4 Tips to Improve Restaurant Ambiance

Restaurant ambiance

Think of the last time you went to a restaurant, what drew you to dine in? Was it their great taste in music or the appeal of their authentic interior design? Whatever the reason may be, having the perfect restaurant ambiance is essential to spark interest in customers. If you’re not sure where to start, we have some great tips to create the perfect restaurant ambience and enhance your customers’ dining experience. 

Lighting

This one sets the mood. Picking the lighting in your restaurant will depend on the type of ambiance you’d like to create. If you have a certain mood you’re trying to capture, ensure that your lighting reflects this! 

If the majority of your customers dine in the evening we’d recommend not using harsh or bright lightning and instead opting for dim lights or a soft glow. This will allow your customers to relax and wind down. 

Bright lighting would be perfect for cafes or more breakfast focused restaurants to create a light and bright feel and wake your customers up.

Music

Great music can draw customers to dine in at your restaurant but it also drowns out the noise of other customer’s conversations. 

When it’s peak hour and your restaurant is filled with customers, you want to create the illusion that they’re the only customer in your restaurant. The only way to do this is by playing music. 

The music you play should reflect the theme of your restaurant and the ambiance you’d like to create. We’d recommend playing energetic music during the day and quieter music in the evenings to promote relaxation. You could even get creative and have themed nights where you play particular music to enhance the particular theme you choose for the night. 

Entertainment

Whether it’s a local busker, a popular artist or even a stand up comedian, planning entertainment to play on busy nights will increase the number of customers in your restaurant. 

Live entertainment often draws the attention of the performers’ fans, they’ll discover your restaurant and want to see the act perform. This will increase the chance of those individuals grabbing a bit to eat or ordering a couple of drinks. We’d also recommend a karaoke or open mic night depending on the type of restaurant you own and ambiance you’re trying to create. 

Furniture

Interior design trends are constantly changing and as a restaurant it’s important that your furniture reflects these trends while staying true to your brand’s theme and style. Updating your restaurant’s furniture every now and then is a great way to ensure that your restaurant’s interior design stays relevant and fresh. 

At Daydream, we specialise in high quality outdoor furniture with a diverse range of styles to choose from to suit your restaurant’s style. To help ease the process of choosing new furniture, we can create tailored furniture packages to suit your restaurant’s particular needs. 

These simple tips provide great and easy ways to create the perfect ambiance for your restaurant. From lightning to music, there are many ways that you can enhance your customers’ restaurant experience. If you’re a business owner that’s looking to refresh their restaurant’s furniture, contact the team at Daydream today and we’ll create a tailored package that’s perfect for you!

6 Important Reasons To Update Your Resort’s Outdoor Furniture

outdoor furniture

With the winter season in full swing, most hotels and resorts are starting to think about the spring and summer seasons, so that they can stay ahead of the competition. Whilst you may be planning a few upgrades before the high season, one of the best improvements you can make is to your outdoor furniture.

In fact, winter is the best time to start planning these updates, so that they can be in place before the high season begins. If you are not convinced that your alfresco furniture needs an upgrade, let’s take a look at six reasons why it’s worth considering it this year.

1. Outdoor furniture and facilities in a resort or hotel are important

The style of your alfresco spaces should reflect the needs of your guests, but they also need to take advantage of the favourable climate and particular setting of your resort or hotel. Many guests love to spend time outdoors, whether they are swimming in the pool, playing tennis, chatting with friends over coffee, or simply reading a book. To gain an edge on the competition, your establishment needs up-to-date outdoor furniture, as this tells your guests that you have their best interests as a priority.

2. Outdoor spaces and leisure activities lower stress and depression

Mental wellness is important to all of us because it can impact on our physical health. Research has shown that participating in recreational activities and spending time in green spaces can significantly improve our emotional well-being, lowering feelings of depression and our stress levels. Ensuring that your resort’s outdoor furniture is both welcoming and inviting, goes a long way to keeping your guests happy.

3. Green spaces improve the quality of our lives

Research has also shown that access to green spaces improves our quality of life, so creating natural outdoor ‘rooms’ where guests can relax close to nature can give your hotel a competitive edge. As importers of quality Italian outdoor furniture that is perfect for the needs of commercial properties, we can help you to select the best alfresco settings and furniture for your guests.

4. Guest expectations continually increase every year

Guest expectations continually increase with many expecting a luxury experience every time they visit a hotel or resort. For more modest establishments, however, these expectations can be a problem, but one area where you can exceed your guest’s expectations is with your outdoor furniture, which can give your guests the luxury they demand. With quality alfresco aluminium and wicker furniture suitable for the commercial market, we can customise your outdoor spaces, regardless of the size of your establishment.

5. Guest’s spend most their time in outdoor spaces

Whilst guests want a luxury feel to their accommodation, they actually spend most of their time outdoors. This means that your outdoor spaces need to be luxurious and inviting, and one of the easiest ways to achieve this is with high-quality outdoor furniture. It’s easy to spot a hotel or resort that has skimped on their outdoor spaces, mainly because their alfresco furniture is old and dated, a problem that can be easily remedied before the high season commences.

6. Escaping the heat and anticipating the demand for the upcoming summer!

The Australian summer can be very hot indeed and whilst many guests head to the air-conditioning for relief, many others like to head to the pool or to natural shady spots in the gardens. Upgrading your outdoor furniture in these areas shows your guests that you understand their needs and want them to have a luxury experience, whether they are staying at a large well-known resort or a smaller and more modest establishment.

Hotels and resorts between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast can take advantage of our onsite consultants who will help to create the perfect outdoor settings for their guests. For more information, send us an email today or call us on 07 5493 4277 (Warana) or 07 5449 9336 (Noosa).

