in hospitality will facilitate service flow and movement within your business

The third role in the servicescape is the facilitator. With over 20 years of industry experience, you can trust the team at Daydream Leisure Furniture to recommend a design that enhances the flow of activity in your business. We know that a well-designed, practical service area will make the experience for the customer a pleasant one. Say goodbye to cramped dining and hello to comfortable, functional settings.

nardi furniture at rooftop bar

  1. SOCIALISOR || Updating furniture in hospitality will increase your customers need to socialise

The last role in the servicescape is the socialiser. A business that oozes comfort will keep your customers staying longer as well as coming back. The range of outdoor settings that we stock at Daydream Leisure Furniture is not only stylish but extremely comfortable. If customers are encouraged to interact and stay longer, your business will continuously look busy and attract more people. Furthermore, this also increases the opportunity to upsell your products (e.g. more coffee, dessert, drinks, snacks bought).

nardi furniture at resort

 There is no better time than now to update your outdoor furniture, especially if you’re running a business in the hospitality industry. Staying top-of-mind and competitive, as well as increasing the perceived comfort, value and satisfaction of your business will help you reach further success.

 If you would like any styling tips or advice on new furniture fit-outs, feel free to contact the professional team at Daydream Leisure Furniture today. We are the outdoor living specialists who can help bring life back to your hospitality business.

 

Bring spring back into your outdoor living spaces

Bring spring back into your outdoor living spaces | Daydream Leisure Furniture

With spring not far away in Australia, it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor living areas and how you can make them feel more like an extension of your home. Most Aussies spend plenty of time on the patio and in the garden, so it makes sense to make these areas as comfortable and as inviting to everyone as the inside of your home.

Let’s look at five different ways you can style your outdoor spaces to make the most out of the outdoors at home!

Outdoor living rooms

If you want to create a wonderful outdoor living area, your choices are endless! A ‘must-have’ for your outdoor lounge is a comfortable sofa with plenty of cushions and a coffee table. Your best choices are between aluminium, timber and wicker frames, but be sure to select the design and style that complements your home’s interior décor.

The best type of outdoor sofas are modular and those that you can mix and match, because you can change the configuration to suit your needs, but also look for quality fabrics that don’t fade easily in the sun. As an added touch for the cool spring evenings, consider adding a fire pit or an overhead heater for a lovely cosy feeling.

Outdoor dining spaces

Dining alfresco outdoors is a fabulous idea as we start to enjoy the warmer evenings, but lunch outdoors with friends is also a great option and what about Sunday morning breakfasts out on the patio?

There is a wide variety of table settings for your outdoor patio, but timber is always a great choice, as is wicker, aluminium and even concrete (for people who want to try something different!). Don’t forget that you can select chairs that match your dining table or opt for a trendier ‘mismatched’ style by selecting a different design or material than your table. The Nardi Outdoor ‘Net’ Dining range comes in a huge variety of colours which can be styled together.

Tranquil and peaceful spots

For small patios or larger gardens where you want to create a number of different outdoor rooms, a tranquil and peaceful spot where you can read a book or listen to your favourite music in the shade is a great idea.

You won’t need much furniture for a quiet reading spot, maybe just one single comfortable chair and coffee table if you want the area to be just for yourself! You can even add a floor rug, vase of flowers and a small water feature to really treat yourself to a few hours of relaxation.

Morning coffee anyone?

When friends come over for morning coffee, it’s great if you can have a lovely outdoor setting where everyone can relax and chat outdoors on the patio. You can opt for a small modular setting and coffee table or a few matching chairs and coffee table, but whichever option you select make sure that comfort is your first priority.

Relaxing afternoon sanctuaries

There is nothing quite like putting your feet up in the late afternoon and just chilling on your own or with family and friends. Creating a relaxing sanctuary is very easy with just a daybed, an umbrella for extra shade and maybe a coffee table to hold your drink and magazines. Don’t forget to include a few stylish cushions for extra comfort and home décor items, such as lanterns, placemats and even outdoor lighting to add a personal touch.

