Functional Commercial Design: A Melbourne Terrace Makeover by Kat Burnett

When Melbourne-based interior designer Kat Burnett first stepped onto the Edgewise office terrace, she saw more than just an outdoor space – she envisioned a seamless extension of the workplace that would serve multiple functions throughout the day. Her thoughtful approach to this commercial outdoor furniture project demonstrates how strategic design choices can create spaces that are both beautiful and built to last.

Project Introduction - The Vision Behind Edgewise

"On my initial site visit to Edgewise, I was especially drawn to the interior layout of the office space," explains Kat. "I paid close attention to the colour palette, the forms and shapes of the furniture, the materials used, and the overall aesthetic. I knew early on that creating a strong connection between the interior and the outdoor terrace would be key – my goal was for the spaces to feel seamless, with a natural sense of flow and continuity."

This philosophy of indoor-outdoor harmony became the foundation of Kat's design approach. Rather than treating the terrace as an afterthought, she positioned it as an integral part of the office experience – a space that needed to work as hard as any interior room.

"From the beginning, I envisioned the terrace as a multifunctional extension of the office," Kat continues. "It needed to cater to different moments throughout the day – a generous dining area for meal times, bar tables for casual drinks by the outdoor kitchen, and a relaxed sofa setup perfect for informal coffee catch-ups. Every element was guided by three key words – fresh, fun, and current. I wanted the space to feel inviting and versatile – somewhere people would naturally gravitate to."

This multi-zone approach reflects Kat's understanding of modern workplace dynamics, where outdoor spaces serve as crucial decompression areas that can boost productivity and staff wellbeing.

Designing for Melbourne's Climate & Location

The Edgewise terrace presented unique environmental challenges that would test any outdoor furniture selection. Located on Melbourne's busy Punt Road, the space faces constant exposure to urban elements that can quickly deteriorate poorly chosen materials.

"The office terrace is located on Melbourne's busy Punt Road, which presents several environmental challenges for outdoor furniture," Kat explains. "Constant traffic increases exposure to dirt and smog, while high winds raise the risk of lightweight pieces being displaced. To address this, I selected durable, weighty furniture that can withstand breezy conditions without compromising safety."

These practical considerations shaped every material decision. The combination of vehicle emissions and Melbourne's notorious weather patterns meant that furniture needed to be both resilient and low-maintenance – criteria that would eliminate many standard outdoor options.

"Given the strong sunlight, UV resistance and fade-proof materials were essential to ensure long-term appearance and integrity," Kat notes. "Rainfall was also a key consideration (we love Melbourne weather!) so I prioritised water-repellent fabrics for sofas and opted for perforated dining chairs and bar stools to allow for easy drainage after wet weather."

This climate-first approach demonstrates how successful commercial outdoor design must prioritise function alongside aesthetics, especially in high-use environments where furniture replacement isn't practical or cost-effective.

Product Selection & Styling Details

With environmental requirements established, Kat turned her attention to creating distinct zones that would serve different workplace functions while maintaining visual cohesion throughout the space.

"When it came to selecting the sofa and armchairs for this project, it was my chance to inject some personality into the outdoor space," she explains. "The Iowa range ticked all the boxes for both style and function. Its soft curves were exactly what was needed to balance the hard edges of the terrace, creating a comfortable spot for staff to relax. I chose the charcoal colour to help mask the inevitable dirt and dust from passing traffic."

The Iowa seating creates an inviting lounge area that feels distinctly separate from the more formal dining zones, encouraging different types of workplace interactions. The charcoal selection demonstrates Kat's practical approach – choosing colours that maintain their appearance despite urban challenges.

For the dining areas, Kat selected pieces that would provide striking visual contrast while meeting the space's demanding functional requirements. "The Ella dining and bar tables in white offered a striking contrast against the charcoal flooring of the terrace, giving the space a fresh, modern feel. They're heavy enough to withstand Melbourne's strong winds and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for this outdoor setting."

