Known for their contemporary yet timeless aesthetic, it’s no surprise that the outdoor living space of Elissa Greer and Darren James’ Brisbane home is so luxuriously stylish. The couple, who together helm the multi-award-winning design studio Darren James Interiors, have created a modern sanctuary celebrating the best of modern Australian living.

Living in sunny Queensland, the outdoor space is the heart of their home.

“There’s only a couple of months a year when the kids aren’t in the pool,” admits Elissa. “We all love being outside so the outdoor space is really important.”

Not just a space for the family to enjoy, it is also where they do much of their entertaining. 

Elissa explains how they have used carefully selected pieces to cater to their need for versatile outdoor living and entertaining.

Indoor outdoor flow

Elissa and Darren’s outdoor space flows naturally from the kitchen to create flow from indoors to out. The Zaza Outdoor in Malibu Silver also helps to add consistency in design.

There has been an evolution of sorts in Australian homes. No longer is the backyard just for hanging out the washing and a game of cricket. It is now considered an extension of the home. An extra room as such. 

In Elissa’s case, the alfresco dining area and living space spills out from the kitchen with a view over the backyard swimming pool. 

“We do a lot of renovations and I don’t know how many times we’ve had to reposition the kitchen so that it’s adjacent to the alfresco area,” she explains. “Unless you’ve got a fully functioning kitchen outside, you need your outdoor dining space to be close to the kitchen.” 

For Elissa, it is really important that the indoors of the home flows seamlessly into the outdoors. It’s not just the placement of the space in relation to other areas of the home but also achieving a consistency and unity in design. 

“When we approached the design of the space, we wanted that flow and consistency from the inside to the outside,” she says. “That’s why we love the King outdoor pieces so much. We can create flow by using the same designs and styles, like the Zaza Sofa, inside and outside the home.”

Versatility for all seasons

The outdoor space has been designed to accommodate seasonal changes throughout the year to ensure it is versatile for the family’s needs.

Naturally, Brisbane is balmy for most of the year. But Elissa and Darren have considered the weather all-year round in how they designed the space.

The alfresco space can be closed off to protect from the elements and ceiling fans help to cool the space on warmer Brisbane days. 

“If you haven’t considered these things in the design of your space, you won’t use it,” explains Elissa. “It’s having that versatility in how you can use the area. Even the outdoor shower means the kids aren’t running in and out after a day in the pool.”

Furnish for the space

Elissa suggests making space for both lounging and dining in an outdoor space. A piece like the Monument Square in Tundra Grey can serve as a place for guests to put their plate or drink while entertaining.

In an outdoor entertaining area that serves as both a dining and living space, it can be hard to choose the right furniture. Elissa encourages you to consider the scale and size of the pieces to avoid over furnishing.

“Ours isn’t a huge space,” she says. “Many of our clients ask if they should prioritise dining or lounging, but if you can fit both in there comfortably, that’s ideal. You don’t need to go over the top with the furniture.

“We have the Quay Outdoor Table with the Luna Outdoor Dining Chairs and it just suits us. But then we’ve also great the great lounging area with the Zaza Outdoor and Luna Outdoor Chair.”

The Monument Coffee Table is also a central piece that comes into play while entertaining.

“When we’ve got a few extra people over, having a practical coffee table, like the Monument Square, gives people somewhere to put their plate and drink down,” explains Elissa. “Then it’s just about having enough seating for everyone and it all works really well.”

Lounging Poolside 

The King Cove Sun Lounge and Lode Outdoor Large Ottoman provide stylish and functional poolside seating without taking up too much of the pool space.