Spring entertaining trends: How connected living and outdoor styling can transform your space

As the days grow longer and the air warmer, spring invites us to open our doors and reimagine how we live and entertain at home.

Now more than ever, Australians are embracing connected living: a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces that makes a home feel bigger, brighter, and more versatile. For apartment dwellers especially, thoughtful design choices and clever styling can turn balconies and courtyards into extensions of your interiors.

Temple & Webster, Australia’s largest online furniture and homewares retailer, spotlights the rise of these connected spaces.

“Connected spaces are all about visual continuity between the indoors and out, whether it’s through colour, materials, or style,” said Lucy Sutherland, Temple & Webster’s director of insights and trends.

“Outdoor furniture is no longer just about function and durability, and indoor furniture is no longer confined to aesthetics.

“We’re now seeing versatile pieces that look beautiful, withstand the elements, and move easily between indoor and outdoor zones, making compact homes feel expansive and perfect for entertaining.”

Recent insights from Temple & Webster reveal just how much this shift is influencing our homes. Searches for ‘large outdoor rugs’ have surged by 104% year on year, while searches for ‘outdoor couches’ are up 72% year on year – clear signs that Australians are investing in versatile pieces to make their spaces work harder.

According to Lucy, this isn’t just a seasonal fad, but part of a lasting movement toward connected, multi-functional living, especially with more and more Australians living in smaller homes such as apartments and townhouses.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS, February 2025), the average size of Australian dwellings have been on a steady decline over the past 15 years, as property prices rise and apartment living becomes the norm.

“Smaller homes have sparked the need for connected spaces,” Lucy said.

“But our growing appreciation for the outdoors and our need to socialise and relax at home has made connected living a mainstream aspiration, not just a luxury.”

It’s no wonder then that versatile designs such as modular seating, extendable dining tables, and storage ottomans are also increasing in popularity.

An expert’s tips

Lucy gives us five simple styling tips to help make the most of our homes this spring season.

Keep it seamless 
Stick to similar-toned colours across furniture and decor to visually connect zones.

Layer from the ground up
Outdoor rugs in tones similar to indoor flooring add warmth and continuity.

Repeat accents 
Use the same accent colours or patterns in both indoor and outdoor spaces for strong visual flow. Striped rugs and pillows in your living room? Look out for outdoor cushions and tablecloths with stripes in the same shades.

Maximise flow 
Ensure large pieces don’t block movement between indoors and outdoors.

Add greenery and light 
Plants and layered lighting extend the living space and set the mood for entertaining. Consider adding outdoor festoon lights or a few potted plants, maybe even herbs for those who love to cook.

With house and land prices rising and apartment living becoming more common, Temple & Webster predicts the connected living trend will only continue to grow.

“Dual-purpose living is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s becoming a necessity,” Lucy said.

“Australians want versatile spaces that support how we live, work, socialise, and entertain, all within smaller footprints.

“Connected spaces are here to stay.”

To meet this demand, the retailer has launched a new range of outdoor furniture that easily transitions between different spaces, including stackable dining chairs, bouclé armchairs, and polystone coffee tables.

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