Timber daybeds are very popular as are wicker daybeds, and since they are designed for the outdoors, they are very easy to keep clean. You can match your daybeds to your coffee setting or your outdoor alfresco dining setting and create a lovely, stylish outdoor entertainment area with plenty of options for everyone.

Check out our product catalogue and start designing your outdoor living spaces for spring today!

 

The importance of accessorising your outdoor entertaining area

The importance of accessorising your outdoor entertaining area | Daydream Leisure Furniture

Living on the Sunshine Coast, we appreciate the weather more than most. Because we love being outside, we are constantly entertaining outdoors, no matter the season! When you entertain outside a lot, your space can start feeling a little drab and dated, which is where the power of accessories for not only your space and furniture, but your tableware for the ultimate (and effective) update to your outdoor entertaining. From napkins and serving platters to lighting and cushions, let’s take a look at just some of the outdoor accessories available at Daydream Leisure Furniture…

 

Plate it up!

Outdoor entertaining is the perfect time to add a little pizazz to your plates, bowls or serving dishes. Whether you are going for a certain style or theme, or you just want to add colour, serving ware is simple and easily mixed and matched option for you.

Our range of ‘Congo’ mango wood serving ware is perfect for that pop of both pattern and colour, and the solid Mango wood is both beautiful and stylish.

 

 

 

Utensils, utensils, utensils!

People often underestimate the effect that utensils can have on your guests. Poorly cleaned or old cutlery can be a big turnoff when entertaining. Make sure you keep your utensils clean and perhaps give them a clean shine with a mix of water with a little vinegar before putting them on the table. While you may not want to update your entire collection of utensils, updating a few key pieces, such as this stylish two-tone rose gold cheese server set, can have a huge impact on your guests.

 

Dine in Comfort (and style)

Love the classic white tableware but still need that injection of style and colour? Our made-to-order cushion range comes in a huge range of prints and colours to suit every style. Find the print you like and you can order everything from cushions to table runners and placemats. View the entire range here and complete your outdoor look today.

 

The importance of accessorising your outdoor entertaining area | Daydream Leisure Furniture

 

Add a centrepiece

Everyone knows that no dinner table is complete without a centrepiece. So, whether you like flowers and greenery, lighting, or some kind of elaborate décor item, finish off your table in style.  Going for the natural look, try a nice native bouquet. Looking for something more romantic? Stick with a few scented candles.

 

No matter what style or theme you prefer as an entertainer and host, there will be something you for you Daydream Leisure Furniture.  We offer a huge range of outdoor dining and pool furniture, accessories and décor items to turn your outdoor area into your dream space. View our range online or come into one of our showrooms in either Warana or Noosa today.

The Ultimate Summer BBQ: Entertaining Tips

ultimate-summer-bbq-entertaining-tips

Summer is well and truly here, and I have to say, we are loving the warm sunshine! Where there is sunshine and good company, there is the perfect excuse for a weekend BBQ with friends. So dust off the grill and get your backyard or patio space ready for the ultimate summer entertaining experience in your very own garden.

Having a BBQ is all about simplicity and ease. To help make things easier for you we’ve put together these entertaining tips as a guide.

Enough Food To Feed Your Tribe

Preparing a meal for a large number of people doesn’t need to be stressful. The beautiful thing about a BBQ is that it’s a very informal and light-hearted event. Why not turn your BBQ into a pot-luck? You’ll provide the grilled meats, and your guests can bring along cheese platters, bread, salads, and even dessert. Classic favourites like sausages, kebabs, steaks, and rissoles are always a hit at our family BBQ. What will you be serving up?

BBQ’s are fantastic when it comes to recipe planning too. They offer so much versatility with the kinds of meals you can prepare. Jamie Oliver and Webber offer some scrumptious recipes online, to spark your tastebuds with inspiration.

Get Creative With Your Seating Options

Make sure you have enough outdoor furniture to accommodate all of your guests. From classic outdoor settings to picnic rugs on the grass, you can never have enough options for accommodating your mingling guests.

