As temperatures cool and wetter weather sets in, many outdoor spaces quickly become underused. But according to architect Michael Suttie and Woodbury Furniture interior designer Chris Catarino, thoughtful design can transform a garden into a space that works from morning coffee through to evening drinks, across every season.
With 25 years’ experience designing terraces, Michael explains how to create outdoor areas that remain functional, comfortable, and inviting throughout the day, not just in peak summer.
Treat your garden like a room in your house
“Many outdoor areas look incredible in photos, but are only usable for a few hours each day,” says Michael. “The secret is to think of your backyard like an outdoor room. When you layer seating zones, planting, and shelter, the space becomes somewhere you can use from morning through to evening, not just when the weather is perfect.
Chris adds: “Outdoor furniture should feel like an extension of your interior. Position seating in sheltered areas, layer with pergolas or umbrellas, and choose materials that can handle changing conditions. It’s what keeps a space comfortable and protects your investment over time.”
Design around the day, not just the weather
Rather than designing for a single moment, Michael encourages homeowners to think about how their space performs across the day.
Morning: “Morning light is softer and more forgiving, so it’s ideal for relaxed seating areas, somewhere to sit with a coffee or ease into the day,” he explains.
Midday: “Midday is often the least comfortable, whether it’s heat, glare, or exposure. That’s where shelter, planting, and airflow become essential.”
Evening: “In the evening, the goal is to create warmth and atmosphere without holding onto the day’s discomfort. Thoughtful lighting, protected seating, and balanced materials make all the difference.”
Shelter, shade and airflow can transform an area’s potential
As the seasons shift, protection from the elements becomes even more important.
“Orientation is everything,” says Michael. “A well-positioned outdoor space can capture gentle sunlight when you want it, while still offering shelter from wind, rain, or glare.”
He recommends pergolas with deciduous vines such as ornamental grape or wisteria, which provide coverage in summer while allowing light through in cooler months “Equally important is airflow,” he adds. “Openings, screens, and even small gaps in planting can help breezes move through the space, keeping it fresh and comfortable.
Chris notes that these design choices also benefit furniture longevity: “When you combine shelter with the right materials, like lighter finishes and durable fabrics, you not only improve comfort, you significantly extend the life of your outdoor pieces.”
Small tweaks that transform a space
You don’t need a full redesign to make your outdoor area more usable.
“Sometimes the simplest changes have the biggest impact,” says Michael. “Shifting seating into a more protected position, introducing planting, or adding overhead cover can completely change how a space feels.”
Layering in elements like potted plants, soft lighting, or even a small water feature can also make a space feel more inviting and usable, particularly as evenings draw in earlier. “Ultimately, it’s about creating a space you’re drawn to throughout the day,” he adds.
Designing for long-term living
“Think of your outdoor space as an extension of your home, not an afterthought,” Michael concludes. “When proportion, shelter, planting, and layout are considered together, it becomes one of the most enjoyable and liveable areas of the house.”
Chris adds: “At Woodbury Furniture, we design pieces to handle Australian conditions, but thoughtful placement and design are what truly bring a space to life. When everything works together, your outdoor area becomes somewhere you can use every day, not just in perfect weather.”