5 Winter Ideas For Folding Picnic Tables

folding picnic table

You might think that folding picnic tables are just for summer, but you would be wrong! Our picnic tables are perfect for the winter season, helping you to make the most out of the cooler weather for a variety of different occasions.

Our picnic tables provide a stable surface that can be quickly folded away and brought out when needed. They provide additional stable surfaces for wine, drinks and snacks, anywhere and at any time. Pop one in your caravan or camper trailer, keep one in the back of your 4WD or Ute for when you go to the beach or store one in the garden shed.  You never know when you will need to use our folding picnic tables!

So, here are our 5 top winter season ideas for using your folding picnic table!

  1. Keep everyone warm with a fire pit

When the cooler winter evenings start to draw in, Aussies look to their fire pits! There is nothing quite like a roaring outdoor fire for making everyone feel warm and friendly. Everything seems perfect when you sit around a fire pit. However, it could get even better when you can keep your food and drinks safe and within arm’s reach of a folding picnic table. Take our picnic tables camping or set them up around the fire pit in the garden – they are perfect for entertaining.

  1. Create your relaxing spa at home

Just imagine a long relaxing soak in your fabulous spa sanctuary at home, allowing the hot water to wash away the day’s stress and worries. Hot spa baths in summer are great, but in winter they seem to be both luxurious and decadent! The problem is – where do you put your wine? Well, our handcrafted picnic tables are perfect for the job because they fit right next to your bath and hold everything you need to create your very own spa sanctuary.

  1. Take the stress out of kid’s sporting events

Winter is the season for an abundance of kid’s sports and parents end up transporting their kids from one activity to another in a never-ending circle! Just imagine how useful a folding picnic table will be at these events! Parents can keep all their kid’s snacks and drinks in one place and not left strewn around the back of the 4WD. Plus, glasses won’t get spilled, and there’s somewhere to keep the car keys, phones and anything else that is needed on the day which often gets lost.

  1. Home entertaining is a breeze

When you have run out of table space for your BBQ or dinner and when friends and family are ready to eat, pull out your handcrafted folding picnic table and look like a professional! Picnic tables are ideal for increasing tablespace, and since they come in different sizes, the smallest models can easily fit on your table and take the place of a lazy Susan.

  1. Add some culture to fishing trips

When everyone wants to head off for a day’s fishing, the one item that is always missing is somewhere to put everything! Whether you need a stable spot for drinks and food or somewhere handy to keep the bait, knives, thermos or beer – our trusty picnic tables are perfect for the job. They take up hardly any room in the Ute or 4WD and can be put up and taken down fast. Just wipe them over to remove any stains, and they are good to go on your next fishing trip.

Why not check out our handcrafted folding picnic tables and add some pizzazz to your winter activities? If you have any further questions or queries on any of the products we stock at Daydream Leisure Furniture, feel free to contact us today!

10 Tips for protecting your outdoor umbrella!

outdoor umbrella

Of all the outdoor furniture you can install on your patio, an outdoor umbrella is one of the most vital and the most affordable. It protects you from the harsh Aussie sun and keeps the rain away when you are relaxing with a coffee outside. It also adds a flair of style to your patio and gives you a feeling that you are lounging at an expensive hotel, being waited on hand and foot!

An outdoor umbrella can quickly become dirty and unsightly when exposed to the weather for long periods of time. Umbrella protection, cleaning and maintenance should be a top priority for ensuring your umbrella continues to look as fabulous as the rest of your Daydream Leisure Furniture.

 

10 Tips for protecting your outdoor umbrella! | Daydream Leisure Furniture

Cleaning an Outdoor Umbrella Canopy

  1. Minimise stains: Your first arm of defence is to attack stains or debris as soon as you notice them. Brush off any fallen leaves and bird droppings, because these can quickly stain the material. Wash any slight stains with warm water, detergent and a soft sponge, rinse away the soap and place the outdoor umbrella in a spot where it will dry quickly. Some of our outdoor umbrellas are made from an Olefin Fabric, which is highly durable, long lasting, fade and stain resistant, and pretty much waterproof. We also have umbrellas that are made from an Obravia Fabric that is environmentally friendly and resistant to mildew, rot and UV rays.
  2. Store umbrellas dry: To keep your outdoor umbrella looking its best, store it in a dry, shaded location when not in use. If you have one of our cantilever umbrellas, we also provide you with a waterproof outdoor storage cover, making it easy to store your umbrella. You can also purchase additional umbrella protection covers from us, in a range of sizes and styles.

 

outdoor umbrella 2

Cleaning an Outdoor Umbrella Frame

  1. Aluminium frames: To keep your umbrella frame looking brand new, mix warm water with mild soap and wipe down the metal frame. If you have water spots on the metal, remove these with a mix of white vinegar and water in a 1:9 solution. Make sure that the frame is dry when you finish.
  2. Timber frames: You can usually use a mix of warm water and mild soap to clean timber frames, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

Why not check out our range of aluminium framed and timber-framed outdoor umbrellas?

 

10 Tips for protecting your outdoor umbrella! | Daydream Leisure Furniture

Outdoor Umbrella Maintenance Tips

  1. Abrasive cleaners: Don’t use abrasive cleaners on the canopy or frame, as these can destroy the finish.
  2. Don’t force it: If you have trouble opening or closing your outdoor umbrella, don’t force it, because this can cause damage to the canopy or frame.
  3. Safe storage: If you are storing your umbrella for any length of time, always make sure it’s clean and dry; otherwise stains or mould can take hold. We also recommend that umbrellas should always be folded down when you are finished sitting underneath them, placing an umbrella cover over it if not in use for an extended period.
  4. Umbrella protection: Apply scotch guard to the fabric of your umbrella, as additional protection against the elements.