Entertaining ranges like the Nardi and Kwila suites are fantastic! They’re durable, stylish, and comfortable all year round. Plus, they offer incredibly versatile arrangements, so that you can find the perfect chairs to match your table and home decor. Bench seats and bar stools are also a great option when entertaining a big group of people. Visit Daydream Furniture before hosting your next BBQ and make sure your entertaining space is a hit this summer!

Keep The Kids Corner Busy

While you’re entertaining your guests at the ultimate summer BBQ, remember to keep the kids’ corner occupied too. There’s nothing worse than when all of the adults are having a great time and suddenly the kids start complaining that they’re bored. Perhaps plan a few fun activities for the littlies, or if you have a pool, you can encourage them to bring along their swimmers and floaties to take a dip?

There you have it. Use some of these tips and create the perfect entertaining space, no matter your budget. And when you’re ready to furnish your area with the latest in outdoor living and dining settings, look no further than Daydream Leisure Furniture. Our showrooms in Noosa and Warana are stocked with beautiful and stylish pieces to suit all tastes and budget. Shop our range online here or find us on Facebook.

 

Creating the Ultimate Backyard Entertaining Area

outdoor-entertaining-setting

Outdoor entertaining is a luxury that many of us would love to do more of, especially here on the Sunshine Coast. Having a well-designed space for hosting guests and preparing food can take the stress out of dinner parties and leave nothing but a relaxing time with friends, especially when it comes to the clean-up. Here’s our tips on creating the ultimate outdoor entertaining area in your own backyard.

 

Start with the layout

When planning a layout for your outdoor area, it pays to consider exactly how you’re going to use the space.  This is especially true if you have a smaller area to work with, as you’ll want to work with the space to create an inviting and open area to entertain guests in.  Have a bigger yard? It’s recommended that you create different zones within your yard, such as an eating area, a sitting area and a grass/shrubbery zone for children and pets, or perhaps a quick game of bocce!

 

Consider your flooring

The two most popular options for outdoor entertaining areas are timber decking or pavers, depending on your situation. Choosing dark coloured pavers and applying a coat of sealer, creates an effective and very low maintenance outdoor area that’s easy to clean and repels stains. Just a simple wash down after a big night and you’re done!

 

Fancy a feature?

Including a focal point in your outdoor area can give it the extra oomph it needs to draw guests outside. Whether it’s a colourful wall, vertical garden, some garden lighting or a standout outdoor dining setting, a feature can really transform a space and create conversation. A water feature can not only look beautiful but provides a relaxing atmosphere through its calming white noise.

A functional entertaining kitchen

An outdoor kitchen space can really transform your entertainment area. It allows you to prepare and serve food without retreating inside and also give you a space to clean up afterward.  Additions such as a small bar fridge enable you to keep food and drinks outside, which is not only convenient for entertaining, but also frees up valuable space in your family fridge.

 

Extend your living space

Bi-fold doors are the perfect addition to any entertainer house. Not only do they look amazing and let more light into your home, but they also allow you to join your internal and external areas to create a larger space which can be utilised no matter the season or weather; perfect!

 

There you have it. Use some of these tips and create the perfect entertaining space, no matter your budget. And when you’re ready to furnish your area with the latest in outdoor living and dining settings, look no further than Daydream Leisure Furniture. Our showrooms in Noosa and Warana are stocked with beautiful and stylish pieces to suit all tastes and budget. Shop our range online here or find us on Facebook.

 

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Backyard Renovation

planning-outdoor-backyard-renovation

Aussies love their outdoor spaces and the backyard is our haven from the stresses and tribulations of our daily lives. We embrace our backyards wholeheartedly, regularly inviting friends and family over for a big BBQ, maybe a swim in the pool, an afternoon watching footy on the outdoor TV, and generally lounging around and relaxing at home.

So if your backyard could do with a serious makeover – where do you start? First of all, you need to know all of the specific regulations that will affect your outdoor renovation, otherwise, you can be in a great deal of trouble. Next, take a good hard look at your outdoor space and decide what you like and don’t like, and what is and isn’t possible.

