Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with clutter, distractions, and
a constant sense of busyness. It’s no wonder that more people are turning to minimalism as a
way to find peace, balance, and contentment. At Rob Cousens, we believe that embracing
minimalism can lead to a transformative lifestyle. Join us as we explore the philosophy of
minimalism and how it can enhance your life.

Understanding Minimalism: Less is More

Minimalism is not just about decluttering your physical space; it’s a mindset that values quality
over quantity, experiences over possessions, and mindfulness over consumerism. By
embracing minimalism, we aim to simplify our lives, focusing on the essentials that bring us joy
and purpose. At Rob Cousens, we curate outdoor furniture collections that embody the essence
of minimalism – clean lines, functional design, and durable materials, offering you a sanctuary to
unwind and reconnect with nature.

Embracing Mindful Consumption

In a world of constant advertising and consumerism, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of buying more and more. Minimalism encourages us to be mindful of our purchases, questioning whether we truly need an item before acquiring it. At Rob Cousens, our carefully selected outdoor furniture pieces are designed to stand the test of time, encouraging conscious consumption. By investing in quality furniture, you’re not only reducing waste but also creating a long-lasting and stylish outdoor retreat.

Designing Your Outdoor Oasis

Minimalism does not equate to stark and cold spaces. Instead, it emphasizes simplicity, harmony, and functionality. When creating your outdoor oasis, opt for furniture that complements the natural surroundings and allows you to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors without unnecessary distractions. At Rob Cousens, our collection features thoughtfully crafted furniture that effortlessly blends with any outdoor setting, providing you with a serene environment for relaxation and contemplation. Letting Go of Clutter and Mental Weight As we declutter our physical spaces, we often experience a profound sense of liberation. Minimalism encourages us to let go of unnecessary possessions, making room for what truly matters. By reducing physical clutter, we also alleviate mental weight, allowing us to focus on the present and cultivate a peaceful state of mind. At Rob Cousens, we offer practical storage solutions within our furniture designs, helping you maintain an organized outdoor space that enhances your sense of calm and well-being. Sustainable Living and Minimalism Minimalism goes hand in hand with sustainable living. By consuming less, we reduce our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. At Rob Cousens, we are committed to eco-friendly practices and source our materials responsibly, ensuring that your outdoor furniture is not only stylish but also sustainable. By embracing minimalism and choosing durable, environmentally conscious products, you become part of the movement towards a greener future.

Conclusion

Incorporating minimalism into your life can lead to a more intentional, fulfilling, and serene
existence. At Rob Cousens Outdoor Furniture, we celebrate the art of simplicity and mindful
living. Our curated collections are designed to inspire you to embrace minimalism, both in your
outdoor spaces and beyond. By creating a harmonious outdoor retreat, you can find solace,
connect with nature, and experience the true essence of minimalism. Step into the world of
tranquility and elegance with Rob Cousens, where minimalism becomes a gateway to a more
balanced and meaningful life.

Automated Outdoor Blinds: Nature’s Symphony of Comfort:

On a hot summer’s day, outdoor blinds can be your best friend, providing shade and respite from the sun’s scorching rays. But manually adjusting them can be cumbersome. Thanks to Rob Cousens’ expertise, smart outdoor blinds can now be automated. With sun sensors and remote control capabilities, your outdoor space adapts to the weather, ensuring maximum comfort and energy efficiency.

Outdoor furniture has come a long way in terms of style, functionality, and durability. However, selecting the right outdoor furniture can still be a daunting task for many homeowners. With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to choose furniture that will be comfortable, stylish, and withstand the elements. In this blog, we will provide you with some expert tips on how to choose the perfect outdoor furniture for your space.

You can use our Alfresco Visualiser to see how any of our settings or product will look in your Alfresco area. Simply Follow the instructions.

Go To Alfresco Visualiser Page

Consider your outdoor space

Before you begin your search for outdoor furniture, it’s essential to consider your outdoor space. The size and shape of your outdoor area will determine the type of furniture that you can accommodate. Measure your outdoor space and take note of any unusual angles or features that you need to work around. This information will help you choose furniture that will fit perfectly and create a cohesive look.

Determine your outdoor furniture needs

The next step in choosing the perfect outdoor furniture is to determine your needs. Do you want to create an outdoor dining area or a comfortable seating area for relaxation? Knowing what you want to achieve with your outdoor space will help you choose furniture that is both functional and stylish.