 

10 Tips for protecting your outdoor umbrella! | Daydream Leisure Furniture

Outdoor Umbrella Safety Tips

  1. Avoid windy conditions: As a general rule, umbrellas should also never be left up when not in use or being monitored. In the case of a windy day, take down the umbrella and store it somewhere safe. Non-commercial and freestanding outdoor umbrellas are not usually rated for high winds, so don’t put them on high balconies or rooftops where they can be blown over.
  2. Secure the base: To give your outdoor umbrella more stability, use the appropriate base or anchoring system, which will keep it in place under normal conditions.

 

Aussies love their outdoor furniture, so why not give your patio a makeover with our daybeds, sun lounges and outdoor sofas? Call us at our Warana store on 5493 4277  or our Noosa store on 5449 9336  or shoot us an email for more information on any of our outdoor furniture settings and accessories.

Cover image: Tingirana Noosa

Encouraging Social Media Engagement Through Furniture and Décor

selfie for social media

With the huge popularity of Instagram and Facebook, it’s no wonder that every business wants to encourage their patrons to share snapshots throughout their social media networks. In fact, this has become one of the major strategies that restaurateurs use to engage their own customers and drum up new custom.

If you want to drive new customers to your eatery, here are five décor and furnishing ideas that should give you a head start.

1.     Themes or eye-catching interior designs

With social media, everything is about being visually appealing, which is why your business needs a theme or an eye-catching presentation that customers want to photograph. These can include digital or neon signs or menus on the walls, as well as a stand out theme, such as communal eating tables, open kitchens and using Italian style furnishings such as Nardi.

social media setting

@NardiNetDiningChair

2.     Lighting for social media engagement

Lighting is an integral part of any eatery, creating its mood and ambiance. This can include a variety of pendants, chandeliers, candles, and lanterns, all used to establish your theme. Lights need to be positioned to allow your customers to visually appreciate your theme, décor, table settings and food, all of which comes together to make an instagrammable vignette.

If you make a feature of your lighting however, this itself can encourage customers to take photographs to share with their social media followers. People love taking photos, and the more reasons you give them to photograph your business, the more you increase online engagement.

social media lighting@thegrounds

3.     Food presentation

Why not give your chef the freedom to create food that is photogenic and instagrammable? It makes perfect sense when you want to engage your target audience via social media, because everyone wants to share a visually amazing display of food with their followers. An even better idea is to commission plate ware that is eye-catching, taking your food’s presentation up another notch. At Daydream, we stock a huge range of tableware and dining settings that are the perfect addition to any commercial business. Browse our beautiful entertainment accessories here!

plate ware for social media

@Dining&Entertainment

4.     Fun and branded menus

Since people automatically look for something unique and photogenic when they eat out, it makes sense to design your menus to be photographed. This means that engaging a local artist to design fun and interesting menus that complement your furnishings and theme, is a cost-effective exercise. People no longer simply photograph the food, so creating a space that has multiple photogenic factors within its décor is a win-win situation!

You can even personalise menus for special occasion bookings, making it pretty much guaranteed that they will photograph them and share it with their followers.

Encouraging Social Media Engagement Through Furniture and Décor | Daydream Leisure Furniture

@NardiNetDiningChair

5.     Create a photo wall

We highly recommend creating a unique design element or photo wall that customers would recognise when featured online and through social media. A few excellent ideas may be creating a living plant wall, planters filled with living herbs in the middle of your Nardi tables, backlit glass shelves filled with spirit bottles behind the bar or a wall covered in fabulous artwork. All of these furnishing and décor ideas make your eatery ‘instagrammable’, bringing in more customers to share your eatery with their social media followers!

photo wall for social media@homebeautiful

Bonus Tips!

Instead of a boring photo of a plate of food, why not hand out wide-angle selfie sticks to your customers. This is a fun and creative way to engage your customers as well as showcase more of your business (furnishings included). Also, don’t forget to leverage your own branded hashtag so you can continue to engage with your customers post-purchase! Add these hashtags to all of your own Instagram images, captions and menus to keep your hashtag trending!

If you would like any styling tips or advice on new furniture fit-outs, feel free to contact the professional team at Daydream Leisure Furniture today. We are the outdoor living specialists who can help bring life back to your hospitality business.

 

 

The Aesthetic Value of Furniture in Hospitality

nardi chairs in cafe

Updating your outdoor furniture is extremely important, especially when running a business within the hospitality industry. A strong economy, rising global consumer purchase power and digital innovation have all contributed towards the hospitality industry’s record growth in the last few years.

What is the servicescape?

The servicescape is the environment in which a service is provided and there is customer interaction. Servicescape furniture should be designed to appeal to customers pleasure and arousal states as well as facilitate operational ease and efficiency. There are four roles in the servicescape that we’ll be examining offering strategic reasons as to why you should update your outdoor furniture. These include:

  1. Package
  2. Differentiator
  3. Facilitator
  4. Socialiser

italian inspired nardi furniture at a cafe

In order to shape the success of your own business in the future, you should be updating your servicescape furniture sooner rather than later. Why?

  • Firstly, remaining relevant and fiercely competitive in the marketplace will keep your business top-of-mind and successful (Package).
  • Secondly, the hospitality industry has potential in social media allowing greater awareness for ‘trendy’ businesses to be shared (Differentiator).
  • Thirdly, physical settings influence the customer’s ultimate satisfaction with the service flow, design and functionality (Facilitator).
  • Lastly, furnishing and updating your service area will help facilitate whether customers feel comfortable in socialising and staying longer (Socialiser).

outdoor table setting with nardi furniture

  1. PACKAGE || Updating furniture in hospitality creates an impressionable package

The first role in the servicescape is the package. This is when outdoor furniture settings and the overall layout of a business creates a split-second impression to outward-looking customers. For example, this could be potential or new customers walking past a café whose first impression of your business is the look and design. First impressions are mostly created by the furniture layout, design, lighting, music and mood.

