The term ‘outdoor space’ is used to mean anything from tiny apartment balconies to large suburban patios. The former might be small enough to fit a couple of chairs and an ottoman while the latter can be practically a room that fits a full-size sofa set. But whatever the size and layout of your outdoor space, the proper furniture is the easy first step to enhance it to an entertainer’s haven.

When choosing patio furniture, here are some things to keep in mind:

How much space do you have?

Like we discussed, outdoor spaces can mean different things to different people. Putting heavy pieces in a small space often gives a cluttered appearance – but the same styles add charm and elegance to larger spaces. For smaller spaces, we recommend light, airy styles like our Cubeb Outdoor Sofa Set or add a spot of colour with our Gloriosa Outdoor Sofa Set.

What is your furnishing style?

Most people like to stick to one furnishing style throughout their house. But done right, selecting a completely different style for your outdoor furniture works! If your living room has soft colours and sensible styles, why not go for something bold and trendy for your patio?

How will you use your space?

It is often difficult to find the right balance between functionality and style. Think about how you will be using your space. Are you looking for an entertainer’s balcony/ patio? Or a quiet spot to enjoy the lovely weather? Will you have children running around? Do you plan to leave your furniture outside year-round? Do you have a covered deck? Will you be covering up your deck for the colder seasons? Though all outdoor furniture has to withstand the vagaries of the Aussie seasons, furniture for alfresco areas have obvious differences from uncovered garden furniture.

Quality and comfort:

If your furniture is more than just décor, comfort is extremely important. No one wants to sit in stiff, unyielding chairs. And when it comes to outdoors, easy-care is the key. Choosing light rattan pieces will undoubtedly add elegance and style to your outdoor space.

At The Furniture Stop, we have a range of affordable choices that will be suitable for all budgets, large and small. Take a look at The Furniture Stop’s range of outdoor furniture choices to find something that is ‘just right’ for you. 

Keeping employees happy and comfortable is one of the many challenges an employer faces. In an office set-up, the office design and layout has much to do with employee satisfaction. It is well-known that happy workers are more productive – and improved productivity means more profits. This is why a lot of research and funding has gone into office designs, and why with few exceptions, most offices stick to the few popular styles.

The layout

More and more offices are moving towards open floor plans and flexible desk spaces. The pluses are many – more direct face-to-face communication is the most cited one. Where space comes at a premium, open plans are cost-effective as more people can be fitted into smaller spaces. Though a potential lack of privacy is a negative, this can often be handled with some strategic planning and desk placements.

Workstations and conference rooms must be tailored to the specific needs of the organization as there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution.

Comfortable lighting

Lighting is often overlooked when making improvements in workplace design. It is a fact that both dim lighting as well as harsh artificial lighting can cause eye strain and vision problems. It is therefore important to make the best use of available natural lighting through clever design of windows. But since natural lighting is variable, comfortable artificial lighting is equally important. With workers spending a major part of their day in offices, correct lighting goes a long way towards employee happiness and productivity.

The case for ergonomics

Experts suggest that sitting for long hours does more to harm our health – even more than poor diets or lack of exercise. For employees with desk jobs, there really isn’t an alternative to sitting – so the focus has to be on improving their postures and reducing fatigue. The science of ergonomics takes into consideration individual attributes like size, skill and vision and tries to maximize safety and comfort. When choosing office furniture, ergonomics plays a very important role.

Ergonomic office chairs are designed to reduce stress on your lower back and allow for the most beneficial posture. Different chairs work best for different people, but when buying consider the height and width of the seat as well as the back rest position and possible lumbar support.

During the week, the working population spends a majority of their waking hours in the office. Why then would we not give the utmost consideration to how we design our offices?

As much as we Aussies love our outdoors, there inevitably comes a few weekends with cold, rainy forecasts. When you have to cancel your outdoor plans and stay inside, in addition to complaining about the weather, here are some things to do:

1. An afternoon of games

This is the perfect time to bring out those board games (Monopoly, Scrabble and Pictionary are personal favourites) and spend a few hours of fun, laughter and arguments. Whether on cosy recliners, around the living room table or curled up on rugs and beanbags, a games afternoon brings the whole family together like nothing else. Don’t forget to take some pictures to preserve the memories!

2. Binge-watching TV

Yes, we all know how technology is the bane of our existence. But sometimes a bit of TV is what we need to keep us from growing crazy. And when the weather starts to cool, a movie marathon may be the perfect idea. Pop in a DVD, order some take away, lean back on the sofa, put your legs up and relax.

3. Rearrange the furniture

If you just don’t have the budget for new furniture, but feel your existing rooms need a change, this is a cheap way to breathe new life into your interiors. Move everything around, experiment with colours and have fun pushing and pulling – just don’t ruin your floors! You can even get some new cushions or a throw rug to enhance the new look.

4. Deep cleaning

No, don’t roll your eyes just yet! Cleaning is a chore, but deep cleaning can be ‘deeply’ therapeutic. So get those dusters and cleaning rags out and sweep, dust, mop and wipe to your heart’s content. Get under the beds, wipe the sideboards and clean the kitchen cupboards. Tackle it room by room and soon, you will have cleaned the whole house.

5. The purge

Along with the cleaning, do a purge. No, you don’t need that old sweater taking space in your dresser anymore. You are never going to wear those shoes again. And you definitely don’t keep five-year-old fashion trends that you never even liked. Same with the kids’ room – all the old toys and too-small clothing can go in the donate pile.

6. Bake-a-thon

Last, but never the least, whip up a batch (or two) of your favourite family treats. Brownies and chocolate chip cookies are the usual suspects, but if you have a new recipe that you always wanted to try out, here’s your chance. Little (and big) ones can help in measuring, mixing, pouring and of course, licking the spoon.

What is your favourite indoor activity?