Choose the right material

Outdoor furniture is available in a range of materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and wicker. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, wooden furniture looks beautiful but requires regular maintenance to protect it from the elements. Metal furniture is durable but can become hot in the sun. Plastic furniture is affordable and easy to clean but may not be as durable as other materials. Wicker furniture is stylish but may not withstand harsh weather conditions. At Robcousens, we recommend aluminum outdoor furniture, as it is lightweight, easy to maintain, and can withstand the elements.

Comfort is key

When selecting outdoor furniture, comfort should be a top priority. Look for furniture with comfortable cushions, and if possible, try out the furniture before you buy it. Additionally, ensure that the furniture is designed to accommodate your body size and shape. At Robcousens, we offer a range of outdoor furniture with high-quality cushions to provide maximum comfort, including outdoor bench seat cushions, outdoor cushions, outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor bench cushions, outdoor seat cushions, outdoor chair cushions, and outdoor chair pads in Melbourne.

Choose furniture that complements your style

Finally, when selecting outdoor furniture, choose furniture that complements your style. At Robcousens, we offer a range of outdoor furniture designs that cater to different styles, including outdoor bar furniture, outdoor bench seats, outdoor 3 seater corner sofa, outdoor balcony furniture, outdoor garden furniture, outdoor table and chairs, outdoor table covers, and modular outdoor furniture in Melbourne.

Protect your investment

Once you have chosen the perfect outdoor furniture for your space, it’s essential to protect your investment with outdoor furniture covers. At Robcousens, we offer a range of outdoor furniture covers in Melbourne that will keep your furniture looking like new for years to come.

In conclusion, choosing the perfect outdoor furniture requires careful consideration of your outdoor space, furniture needs, material, comfort, and style. With the tips outlined in this blog, we hope you can make an informed decision when selecting outdoor furniture for your space. If you need further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to the team at Robcousens. We are always ready to help you create your dream outdoor space.

Buying Outdoor Furniture

www.robcousens.com.au

First step when buying outdoor furniture is to measure your space, take photos of the surrounding area to assist our sales people in store. We are there to help you make the right decision with regard to area and colours.

Things to mention when shopping.

• Is my space under cover or protected from the elements.
• Is my space fully exposed to the elements
• Dining, Lounge options or both or a combination of both in one.

Questions to ask

• What is the frame made of ?
• Will it rust ?
• What type of Fabric is used in the setting ?
• Is the fabric water proof or water resistant. ?
• Has the Frame and fabric been UV stabilised. ?
• How long will it last ?

Answers need to hear

• The Frame should be Aluminium, Aluminium will not rust is light weight and strong. If the frame is steel it will rust eventually once scratched. Its always good to take a magnet with you when shopping for outdoor furniture. Magnets will not stick to Aluminium but they will if its steel. Some sales people in larger stores would not know what the frame is made of.

• Fabrics – There are several types of fabric used in outdoor furniture but all must be UV stabilised to last. If not the fabric will fade and breakdown very quickly. Fabrics used in order of Quality

1. Sunbrella
2. Warwick Olefin
3. Olefin
4. Polyesters

Sunbrella Fabrics –  are made from a solution dyed acrylic that is UV, water, and mildew resistant. They are fade-proof, stain-resistant, and long-lasting. 5 Year Warranty. ( USA product )

Warwick Fabric are made from a solution dyed Olefin that is UV, water, and mildew resistant. They are fade-proof, stain-resistant, and long-lasting. 5 Year Warranty. ( Aust. product)

Olefin Fabric – Variety of brands from China solution dyed Olefin that is UV, water, and mildew resistant.  2 Year Warranty

Polyester Fabric – 250gram  12 month Warranty Best used under cover. Water resistant and Mildew resistant. UV stabilised.

Armed with the above you can make a educated decision on the quality and type of product you need for your outdoor space.

If you need further assistance or have any questions please drop into our store in Nunawading or contact us on sales@robcousens.com.au.

Rob Cousens

Spring is just around the corner and I don’t know about you,  but I’m looking forward to outdoor BBQ’s friends over and enjoying our lives again. Covid will end soon and restrictions will lift. This year more than any other we are expecting a massive hit on outdoor entertaining products. We have increased our orders this year to cope but we are already experiencing high demand and pre selling products across our range. So don’t be left inside without a decent outdoor setting to entertain with friends. Start searching now Dining sets, Sofa sets, Sun Lounge’s, Umbrellas and accessories for the out door Space.  We have a huge range to choose from all of which will be in stock by the first week of September. If you wish to pre order a new item shoot us an email on sales@robcousens.com.au and we will send you a pre order cart to lock in your purchase. Don’t miss out on some great deals we have managed to put together during this tough Covid year.