Take a look at how the Cantilever Umbrella is styled at the Providore on Hastings café in Noosa. It’s a practical, yet aesthetic that creates ambience customers love! View it here

nardi furniture oceanside restaurant view

  1. DIFFERENTIATOR || Updating furniture in hospitality will help differentiate your business from competitors

The second role in the servicescape is the differentiator. This is often where a business can separate themselves from the market using unique furniture to offer a competitive advantage. That’s right! Outdoor furniture has the power to build your brand in the minds of customers, as well as establish your market position. Colours, design and feel will determine the value imposed on the customer whilst dining at your business.

Take a look at how the Cave Bianche Hotel have styled all white Nardi chairs by their poolside bar here

nardi furniture and table setting

  1. FACILITATOR || Updating furniture in hospitality will facilitate service flow and movement within your business

The third role in the servicescape is the facilitator. With over 20 years of industry experience, you can trust the team at Daydream Leisure Furniture to recommend a design that enhances the flow of activity in your business. We know that a well-designed, practical service area will make the experience for the customer a pleasant one. Say goodbye to cramped dining and hello to comfortable, functional settings.

nardi furniture at rooftop bar

  1. SOCIALISOR || Updating furniture in hospitality will increase your customers need to socialise

The last role in the servicescape is the socialiser. A business that oozes comfort will keep your customers staying longer as well as coming back. The range of outdoor settings that we stock at Daydream Leisure Furniture is not only stylish but extremely comfortable. If customers are encouraged to interact and stay longer, your business will continuously look busy and attract more people. Furthermore, this also increases the opportunity to upsell your products (e.g. more coffee, dessert, drinks, snacks bought).

nardi furniture at resort

 There is no better time than now to update your outdoor furniture, especially if you’re running a business in the hospitality industry. Staying top-of-mind and competitive, as well as increasing the perceived comfort, value and satisfaction of your business will help you reach further success.

 If you would like any styling tips or advice on new furniture fit-outs, feel free to contact the professional team at Daydream Leisure Furniture today. We are the outdoor living specialists who can help bring life back to your hospitality business.

 

Bring spring back into your outdoor living spaces

Bring spring back into your outdoor living spaces | Daydream Leisure Furniture

With spring not far away in Australia, it’s time to start thinking about your outdoor living areas and how you can make them feel more like an extension of your home. Most Aussies spend plenty of time on the patio and in the garden, so it makes sense to make these areas as comfortable and as inviting to everyone as the inside of your home.

Let’s look at five different ways you can style your outdoor spaces to make the most out of the outdoors at home!

Outdoor living rooms

If you want to create a wonderful outdoor living area, your choices are endless! A ‘must-have’ for your outdoor lounge is a comfortable sofa with plenty of cushions and a coffee table. Your best choices are between aluminium, timber and wicker frames, but be sure to select the design and style that complements your home’s interior décor.

The best type of outdoor sofas are modular and those that you can mix and match, because you can change the configuration to suit your needs, but also look for quality fabrics that don’t fade easily in the sun. As an added touch for the cool spring evenings, consider adding a fire pit or an overhead heater for a lovely cosy feeling.

Outdoor dining spaces

Dining alfresco outdoors is a fabulous idea as we start to enjoy the warmer evenings, but lunch outdoors with friends is also a great option and what about Sunday morning breakfasts out on the patio?

There is a wide variety of table settings for your outdoor patio, but timber is always a great choice, as is wicker, aluminium and even concrete (for people who want to try something different!). Don’t forget that you can select chairs that match your dining table or opt for a trendier ‘mismatched’ style by selecting a different design or material than your table. The Nardi Outdoor ‘Net’ Dining range comes in a huge variety of colours which can be styled together.

Tranquil and peaceful spots

For small patios or larger gardens where you want to create a number of different outdoor rooms, a tranquil and peaceful spot where you can read a book or listen to your favourite music in the shade is a great idea.

You won’t need much furniture for a quiet reading spot, maybe just one single comfortable chair and coffee table if you want the area to be just for yourself! You can even add a floor rug, vase of flowers and a small water feature to really treat yourself to a few hours of relaxation.

Morning coffee anyone?

When friends come over for morning coffee, it’s great if you can have a lovely outdoor setting where everyone can relax and chat outdoors on the patio. You can opt for a small modular setting and coffee table or a few matching chairs and coffee table, but whichever option you select make sure that comfort is your first priority.

Relaxing afternoon sanctuaries

There is nothing quite like putting your feet up in the late afternoon and just chilling on your own or with family and friends. Creating a relaxing sanctuary is very easy with just a daybed, an umbrella for extra shade and maybe a coffee table to hold your drink and magazines. Don’t forget to include a few stylish cushions for extra comfort and home décor items, such as lanterns, placemats and even outdoor lighting to add a personal touch.

Timber daybeds are very popular as are wicker daybeds, and since they are designed for the outdoors, they are very easy to keep clean. You can match your daybeds to your coffee setting or your outdoor alfresco dining setting and create a lovely, stylish outdoor entertainment area with plenty of options for everyone.

Check out our product catalogue and start designing your outdoor living spaces for spring today!

 

How to clean and care for patio cushions

clean-outdoor-patio-cushions

With spring just over the horizon, it’s time to freshen up your patio furniture and cushions so that they are ready for the warmer weather. Because the weather in Australia is usually warm enough to still spend time outside during the day, most of us don’t pack our patio furniture away in winter.

Some Aussies in colder areas, however, might need to pack their cushions away for the winter to protect them from the elements, but they still need to be cleaned and refreshed before using them in the spring. Regardless of whether you pack your cushions away or leave them exposed to the winter weather, often the cushions become mouldy with all the overnight moisture in the air.