Creating a plan on paper is always a good idea because you can see where everything fits, and prevent any huge mistakes before they happen! Some mistakes can be costly, so give due consideration to your plan before you start calling in the backhoe and demolishing your backyard!

If you are ready for a backyard makeover at your home, here are our top tips for making the whole process run smoothly.

Identify your colour scheme

The colour scheme you chose for your outdoor spaces will be determined by your home’s internal and external colour palette. This is because you will want your outdoor entertainment spaces to flow naturally from your internal spaces, so continuing with the same palette is a sensible idea.

Decking for your home

You might not have any decking at all or need to replace your existing decking because it is old and rotten or no longer suits your lifestyle. One or more decks will help to define your outdoor spaces and you can choose from hardwood timber or the newer composite materials. Even pavers or bricks can be used instead of decking, depending on your budget and your design style.

Privacy and shade

You can create a stand-alone outdoor pergola with a variety of different screens or use large plants, such as clumping bamboo to provide privacy from neighbours. A popular choice when it comes to furnishing our backyards is the wide range of outdoor shade options available today, such as wind-rated cantilever umbrellas and retractable outdoor awnings. These additions not only provide shade and protection from wind and rain, they have the ability to compliment your landscape design and furnishings. Other options include using large pots filled with palms to provide both privacy and shade for your seating areas, building a hedge or installing outdoor blinds that are designed for external areas.

Pool fencing

With older pools, you might want to completely revamp the pool itself, the pool surrounds and even replace the pool fence. If you want to do any renovations around your pool, always check the pool regulations that are applicable, so you don’t have to re-do your renovations to comply with local laws. For example, you can’t have outdoor furniture and pots within a certain distance of the fence, as this prevents children from climbing over the pool fence.

Outdoor kitchens

Many Aussies are now investing in an outdoor kitchen complete with sink, fridge, stove and food preparation areas, and even pizza ovens, which is fabulous if you have space. However, there is nothing wrong with simply renovating your BBQ area and patio with aa table, chairs and perhaps a drinks trolley, like this one, to make it more inviting and functional for everyone.

Landscaping makeovers

If your garden has seen better years with fences falling down, retaining walls crumbling, and dead plants and grass everywhere, then it might be time for a makeover. Always spend big on a number of large focal plants, filling in with smaller cheaper plantings and don’t forget to consider shade plants. If you have a large backyard, you can also consider creating one or more meandering paths through your garden, ending in small magical areas with outdoor seating for two!

Outdoor furnishings

Once you have the landscaping, plants and hard surfaces organised, it’s time to think about your furnishings. This can be the most exciting time for many home owners when they start to decide how they will furnish their outdoor entertainment areas. There are plenty of options available, but most people want tables and chairs to create an outdoor dining area, and daybeds and sofa lounges for relaxation. Of course, there are sun lounges for around the pool and all of the cushions you need to soften the spaces as well.

Costs of your backyard renovation

The cost of renovating your backyard can be as small or as large as your budget allows. Everyone’s needs are different and there are always changes you can make that will improve a space, regardless of the size of your budget.

For more information on any of our outdoor furniture and accessories, call Daydream Leisure Furniture on 07 5449 9336 (Noosa) 07 5493 4277 (Warana) or complete our online enquiry form.

 

 

 

5 Reasons to Buy Aluminium Furniture for Your Outdoor Area

aluminium-dining-setting-outdoor

Spending time outdoors is one of the favourite pastimes for Australians. From having family and friends over, to just relaxing with a good book and soaking up the sunshine, nothing beats the good old outdoors. When it comes to furnishing your outdoor area, however, aluminium is one of the most popular choices of material, and for good reason. Curious as to why? Let us fill you in with our top 5 reasons.

 

  1. No rust, no worries!

Unlike its metal counterpart, aluminium won’t rust over time or due to being left outside exposed to the weather. Although wooden furniture is beautiful and strong, it still needs basic maintenance to prevent wear, tear, and fading due to use and exposure to the sun and rain. As aluminium isn’t affected by these conditions, it’s the perfect choice for being in coastal areas or places with high humidity. Actually, it’s perfect for everyone!

