Get your outdoors ready for spring

We are already starting to feel that spring is on the way, and it looks like it's going to be a hot one - one where you will want to spend more time outdoors relaxing in the garden or on the patio. Refresh your outdoor space with colourful, patterned fabrics.

 

Using fabrics to add colour, pattern and comfort to outdoor spaces is probably one of the most affordable ways to add oomph to a patio, deck or quiet corner in the garden. Fabric stores often have special offers, or an offcut bin, where you can pick up inexpensive fabrics to make up comfy cushions, a table runner, placemats, or serviettes. 

With fabrics, you can be selective and choose patterns and colours that you like, whether you prefer a traditional style, or something a little more splashy and colourful. You can add quirky fun to an outdoor setting using a combination of different fabrics. 

For cushions you only require basic sewing skills to make a cover for a cushion filler, or to pad with foam bits or batting. A simple oxford flap cushion cover is easy to make and you can choose your favourite combination of fabrics to add pops of colour to your outdoor furniture. 

Click here for instructions on how to make a simple cushion with piped detail, or here for a simple cushion cover design.

ABOVE: Make an outdoor space feel more homey with a coordinating mat or rug. These shouldn't be kept outdoors, unless under cover.

ABOVE and BELOW: Choose a mat or rug that contrasts or complements your outdoor furniture and accessories.

 

ABOVE: Use fabrics to add a personal touch to your outdoor events. Something as basic as a table runner can set the mood for family gatherings or entertaining friends.

Use a table runner to add life and personality to your table and also to protect outdoor furniture from warm serving dishes and fresh arrangements filled with water. Making a table runner is a simple no-sew project. Choose cotton or cotton-poly blend fabric that can be repeatedly washed, and bleached if necessary. Use iron-on tape to secure a hem around the edges.  

BELOW: If your shade umbrella is starting to look a bit grotty, carefully remove the fabric shade and use this as a pattern to make a new colourful or patterned cover using outdoor fabrics.

If you need to make affordable furniture for your outdoor space, you will find plenty of step-by-step projects and ideas in our Garden Craft Section. Buy pine products at your local Builders Warehouse or keep an eye out for reclaimed wood products that you can use to make your own garden furniture.

You would be surprised at how much money you can save by making your own furniture. Not only that, but the satisfaction of a job well done is hard to surpass.

With these ideas you can easily turn drab outdoors into colourful spaces where you love to spend time relaxing in the shade, or basking in the sun. Get cracking on projects now and your garden will be ready in plenty of time for our beautiful spring weather.

BELOW: Don't forget that you can so easily use Rust-Oleum 2X or Universal spray paint to add colourful accents to your outdoor space. Use Rust-Oleum on wood, concrete, plastic, wicker and so much more. Find a wide selection of colours and products at your local Builders Warehouse..

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