Heather Nette King is a Melbourne‑based interiors stylist and writer for many leading interior titles and newspapers. She has been the Melbourne Homes Editor of Sunday Life magazine for over a decade, and her work has appeared in many Australian and international magazines, including Inside Out Magazine, Country Style, Australian House & Garden, Real Living Australia Magazine, Home Beautiful Magazine, Vogue Living, ELLE China, The Design Files and The Interiors Addict. Her own home has appeared in Belle Magazine, and her previous home was featured in the international style bible, ELLE Decoration UK. Heather has created the visual imagery for many well-known Australian brands, and also works behind the scenes copy-writing for their advertisements and websites.

Where once sizzling sausages on the barbeque was the extent of our outdoor meal adventures, we are now seeing a massive increase in fully functional outdoor kitchens, usually housed in custom-built indoor/outdoor spaces. Fridges, hotplates, sinks and even pizza ovens are upping the alfresco ante, creating spaces that require dining tables, lounge seats and benches for comfortable feasting.

Multipurpose pieces are also a big trend this year. A dining table or bar table on wheels, like the Kanto, can be moved in or out of the sunshine, or even be fully kitted-out as a bar for a night of partying.

Not just an amazingly atmospheric way to keep the night-time chill at bay, fire pits are renowned for their conversation-enhancing properties. Many a great night with friends and family has been extended into the wee hours as flame-staring and storytelling facilitate the creation of incredible memories. Low-slung chairs like the Marly Outdoor Armchair and snuggly throw rugs will complete the scene.

Just as planning the way your indoor spaces flow, clever planning of your outdoor spaces and the creation of activity zones will add both functionally and aesthetically to your time spent outdoors. The biggest consideration, of course, must be the weather and the way you can minimise your exposure to the elements.

Would a dining table used mostly for long lunches be best placed underneath a tree to provide some shade for guests? Where is the sunniest spot in the yard? Try placing lounge chairs there to enjoy the gentler sun in spring and autumn but have a shadier zone in mind for the hotter months.

Would you like a small tranquil zone for relaxing solo? Find a small nook and place a single lounge or hanging chair there for some all-important me-time and to enjoy the very best of the summer season.