Lounging on the lanai .......

Isn't 'lanai' a FABULOUS word!!! Sounds a lot more glamorous than balcony, deck or terrace!


When my friends approached me to give them some ideas about how to use a west-facing outdoor space in their new apartment I jumped at the chance to create a chill-out area for reclining and relaxing. A daybed was a must, as was a couple of big comfy chairs to lounge about. They also needed storage for all the cushions and pillows....and a huge splash of colour to bring it all together.

  
I started with a black and white theme....classic and simple, then found a great floral print to add the colour. The colours in the print dictated the accents of lime, orange and aqua. The daybed is painted in a satin black while the tables are in a high-gloss white. Both the coffee table and side table have a white perspex-covered top which is really easy to wipe clean. The tops are hinged and open up to store accessories. The daybed also has storage inside for all the cushions. I don't profess to being a carpenter but I had a great time making the furniture which is constructed from 15mm weatherproof ply.


When it came to the casual seating I was going through a 'bamboo' faze and found the most amazing chairs made by an Australian company right here in Sydney. These chairs are classic and chic and I really think they make the whole area!

Made by Casablanca Cane, the chair is called 'Queenslander' and it really does exude that 'tropical' style that I was looking for. Check out their website at www.casablancacane.com.au for their great range of cane and bamboo furniture. We had the chairs delivered under-coated ready for us to spray paint, but they come in other finishes....and the classic tortise-shell finish is beautiful. These chairs are HUGE and make a real statement. Rather than using the black and white strip for the cushions we decided to use the print piped in black. The accent cushions can be changed around depending on your colour-mood!  

I'm really pleased with the way it has all come together, and the guys love it. The bamboo mirror on the wall above the daybed ties in with the chairs, and the black and white theme is carried through to the pots of white terrazzo planted with Strelitzia nicolai and various succulents which are all 'mulched' with shiny black pebbles.

Sometimes you find the perfect piece of furniture, like the bamboo chairs. But sometimes you just need to make it yourself. The daybed and coffee-tables were really not that hard and if you have a few basic tools you could certainly give it a go. All the fabrics are weather-resistant and colour fast so the afternoon sun should not present any problems. We had all the cushions and daybed mattress made to locally. (contact us if you'd like details of the many fabrics available and where to have similar cushions made)


So give it a go.....create yourself a place to lounge. Make it bright, colourful and comfortable.........and make the most of your outdoor space!