Colourful summer refreshments are still the order of the day

There’s nothing quite like the lively atmosphere summer brings – the ocean breeze, warm sun, balmy evenings and endless days spent with family and friends.

While the sunny season is nearing a close, it’s not too late to transform your outdoor entertaining space using a splash of subtle colour.

Whether you are hoping for a chic poolside party area, a sunroom retreat or a patio outdoor dining setting, a weekend afternoon with a paintbrush is all it takes to modernise and refresh your outdoor area.

Dulux colour expert, Andrea Lucena- Orr, says using cooler colours such as pale mint or bold yellow are beautiful when contrasted with exterior neutrals, including timeless blacks, whites and mid-tone timbers to amplify an outdoor area’s mood.

“Make your outdoor entertaining space work by giving it as much styling and considered colour attention as your indoor spaces – it will help establish the zone, be it for living, dining, relaxing or play,” she says.

“Incorporating uplifting colour and prints in a neutral space can be transformative – adding a sense of energy and fun, reminiscent of luxury hotels and resorts.

“Exuberant shades such as Dulux Sea Foam or Lemon Delicious, are colours that can really make a huge impact, even in small doses. They are great for making a statement on outdoor furniture settings and exterior accessories.”

To create a flow between your interior and outdoor areas, you can simply add colour to your pool retainer walls, the fence and the exterior of your home to bring it all together.

Neutral tones help frame and draw attention to the colours in statement outdoor furniture and accessories, allowing you to mix and match when necessary.

A DIY paint project on walls, tables and bench seats can be completed over the course of a weekend, giving you plenty of time to show off your outdoor area to your guests throughout the season of outdoor entertaining.