 

  1. It’s easy to care for

Exactly how low maintenance aluminium furniture really is, deserves to be a point in itself. It can stand up to wind, dirt, rain, food, really anything you throw at it, as it just needs a simple hose down or spot clean to look as new! How many pieces of furniture can claim that?

 

  1. It’s light as a feather!

If you’re moving your furniture around the backyard or putting it away in the off-season (not that you need to, it doesn’t rust!), having furniture that’s light makes like so much easier. Just pick up the sun lounge and move it as the sun crosses the sky, it’s that easy.

 

  1. Aluminium’s tough

As well as being light-weight, the durability of aluminum furniture is what makes it so popular around the world. Aluminium is a solid and reliable piece of furniture, it will last you and your family for years.

 

  1. There are so many options

Aluminium Furniture comes in a wide range of designs to suit everyone tastes. From traditional to trendy to coastal chic, it can be styled to suit any backyard or design trend and is available in an array of colour including subtle earth tones to bright statement pieces. Aluminium furniture is as versatile as you need it to be!

Not only does aluminium furniture have so many benefits, it’s also really affordable, offering great value for money. Make the most out of your outdoor area for less, with a long-lasting, lightweight and ever-so-stylish aluminum furniture setting from Daydream Leisure Furniture. We stock outdoor dining tables, picnic settings, chairs, sun lounges and sofa settings; everything you need to create your dream outdoor oasis! Come see the range at one of our showrooms in either Noosa or Warana today.

Bleeding and oiling your Kwila outdoor furniture

kwila-turniture-care.tips

Your Kwila furniture is ideal for withstanding the rigours of the Australian climate. This timber is more durable than many other timbers used in outdoor furniture and has minimal shrinkage, resistance to splitting and withstands harsh salt water environments.  To keep your Kwila furniture looking its best, here are a few easy to follow tips.

Oiling your Kwila outdoor furniture

Kwila furniture doesn’t require oiling for durability purposes, but if you want to permanently leave your furniture outdoors, it will weather if it is not oiled, turning a silvery grey colour over time. All of our Kwila furniture has already been oiled prior to packaging and you can continue with regular oiling or allow the timber to naturally weather and age.

Unoiled Kwila furniture, might experience minor splitting over time, but this adds rather than detracts from its beauty. If you decide to oil your furniture regularly to maintain its original colour, then use a light decking oil.  An oil with a UV stabiliser and an anti-fungal additive is recommended.   Avoid any products that contain bleach or solvents.

It is important to remember that your Kwila furniture will still maintain its integrity if you decide not to oil your furniture. This timber is very tough and durable and this toughness and durability is not influenced by whether or not you oil your furniture.

Bleeding the tannin from Kwila furniture

As Kwila contains a large amount of tannin (resin or sap), when the timber becomes wet it will bleed the tannin onto the surface it is sitting on. If not cleaned up immediately, the tannin can stain porous ground surfaces, so it is advisable to accelerate this process to attempt to remove the surface tannin from the furniture.

All you need to do in order to bleed-out the Kwila timber is hose the timber down with clean water until the tannin has stopped bleeding out of the wood and then allow to dry. Depending on the amount of tannin in the product, the process may need to be repeated several times. It should be noted that as timber is a natural product, the amount of tannin is not measurable, therefore even by following bleeding instructions, it is still possible to end up with a small amount of residual tannin which could stain a surface.  So be as diligent as you can with this process.

Don’t stop hosing until the runoff water is clear and then use an old rag or towel to sop up any standing water on the timber, roughly going all over all of the furniture with the rag. It will take many hours for the timber to completely dry (depending on the weather), however using the rag helps to prevent water spots marking the timber while it dries.

Once your Kwila furniture is totally dry, and if you want to maintain the rich colour of your furniture, at this point it is recommended that you oil the furniture using a light decking oil, as outlined above.

It is important to note that you are not removing all of the tannin from the wood, just the surface tannin. This is important, because it is the tannin and the moisture within the timber that retains the tannin that helps to preserve your furniture, making it resistant to the elements.