Even outdoor cushions that are designed to be left outside all year can become dirty and dusty needing a good clean to bring them back to life for the spring. After all, there is nothing worse than sitting on an outdoor cushion that is stained or covered with dots of mould!

Let’s take a look at the best ways to clean and refresh your outdoor patio cushions so that they are ready for your springtime entertainment.

Dusty cushions

These can just be brushed lightly to remove any dust or light debris that might have collected on them, but often it’s much more effective to vacuum them. Make sure that you get right down into the seams, as this is where dirt and debris can collect and where mould can start to grow.

Lightly stained cushions

When cleaning light stains from your cushions, don’t rub them with a cloth, as this will make it worse, instead use a blotting action. Spray the cushion with a mild cleaning solution (or 50mls of soap in 3L of warm water), leave it a few minutes and then rinse them with clean warm water. It’s best to clean the entire surface of the cushion, even for just a few spots, otherwise, you might be left with water rings where the stain has been removed.

Deeply stained cushions

Something like bird droppings can be difficult to remove from your cushions, particularly if it has been left for quite a while! Use the same mild cleaning solution as for light stains, but now you will need to use a soft bristle brush to actively remove the stain. Rinse in warm water and leave to dry in the sun.

Mould stained cushions

This takes a little more work to remove, so use a mild soap and bleach mixture consisting of approximately 250mls of bleach and 50mls of mild detergent or soap in 3L of warm water. Spray the entire surface of the cushion, leave it to soak in for 15 minutes and use a soft bristle brush to remove the mould. Rinse in warm water and allow to dry in the sun.

If this mild bleach solution doesn’t remove all of the mould, increase the quantity of bleach, but check the label first, so that you don’t harm the fabric. You might also want to spot check the bleach solution on a small area of the fabric first, maybe on the underside, to ensure that it doesn’t discolour your cushions.

Oil stained cushions

Remove oil based spills from sunscreen immediately, so that it doesn’t  stain your cushions. Maybe lay a towel over a sun-bed or patio chair to avoid these type of stains, because they can be difficult to remove. You can dust oil stains with corn starch to absorb the oil and then brush the corn starch away, hopefully removing the oil stain, but you might have to do this a few times for it to work.

With all these spring cleaning tips, your patio cushions should be ready for the warmer weather and your springtime BBQs! If you need new patio furniture for your outdoor entertainment areas, check out the Daydream Leisure Furniture range today.

The importance of accessorising your outdoor entertaining area

The importance of accessorising your outdoor entertaining area | Daydream Leisure Furniture

Living on the Sunshine Coast, we appreciate the weather more than most. Because we love being outside, we are constantly entertaining outdoors, no matter the season! When you entertain outside a lot, your space can start feeling a little drab and dated, which is where the power of accessories for not only your space and furniture, but your tableware for the ultimate (and effective) update to your outdoor entertaining. From napkins and serving platters to lighting and cushions, let’s take a look at just some of the outdoor accessories available at Daydream Leisure Furniture…

 

Plate it up!

Outdoor entertaining is the perfect time to add a little pizazz to your plates, bowls or serving dishes. Whether you are going for a certain style or theme, or you just want to add colour, serving ware is simple and easily mixed and matched option for you.

Our range of ‘Congo’ mango wood serving ware is perfect for that pop of both pattern and colour, and the solid Mango wood is both beautiful and stylish.

 

 

 

Utensils, utensils, utensils!

People often underestimate the effect that utensils can have on your guests. Poorly cleaned or old cutlery can be a big turnoff when entertaining. Make sure you keep your utensils clean and perhaps give them a clean shine with a mix of water with a little vinegar before putting them on the table. While you may not want to update your entire collection of utensils, updating a few key pieces, such as this stylish two-tone rose gold cheese server set, can have a huge impact on your guests.

 

Dine in Comfort (and style)

Love the classic white tableware but still need that injection of style and colour? Our made-to-order cushion range comes in a huge range of prints and colours to suit every style. Find the print you like and you can order everything from cushions to table runners and placemats. View the entire range here and complete your outdoor look today.

 

The importance of accessorising your outdoor entertaining area | Daydream Leisure Furniture

 

Add a centrepiece

Everyone knows that no dinner table is complete without a centrepiece. So, whether you like flowers and greenery, lighting, or some kind of elaborate décor item, finish off your table in style.  Going for the natural look, try a nice native bouquet. Looking for something more romantic? Stick with a few scented candles.

 

No matter what style or theme you prefer as an entertainer and host, there will be something you for you Daydream Leisure Furniture.  We offer a huge range of outdoor dining and pool furniture, accessories and décor items to turn your outdoor area into your dream space. View our range online or come into one of our showrooms in either Warana or Noosa today.

Daydream Leisure Furniture: The Story Behind the Furniture

story-of-daydream-furniture

 

It recently came to our attention that our customers aren’t completely aware of what goes on behind the scenes at Daydream Leisure Furniture. So, we wanted to take a little time to shed some light on how we source and create the wide range of products available on our website and in our two large showrooms.

Consumers and clients often think that the products on our showroom floor are simply picked and ordered from a catalogue or a showroom somewhere; when in reality this couldn’t be further from the truth.  We have spent 18 years in the furniture business, forming relationships with Chinese manufacturers and European suppliers, ensuring the high-quality or design flexibility are what both we and our customers expect.

Jason and I take such pride in the development and creation of our products, really taking the time to focus on the trends, high-quality materials and designs that our customers appreciate and want.  Throughout the year we are constantly assessing our ranges and asking ourselves; What’s selling? What’s not? Can the less popular items be improved by design, colour or style? We are also always on the lookout for colour ranges and trends that are happening here and overseas so that we can find new and exciting products to offer our customers.

