Eva-Last: An Outdoor Styling Guide – Tips to choose the right decor for your outdoor spaces

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your outdoor space should go into hibernation. In fact, these cooler months are the perfect time to dream, plan, and prep—so when warmer weather returns, your outdoor area is ready to shine. We’ve gathered some top styling tips and insider tricks to help you make the most of your space. And with a few smart product picks from Eva-Last, you can take it all to the next level—effortlessly.

Set your foundation

The best designs start with a good foundation! For the outdoors, think stylish, durable floors to set the tone. After all, a solid floor is one of the best investments you can make. Winter brings wet weather to some parts of the country, while others see frosty, dry conditions and maybe even some snow. These climatic conditions are a reminder that your choice of outdoor flooring must handle everything from rain and moisture to UV exposure. So, choose materials wisely.

Our recommendation? Eva-Last’s range of composite outdoor decking makes for a great choice. Made using advanced technology that mimics the look of natural timber, these eco-friendly boards are fade-resistant, slip-resistant, and require almost no maintenance. Whether you’re designing a small patio or building a new entertainment deck, this this decking is built to last, and to impress.

When it comes to outdoor design, the materials you choose can make or break the longevity of your space. Industry professionals always advise selecting products that are UV-resistant, moisture-proof, and designed for outdoor wear and tear. Timber may look beautiful, but it often requires intensive upkeep and doesn’t always hold up against harsh South African sun or coastal humidity.

That’s why we’re in favour of composite materials, like those from Eva-Last, which offer the same natural aesthetic as wood, but without the cracking, fading, or splintering. These high-performance materials are engineered to last, saving you time and maintenance costs in the long run while delivering a premium finish.

Create multi-functional spaces

Think beyond a single-use space. A great outdoor area includes zones: a lounge spot, a dining area, maybe even a small reading nook. Use furniture, outdoor rugs, planters, or cladding feature walls to define each section without closing the space in. Or choose Eva-Last’s Lifespan beams to create garden pergolas is a perfect way to create a defined space for dining or lounging.

Modular furniture is trending right now because of its versatility—it allows you to shift, rearrange, and adapt your space to suit any gathering or season.

Layer in Comfort and Texture

Comfort is key—especially in winter. Think plush outdoor cushions, knitted throws, weatherproof beanbags, and soft underfoot rugs. Textured elements like wood, rattan, and stone will bring depth and warmth. This is a great way to help your space feel as cosy as your living room.

Stick to a cohesive colour palette to avoid visual clutter. Earthy tones, deep charcoals, and muted greens are perfect for grounding the space and echoing the natural surroundings.

Light the Way

Lighting is the magic-maker of outdoor design. It creates atmosphere and highlights focal points. It can also ensure the space remains usable long after sunset. The best solution to maximise your outdoor lighting? Combine layered lights—like solar path lights, fairy lights, and LED deck lighting—for a balanced, welcoming glow.

Ask your contractor to include lighting into your deck design, which adds an elegant and practical finish to any deck upgrade.

Bring the Outdoors to Life

Don’t overlook the power of greenery. Even in winter, evergreen plants, sculptural succulents, or a vertical garden can inject life and colour into your setup. Use planters to anchor the edges of your space or draw attention to entryways and key zones.

Want to add structure? Feature walls or composite cladding from Eva-Last can double as privacy screens or even create planter boxes, all while creating a sleek, modern backdrop for your plants and furniture.

Planning Now, Enjoying Later

Outdoor styling in winter isn’t just a design challenge—it’s an opportunity. Use this quieter season to reimagine your space, invest in lasting materials, and infuse it with personality and purpose. That way, when the first signs of spring emerge, you’re already steps ahead—ready to enjoy an outdoor area that’s as beautiful as it is functional.

For materials that work as hard as you do, explore Eva-Last’s premium outdoor solutions.