Jayne Cross-Hunter, our Furniture Category Manager, caught up with the team at Life & Leisure. Read the full article below as she shares her advice for creating the perfect outdoor space this summer.
FOR NEW ZEALANDERS, an outdoor living space isn’t just an amenity – it is the heart of the home. Our deep-seated love of alfresco relaxation and barbecue culture means the deck, patio and garden are viewed as extensions of our internal living spaces all year round. However, creating this seamless connection requires more than just furniture; it demands thoughtfully curated and resilient design. In a country whose landscape is defined by harsh coastal conditions, unpredictable wind and intense UV sun exposure, functional outdoor furniture must be engineered with durable, weather-resistant materials that can survive outdoors, year-round. A tough ask.
There is nothing worse – in any room of the home – than investing in a product or piece of furniture that is not fit-for-purpose. But finding that perfect piece for your outdoor space can be overwhelming. It is about tapping into expert advice and knowledge. No longer is it acceptable to have an outdoor living suite or piece of furniture that looks good, but isn’t comfortable; or hasn’t been made to last. There has been significant advancement in the comfort of outdoor furniture in the last decade and what is available now, is some of the best we have ever had; on par with the comfort of interior furniture. Fit for location, so taking into consideration your home’s unique environmental location, is critical to ensuring longevity. What may work for your friend who lives in the centre of the city; may not be as suitable for your beach house garden.
You also want to ensure you are considering style and function. It is not uncommon for Kiwi outdoor living areas to be comprised of different zones – cooking, living, dining – just like inside. So considering all of this, and how the zones interact with one another as a whole, is key to achieving a cohesive space that ticks all the boxes for functionality.
It is important to remember that not all products are created equal. Being informed of this and guided through it during the purchase process is key. At McKenzie & Willis our furniture consultants take the time to get to know you and your needs first and foremost. Building rapport and a collaborative approach with clients is something I really love and knowing people are leaving with a piece that will last them a lifetime, is paramount.
COLOURS, MATERIAL & SHAPE
Looking ahead to 2026, expect to see outdoor spaces that mirror the comfort and style of our indoor living areas with plush seating and inviting silhouettes. Brick is a popular colour at the moment – think variations of terracotta in both accessories and framing. Like shades of green, it is here to stay for a few seasons and translating beyond accessories into the detailing of the furniture – coloured metals, detailing and ropes. These earthy tones are then being complemented by classic shades of charcoal. One of the biggest trends we are seeing at the moment is in chair shapes – lots of seats that go all the way to the ground and soft curved lines.
Jayne Cross-Hunter is the Furniture Category Manager at McKenzie & Willis and is passionate about curating tailored and luxurious outdoor living collections that are fit for New Zealand homes.
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