It’s important to remember that some trends or fads are not necessarily what sell; they can be impractical and not built for longevity, especially when dealing with outdoor elements.  This is especially true for our customers living on or near the coast. Anything we develop or decide to introduce to our range requires a lot of research and development to ensure that it will withstand our harsh weather conditions whilst still produced in a quality that meets our standards and delivers value for money for our customers.

We always put our customers first, focusing on quality products that will last a lifetime not just structurally, but because they offer longevity of style with classic, simple and high-quality designs. We also focus on having a strong line of products that can be mixed and match to suit our customers’ sense of style and colour choices. This includes our range of table bases and tops, tables and chairs and more; we believe the customisation and flexibility are what makes creating your space and furniture pieces extra special.

Jason spends countless nights with graph paper designing furniture. I often wonder when we will reach a point that there will be nothing new to design, but, after 18 years, it hasn’t happened yet.  When we decide on a design we like, we send the drawings to our factory and when we arrive to discuss our designs and choose our materials, a sample will be waiting for us. As well as full furniture samples, our relationship with the factory allows us to explore new colour ranges. We often post a Pantene colour or a laminate sample we would like to include in our range to the factory, and shortly after we will receive a sample of powder coated piece of aluminium with a complimenting fabric for us to view. It’s these relationships that allow us to pass such quality and customisation on to our customers.

During our annual visits to our China factory every January, we walk through the factory where the furniture is welded, powder coated, and assembled by hand.  We also watch the wicker weavers hand weaving our furniture, and watch the furniture go through quality control and be boxed up and ready to load on our containers.  We spend time in the sewing section, where the sewers work systematically sewing our cushion covers and slings in our very own exclusive fabric colours and qualities.  It is this hands-on experience that allows us to be involved in the production of our furniture range, that makes us even more passionate about the products we produce and supply for our customers.  It is also very interesting visiting the granite factory where the granite tables are made and also visiting where the granite is sourced.  This is a mind-blowing experience; being surrounded by miles and miles of street lined granite suppliers.   We enjoy every year each new experience that our visit to China provides.

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The appreciation our customers have for the insight, tips and support we provide makes our love for the furniture industry grow each and every year. We are proud of our ever growing range of products for both commercial and residential customers, including tables, chairs, benches, umbrellas, daybeds, outdoor sofas, pool sun lounges, homewares and everything in between.

You can browse our range online, drop by one of our showrooms in Warana and Noosa, or give us a call today to discuss your needs with our experienced team.

 

 

 

The Ultimate Summer BBQ: Entertaining Tips

ultimate-summer-bbq-entertaining-tips

Summer is well and truly here, and I have to say, we are loving the warm sunshine! Where there is sunshine and good company, there is the perfect excuse for a weekend BBQ with friends. So dust off the grill and get your backyard or patio space ready for the ultimate summer entertaining experience in your very own garden.

Having a BBQ is all about simplicity and ease. To help make things easier for you we’ve put together these entertaining tips as a guide.

Enough Food To Feed Your Tribe

Preparing a meal for a large number of people doesn’t need to be stressful. The beautiful thing about a BBQ is that it’s a very informal and light-hearted event. Why not turn your BBQ into a pot-luck? You’ll provide the grilled meats, and your guests can bring along cheese platters, bread, salads, and even dessert. Classic favourites like sausages, kebabs, steaks, and rissoles are always a hit at our family BBQ. What will you be serving up?

BBQ’s are fantastic when it comes to recipe planning too. They offer so much versatility with the kinds of meals you can prepare. Jamie Oliver and Webber offer some scrumptious recipes online, to spark your tastebuds with inspiration.

Get Creative With Your Seating Options

Make sure you have enough outdoor furniture to accommodate all of your guests. From classic outdoor settings to picnic rugs on the grass, you can never have enough options for accommodating your mingling guests.

Entertaining ranges like the Nardi and Kwila suites are fantastic! They’re durable, stylish, and comfortable all year round. Plus, they offer incredibly versatile arrangements, so that you can find the perfect chairs to match your table and home decor. Bench seats and bar stools are also a great option when entertaining a big group of people. Visit Daydream Furniture before hosting your next BBQ and make sure your entertaining space is a hit this summer!

Keep The Kids Corner Busy

While you’re entertaining your guests at the ultimate summer BBQ, remember to keep the kids’ corner occupied too. There’s nothing worse than when all of the adults are having a great time and suddenly the kids start complaining that they’re bored. Perhaps plan a few fun activities for the littlies, or if you have a pool, you can encourage them to bring along their swimmers and floaties to take a dip?

There you have it. Use some of these tips and create the perfect entertaining space, no matter your budget. And when you’re ready to furnish your area with the latest in outdoor living and dining settings, look no further than Daydream Leisure Furniture. Our showrooms in Noosa and Warana are stocked with beautiful and stylish pieces to suit all tastes and budget. Shop our range online here or find us on Facebook.

 

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Backyard Renovation

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Aussies love their outdoor spaces and the backyard is our haven from the stresses and tribulations of our daily lives. We embrace our backyards wholeheartedly, regularly inviting friends and family over for a big BBQ, maybe a swim in the pool, an afternoon watching footy on the outdoor TV, and generally lounging around and relaxing at home.

So if your backyard could do with a serious makeover – where do you start? First of all, you need to know all of the specific regulations that will affect your outdoor renovation, otherwise, you can be in a great deal of trouble. Next, take a good hard look at your outdoor space and decide what you like and don’t like, and what is and isn’t possible.

Creating a plan on paper is always a good idea because you can see where everything fits, and prevent any huge mistakes before they happen! Some mistakes can be costly, so give due consideration to your plan before you start calling in the backhoe and demolishing your backyard!

If you are ready for a backyard makeover at your home, here are our top tips for making the whole process run smoothly.

Identify your colour scheme

The colour scheme you chose for your outdoor spaces will be determined by your home’s internal and external colour palette. This is because you will want your outdoor entertainment spaces to flow naturally from your internal spaces, so continuing with the same palette is a sensible idea.