Daydream Leisure Furniture offers customers an in-house bleeding service for a small additional charge. Using our service means that you don’t have to spend your valuable time bleeding the surface tannin out of your Kwila furniture, instead you can start enjoying it as soon as it is delivered.

For more information on any of our outdoor furniture and accessories, visit one of our furniture showrooms, call us on 07 5449 9336 (Noosa) 07 5493 4277 (Warana) or complete our online enquiry form.

 

Choosing The Perfect Outdoor Furniture

perfect outdoor furniture setting designed-pool escape holiday retreat

Creating a liveable outdoor space is all about finding the right pieces and details to make it feel cosy and comfortable – a personal oasis. Cleverly designed outdoor furniture can bring comfort and function to your backyard patio, balcony, veranda, poolside, or garden. With a spacious table setting, your favourite flowers or pot plants, textiles and homewares to match, a simple brick patio is quickly transformed into a delightful garden hideaway.

 

When thinking about outdoor furniture, you shouldn’t limit yourself to only thinking about family sized table settings – there is such a wide variety of furniture available to fit any sized space, functionality needs, and comfort criteria. If you have a small apartment with a balcony, introducing the right furnishings can easily take the space from concrete jungle to rooftop bar in a matter of minutes!

 

We have put together our top tips for choosing the perfect furnishings for your outdoor space. Thoughtful planning (and a touch of interior design know-how) will ensure that your outdoor living space is homely and inviting for years to come.

 

  1. Make A List

First thing’s first – start planning how you want to use, furnish and decorate your outdoor space by building a list. What kind of furniture do you like? What will the layout be? What materials do you prefer? How will you most likely use the space? How will you decorate the space? Will the ambience be a peaceful escape or an entertainment area? Once you have the answers to these questions and more, you can start curating furniture to match.

 

  1. Take A Seat

Take a seat and put your feet up before you buy. Comfortable patio furniture, just like interior furniture, will be used regularly. So ensure that it’s comfortable and doesn’t just ‘fit the look’. You will get more use out of the space if your furnishings are comfortable and inviting, rather than just a room focal point.

 

  1. Choose Easy Care Outdoor Furniture

Use your time relaxing or keeping busy in the garden, not maintaining furniture. Purchase easy-care patio furniture. Aluminium, teak, kwila, polypropylene and all-weather wicker pieces are durable no matter the weather conditions all year long. Furniture made using these materials will look near new for years to come.

 

  1. Consider Storage Needs

How protected is your outdoor space? Choosing furniture that is made from durable materials will certainly improve the longevity of the piece, but making sure it is protected from the elements will also make a big difference! Storing your setting in the garage, shed, or basement during the off-season when the furniture isn’t in use will keep it protected. If your storage space is limited, look for patio furniture that folds or is easily taken apart for compact storage.

 

  1. Smart Colour Palette Play

Now when purchasing patio furniture, you are no longer limited to the natural tones. Colourful finishes abound in the world of outdoor furniture. Thanks to the introduction of different materials and finishing types, compounds like resin and polypropylene are now more widely available. For stylish longevity, reserve bold splashes of colour for cushions and accent pieces.

 

  1. Invest In Quality Furniture

You certainly get what you pay for when you purchase cheap, low-quality outdoor furniture. If you do not invest in your furniture, they can quickly deteriorate when exposed to the elements. Be wise when choosing outdoor furniture –ask lots of questions in store to make sure you are purchasing quality, hardwearing furniture that won’t snap, break, or become brittle.

  1. Versatility Is Key

Get the most out of your space (and your money) by choosing hardworking furniture that is versatile. For example, an ottoman can double as extra seating and bench seats can easily become day beds with soft textiles.

 

Make your outside space just as beautiful as inside. At Daydream Leisure Furniture we cater to both domestic and commercial furniture needs. No matter what kind of space you have, the purpose of the furniture, or the style you seek, we can help you find the perfect pieces. Contact our friendly team on the Sunshine Coast today, for all your outdoor furniture needs. We would love to help you create your perfect outdoor oasis.