Just recently, on one of those extraordinary winter weekends that feel like summer, my partner David and I decided to throw a crisp white cloth over the verandah table, polish the decent wine glasses and enjoy our first long, lazy, al fresco lunch in months. Just the two of us. We enjoyed it so much we did it all again the following day. Yes, we were in lockdown, but lunch in the warm winter sunshine was a blissful reminder that despite the challenges we are all experiencing, there are still pleasures we can enjoy freely all year round. Thank goodness for the Australian climate.

Jasper Outdoor Sofa in Maldives Surf,  Oasis Pedestal in Dawn, and Lode Ottoman in Malibu Blush and Noosa Natural.

There’s something about outdoor living that resonates with us all, in this country at least. When I recall happy travel memories they’re always connected to the outdoors - and food too, now I think about it! A moonlit taverna on a Greek island, a sun-drenched terrace in Tuscany or shady courtyard in a Moroccan riad. One particularly memorable dinner was served beneath the stars in central Australia’s red desert, with the shadowy hulk of Uluru behind us. Life lived outdoors feels liberating – it just feels better - and we are lucky to live in a country that allows us to enjoy it for much of the year. Little wonder Australian homes are seen as the benchmark in indoor/outdoor living. It’s something we know a thing or two about.

Jasper Sunlounge in Maldives Surf with Lode Ottoman in Malibu Blush and Noosa Natural.

Rethink the Aussie backyard.

In recent years, two things have happened that – in my opinion – go hand in hand. The design, quality, integrity and sheer good looks of outdoor furniture have moved forward in leaps and bounds, as has the popularity of outdoor rooms. Maybe one has led naturally to the other. These days, we can create outdoor spaces that complement our indoor rooms, and with a little planning, substantially increase the footprint and liveability of our homes. The traditional Aussie backyard is getting a rethink and the King Outdoor Collection - designed in Australia for Australian living - is leading the charge with a sophisticated and contemporary range.

Luna Outdoor Chair in Malibu Eucalyptus.

As with most aspects of interior design, I don’t believe in a rule book. Style is personal and that’s as true of outdoor living as it is of indoors. Your perfect outdoor room may be very different to mine. Mine will need mood lighting, yours might include a pool. And of course, no two outdoor rooms are created equal in terms of size or aspect. At my home on the NSW south coast, I have a sheltered rear deck and a generous, sunny, north-facing verandah. Plenty of space to create luxurious outdoor rooms, but I’ve also known the restrictions of small, inner-city courtyards.

Lode Ottoman in Noosa Natural and Malibu Blush.

Designed for Australian conditions

Perhaps even more so than indoor rooms, outdoor rooms need to balance comfort with functionality. When it comes to outdoor furniture, our own climate is our biggest challenge and toughest critic. The King Outdoor Collection is designed for the Australian climate, and rigorously tested to ensure it delivers comfort, style and durability through the innovative PostureFlex® Seating System, hardwearing Sunbrella® fabrics and KingCote® protection designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Delta Outdoor Sofa in Maldives White complemented with Lode Ottoman in Noosa Natural, Avalon Rug in Granite, Panama Outdoor Rectangle Cushion Airmesh Panel in Malibu Eucalyptus and Zazina Outdoor Cushion Airmesh Panel in Oceania Outdoor Rock Art.

As a starting point – and once you’ve considered what protection from the elements your outdoor space requires (shade, partial-shade, wind, rain) - it helps to use the same planning techniques for an outdoor room as you would indoors. Are you just creating a living zone? Can you also accommodate an outdoor dining area? I like to layer from the ground up and the sustainable, handwoven Avalon Outdoor Rug (cleverly recycled from plastic bottles) provides an elegant neutral base on which to add sofas, chairs and tables – just as you would inside.

Zaza Outdoor Sofa in Malibu Autumn Leaf complemented by the Luna Outdoor Chairs in Malibu Eucalyptus, Monument Coffee Table in Tundra Grey, Avalon Rug in Granite and Crescent Ottoman in Malibu Eucalyptus.

Exciting new designs

I’m thrilled that my favourite Zaza sofa (designed for King by acclaimed Australian designer Charles Wilson) is now included in the King Outdoor Collection, along with sofa classics like Jasper and Delta and exciting new designs like outdoor Luna Chairs (also designed by Charles Wilson) and the pebble-shaped Lode ottomans. For sheer versatility though, it’s hard to go past the King Cove Outdoor which triples as sofa, chaise and daybed. Perfect for lounging, swimming pool optional of course.

Quay Ceramic Dining Table in Pumice II and Salt with Luna Soft Dining Chair in Salt and Oceania Outdoor Rock Art seat pad.

Seriously stylish dining

And with summer just around the corner, let’s not forget outdoor dining. While our overseas travels might have to wait a while longer, at least in Australia we can create our own little corners of the Mediterranean or Bali … or wherever our imagination takes us. If our homes are – for the time being at least – our resorts, our hotels and our restaurants, then let’s do things with comfort, individuality and luxury. The Quay Outdoor Dining Table and Luna Outdoor Dining Chairs are calling to me and my country verandah. It’s going to be a summer of fine and seriously stylish dining.