Decking for your home

You might not have any decking at all or need to replace your existing decking because it is old and rotten or no longer suits your lifestyle. One or more decks will help to define your outdoor spaces and you can choose from hardwood timber or the newer composite materials. Even pavers or bricks can be used instead of decking, depending on your budget and your design style.

Privacy and shade

You can create a stand-alone outdoor pergola with a variety of different screens or use large plants, such as clumping bamboo to provide privacy from neighbours. A popular choice when it comes to furnishing our backyards is the wide range of outdoor shade options available today, such as wind-rated cantilever umbrellas and retractable outdoor awnings. These additions not only provide shade and protection from wind and rain, they have the ability to compliment your landscape design and furnishings. Other options include using large pots filled with palms to provide both privacy and shade for your seating areas, building a hedge or installing outdoor blinds that are designed for external areas.

Pool fencing

With older pools, you might want to completely revamp the pool itself, the pool surrounds and even replace the pool fence. If you want to do any renovations around your pool, always check the pool regulations that are applicable, so you don’t have to re-do your renovations to comply with local laws. For example, you can’t have outdoor furniture and pots within a certain distance of the fence, as this prevents children from climbing over the pool fence.

Outdoor kitchens

Many Aussies are now investing in an outdoor kitchen complete with sink, fridge, stove and food preparation areas, and even pizza ovens, which is fabulous if you have space. However, there is nothing wrong with simply renovating your BBQ area and patio with aa table, chairs and perhaps a drinks trolley, like this one, to make it more inviting and functional for everyone.

Landscaping makeovers

If your garden has seen better years with fences falling down, retaining walls crumbling, and dead plants and grass everywhere, then it might be time for a makeover. Always spend big on a number of large focal plants, filling in with smaller cheaper plantings and don’t forget to consider shade plants. If you have a large backyard, you can also consider creating one or more meandering paths through your garden, ending in small magical areas with outdoor seating for two!

Outdoor furnishings

Once you have the landscaping, plants and hard surfaces organised, it’s time to think about your furnishings. This can be the most exciting time for many home owners when they start to decide how they will furnish their outdoor entertainment areas. There are plenty of options available, but most people want tables and chairs to create an outdoor dining area, and daybeds and sofa lounges for relaxation. Of course, there are sun lounges for around the pool and all of the cushions you need to soften the spaces as well.

Costs of your backyard renovation

The cost of renovating your backyard can be as small or as large as your budget allows. Everyone’s needs are different and there are always changes you can make that will improve a space, regardless of the size of your budget.

For more information on any of our outdoor furniture and accessories, call Daydream Leisure Furniture on 07 5449 9336 (Noosa) 07 5493 4277 (Warana) or complete our online enquiry form.

 

 

 

5 Reasons to Buy Aluminium Furniture for Your Outdoor Area

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Spending time outdoors is one of the favourite pastimes for Australians. From having family and friends over, to just relaxing with a good book and soaking up the sunshine, nothing beats the good old outdoors. When it comes to furnishing your outdoor area, however, aluminium is one of the most popular choices of material, and for good reason. Curious as to why? Let us fill you in with our top 5 reasons.

 

  1. No rust, no worries!

Unlike its metal counterpart, aluminium won’t rust over time or due to being left outside exposed to the weather. Although wooden furniture is beautiful and strong, it still needs basic maintenance to prevent wear, tear, and fading due to use and exposure to the sun and rain. As aluminium isn’t affected by these conditions, it’s the perfect choice for being in coastal areas or places with high humidity. Actually, it’s perfect for everyone!

 

  1. It’s easy to care for

Exactly how low maintenance aluminium furniture really is, deserves to be a point in itself. It can stand up to wind, dirt, rain, food, really anything you throw at it, as it just needs a simple hose down or spot clean to look as new! How many pieces of furniture can claim that?

 

  1. It’s light as a feather!

If you’re moving your furniture around the backyard or putting it away in the off-season (not that you need to, it doesn’t rust!), having furniture that’s light makes like so much easier. Just pick up the sun lounge and move it as the sun crosses the sky, it’s that easy.

 

  1. Aluminium’s tough

As well as being light-weight, the durability of aluminum furniture is what makes it so popular around the world. Aluminium is a solid and reliable piece of furniture, it will last you and your family for years.

 

  1. There are so many options

Aluminium Furniture comes in a wide range of designs to suit everyone tastes. From traditional to trendy to coastal chic, it can be styled to suit any backyard or design trend and is available in an array of colour including subtle earth tones to bright statement pieces. Aluminium furniture is as versatile as you need it to be!

Not only does aluminium furniture have so many benefits, it’s also really affordable, offering great value for money. Make the most out of your outdoor area for less, with a long-lasting, lightweight and ever-so-stylish aluminum furniture setting from Daydream Leisure Furniture. We stock outdoor dining tables, picnic settings, chairs, sun lounges and sofa settings; everything you need to create your dream outdoor oasis! Come see the range at one of our showrooms in either Noosa or Warana today.

Bleeding and oiling your Kwila outdoor furniture

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Your Kwila furniture is ideal for withstanding the rigours of the Australian climate. This timber is more durable than many other timbers used in outdoor furniture and has minimal shrinkage, resistance to splitting and withstands harsh salt water environments.  To keep your Kwila furniture looking its best, here are a few easy to follow tips.

Oiling your Kwila outdoor furniture

Kwila furniture doesn’t require oiling for durability purposes, but if you want to permanently leave your furniture outdoors, it will weather if it is not oiled, turning a silvery grey colour over time. All of our Kwila furniture has already been oiled prior to packaging and you can continue with regular oiling or allow the timber to naturally weather and age.