The seating selection showcased Kat's attention to both immediate needs and long-term maintenance considerations. "For seating, the Nardi Bit chairs and Net bar stools are stackable, which makes storage hassle-free when the office closes over holiday periods. Their perforated seats are perfect for draining water after rainy days, ensuring quick drying and lasting comfort."

Colour became a crucial tool for connecting the outdoor space to the interior design. "To add a pop of colour and personality, I opted for Salice green in the dining chairs – a shade already featured in the interior design. This colour is echoed in the lattice-patterned outdoor cushions on the Iowa sofa, tying the look together beautifully."

The final layer of functionality came through flexible accent pieces. "Finally, the Neverland nesting side tables are ideal for versatility. They work perfectly grouped together or separated to sit on either side of the sofa, giving multiple staff members a convenient spot for their coffee breaks."

Problem-Solving in Real Time - Adapting the Design

Even the most carefully planned projects encounter unexpected challenges, and the Edgewise terrace was no exception. Kat's ability to adapt her vision while maintaining design integrity demonstrates the problem-solving skills essential in commercial design.

"Logistics also played a key role in the selection process," Kat recalls. "Since all the furniture had to fit into the office building's lift, we needed to ensure each piece could be transported easily and assembled on site."

This constraint forced a significant design pivot that initially seemed like a setback. "Originally, I had envisioned a larger dining table, but the lift dimensions meant rethinking that plan. In the end, opting for multiple smaller tables turned out to be a win – it not only solved the access issue but also aligned perfectly with the client's vision. The result is a more flexible setup, with several breakout areas where staff can gather, work, or unwind."

This experience highlights how practical limitations can sometimes lead to superior design solutions. The multiple smaller tables created more intimate gathering spaces and allowed for greater flexibility in how the terrace could be used throughout the day.

Balancing Brand, Style & Functionality

Commercial outdoor spaces must serve multiple masters – they need to reflect brand identity, provide staff comfort, and maintain professional appeal for client interactions. Kat's approach to this complex brief demonstrates sophisticated understanding of commercial design requirements.

"In high-visibility commercial projects like this one, striking the right balance between personal design style and the client's brief is crucial, especially when the space blurs the line between private staff comfort and public-facing brand presence," she explains.

The dual-purpose nature of the space added complexity to every decision. "With Edgewise clients visiting the office, the outdoor terrace needed to feel welcoming and professional, while remaining practical and durable enough for everyday use."

Kat's solution involved layering her signature aesthetic elements within the framework of commercial requirements. "My goal was to create a space that felt cohesive and elevated without being overly formal. I brought in elements of my personal style – soft curves, subtle colour contrasts, and a layered material palette – but made sure these choices aligned with the client's needs. The charcoal tones grounded the design and helped hide the inevitable dust from main road traffic, while accents like the Salice green added personality and linked back to the interior branding."

The final result successfully navigates these competing demands. "Ultimately, the final design offers a balance between function and form, allowing the space to support both casual staff breaks and professional client interactions. It reflects the brand's identity while offering a moment of calm in a busy urban environment – proof that good design doesn't have to compromise."

Kat's Golden Rule for Outdoor Design

As the Edgewise project demonstrates, successful commercial outdoor design requires thinking beyond immediate visual impact to consider long-term performance and adaptability.

"Always design for how the space will be used, not just how it will look on day one," Kat advises. "Think about weather, wear, and movement – choose materials that last and layouts that can adapt over time. This has always been my mantra: designs that inspire, spaces that endure."

This philosophy, evident throughout the Edgewise terrace project, offers valuable guidance for anyone considering outdoor furniture for commercial or high-use spaces. By prioritising durability, functionality, and thoughtful material selection, Kat has created a space that will continue to serve its users effectively while maintaining its visual appeal for years to come.

The Edgewise terrace stands as proof that commercial outdoor design can successfully balance aesthetic ambition with practical requirements, creating spaces that enhance both workplace culture and brand identity.

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