Unoiled Kwila furniture, might experience minor splitting over time, but this adds rather than detracts from its beauty. If you decide to oil your furniture regularly to maintain its original colour, then use a light decking oil.  An oil with a UV stabiliser and an anti-fungal additive is recommended.   Avoid any products that contain bleach or solvents.

It is important to remember that your Kwila furniture will still maintain its integrity if you decide not to oil your furniture. This timber is very tough and durable and this toughness and durability is not influenced by whether or not you oil your furniture.

Bleeding the tannin from Kwila furniture

As Kwila contains a large amount of tannin (resin or sap), when the timber becomes wet it will bleed the tannin onto the surface it is sitting on. If not cleaned up immediately, the tannin can stain porous ground surfaces, so it is advisable to accelerate this process to attempt to remove the surface tannin from the furniture.

All you need to do in order to bleed-out the Kwila timber is hose the timber down with clean water until the tannin has stopped bleeding out of the wood and then allow to dry. Depending on the amount of tannin in the product, the process may need to be repeated several times. It should be noted that as timber is a natural product, the amount of tannin is not measurable, therefore even by following bleeding instructions, it is still possible to end up with a small amount of residual tannin which could stain a surface.  So be as diligent as you can with this process.

Don’t stop hosing until the runoff water is clear and then use an old rag or towel to sop up any standing water on the timber, roughly going all over all of the furniture with the rag. It will take many hours for the timber to completely dry (depending on the weather), however using the rag helps to prevent water spots marking the timber while it dries.

Once your Kwila furniture is totally dry, and if you want to maintain the rich colour of your furniture, at this point it is recommended that you oil the furniture using a light decking oil, as outlined above.

It is important to note that you are not removing all of the tannin from the wood, just the surface tannin. This is important, because it is the tannin and the moisture within the timber that retains the tannin that helps to preserve your furniture, making it resistant to the elements.

Daydream Leisure Furniture offers customers an in-house bleeding service for a small additional charge. Using our service means that you don’t have to spend your valuable time bleeding the surface tannin out of your Kwila furniture, instead you can start enjoying it as soon as it is delivered.

For more information on any of our outdoor furniture and accessories, visit one of our furniture showrooms, call us on 07 5449 9336 (Noosa) 07 5493 4277 (Warana) or complete our online enquiry form.

 

Choosing The Perfect Outdoor Furniture

perfect outdoor furniture setting designed-pool escape holiday retreat

Creating a liveable outdoor space is all about finding the right pieces and details to make it feel cosy and comfortable – a personal oasis. Cleverly designed outdoor furniture can bring comfort and function to your backyard patio, balcony, veranda, poolside, or garden. With a spacious table setting, your favourite flowers or pot plants, textiles and homewares to match, a simple brick patio is quickly transformed into a delightful garden hideaway.

 

When thinking about outdoor furniture, you shouldn’t limit yourself to only thinking about family sized table settings – there is such a wide variety of furniture available to fit any sized space, functionality needs, and comfort criteria. If you have a small apartment with a balcony, introducing the right furnishings can easily take the space from concrete jungle to rooftop bar in a matter of minutes!

 

We have put together our top tips for choosing the perfect furnishings for your outdoor space. Thoughtful planning (and a touch of interior design know-how) will ensure that your outdoor living space is homely and inviting for years to come.

 

  1. Make A List

First thing’s first – start planning how you want to use, furnish and decorate your outdoor space by building a list. What kind of furniture do you like? What will the layout be? What materials do you prefer? How will you most likely use the space? How will you decorate the space? Will the ambience be a peaceful escape or an entertainment area? Once you have the answers to these questions and more, you can start curating furniture to match.

 

  1. Take A Seat

Take a seat and put your feet up before you buy. Comfortable patio furniture, just like interior furniture, will be used regularly. So ensure that it’s comfortable and doesn’t just ‘fit the look’. You will get more use out of the space if your furnishings are comfortable and inviting, rather than just a room focal point.

 

  1. Choose Easy Care Outdoor Furniture

Use your time relaxing or keeping busy in the garden, not maintaining furniture. Purchase easy-care patio furniture. Aluminium, teak, kwila, polypropylene and all-weather wicker pieces are durable no matter the weather conditions all year long. Furniture made using these materials will look near new for years to come.

 

  1. Consider Storage Needs

How protected is your outdoor space? Choosing furniture that is made from durable materials will certainly improve the longevity of the piece, but making sure it is protected from the elements will also make a big difference! Storing your setting in the garage, shed, or basement during the off-season when the furniture isn’t in use will keep it protected. If your storage space is limited, look for patio furniture that folds or is easily taken apart for compact storage.

 

  1. Smart Colour Palette Play

Now when purchasing patio furniture, you are no longer limited to the natural tones. Colourful finishes abound in the world of outdoor furniture. Thanks to the introduction of different materials and finishing types, compounds like resin and polypropylene are now more widely available. For stylish longevity, reserve bold splashes of colour for cushions and accent pieces.

 

  1. Invest In Quality Furniture

You certainly get what you pay for when you purchase cheap, low-quality outdoor furniture. If you do not invest in your furniture, they can quickly deteriorate when exposed to the elements. Be wise when choosing outdoor furniture –ask lots of questions in store to make sure you are purchasing quality, hardwearing furniture that won’t snap, break, or become brittle.

  1. Versatility Is Key

Get the most out of your space (and your money) by choosing hardworking furniture that is versatile. For example, an ottoman can double as extra seating and bench seats can easily become day beds with soft textiles.

 

Make your outside space just as beautiful as inside. At Daydream Leisure Furniture we cater to both domestic and commercial furniture needs. No matter what kind of space you have, the purpose of the furniture, or the style you seek, we can help you find the perfect pieces. Contact our friendly team on the Sunshine Coast today, for all your outdoor furniture needs. We would love to help you create your perfect outdoor oasis.