Stay well and Safe

Rob Cousens

Outdoor Furniture  – Mix n Match

Unlike most stores selling Outdoor Furniture at robcousens you can create your own setting by selecting a chair you like then a table that suits your space.

Visit our web site and check out the chairs available, Table options 

Most importantly you need to visit the store in Nunawading to check out the comfort level. Before you do, measure your space so we can help you select the size of setting you can fit in your outdoor space.

Once you have made your selection we will work out a package deal and deliver your outdoor furniture setting.

visit robcousens

or contact us for any questions 

Rob Cousens

Our exciting new range of Outdoor Furniture is now on show in our Nunawading Showroom. Everything you need from Outdoor Chairs, Outdoor Tables , Umbrellas, Daybeds, Egg chairs, Wall Art and much more.

Mix n Match from our range of Outdoor chairs and Outdoor Tables to create the look you need to fit your outdoor space, our Tables sizes start from 750mm round up to 3.4m Long so there is plenty of choice and colour options to choose from.

New this Season

We are proud to introduce the Divano Sunbrella Collection. Taking indoor design and comfort outdoors.

Divano Lounge works with Sunbrella® fibres which are steeped in top quality dyes during the actual manufacturing process, when the acrylic is still liquid form.
As a result, the fabric’s yarn is colored all the way to the core so its original vibrancy lasts on and on.
There’s absolutely no comparison to ordinary procedures whereby the yarn or fabric is simply dipped in dye which therefore only penetrates the outer layers.
Benefits of Sunbrella fabrics:

• UV Resistant
• Water & Stain resistant
• Breathable
• Mould resistant

• Easy Care

Sunbrella fabrics can be easily cleaned with a soft-bristle brush and soapy water (add 50 ml of bleach per litre of water for of tough or stubborn stains). Rinse with clear water and let air dry.
Quick Dry Foam
Divano Lounge foam is reticulated polyurethane foam with extra open cells which permits maximum water drainage and air circulation.
Open cell foam also have the added benefit of an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent the buildup of bacteria which can cause nasty odour’s. Reticulated filter foam is ideal for use in outdoor furniture and marine environments where moisture can be a problem with conventional foam.
Limited Warranty

• Frame 5 Years
• Fabric 5 Years
• Foam 5 Years

Industrial is in !

Our new Clay Collection with Gunmetal Aluminium frames and new Teak Tops are proving to be very popular this season with either bench seats or dining chairs.

We have a couple of sizes available 1500mm and 2200mm Dining and a Bar height table with bar Stools

Wall Art – Another amazing addition to our range for this season is our Wall art and Screens. Made in Australia our exclusive designs are lazor cut on 1.6mm Mild steel and powder coated. We can produce our designs in a range of colours giving you flexibility and a unique product for your outdoor space. See in store for details. ( Photos don’t do them justice)

See you in store – pop in for a coffee and check out our new designs

Rob Cousens

Sunbrella Video

Sunbrella Video

Upholstered Materials

 
Sunbrella outdoor fabrics
What are Sunbrella fabrics?
Divano Lounge works with Sunbrella® fibres which are steeped in top quality dyes during the actual manufacturing process, when the acrylic is still liquid form.
As a result, the fabric’s yarn is colored all the way to the core so its original vibrancy lasts on and on.
There’s absolutely no comparison to ordinary procedures whereby the yarn or fabric is simply dipped in dye which therefore only penetrates the outer layers.
Benefits of Sunbrella fabrics:

• UV Resistant
• Water & Stain resistant
• Breathable
• Mould resistant
• Easy Care

Sunbrella fabrics can be easily cleaned with a soft-bristle brush and soapy water (add 50 ml of bleach per litre of water for of tough or stubborn stains). Rinse with clear water and let air dry.

Quick Dry Foam
Divano Lounge foam is reticulated polyurethane foam with extra open cells which permits maximum water drainage and air circulation.
Open cell foam also have the added benefit of an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent the buildup of bacteria which can cause nasty odour’s. Reticulated filter foam is ideal for use in outdoor furniture and marine environments where moisture can be a problem with conventional foam.  

Limited Warranty

• Frame 5 Years
• Fabric 5 Years
• Foam 5 years

Now over summer you have purchased a new outdoor setting and it looks great – The Cushions are soft and comfy, the colour looks great and suits my alfresco area and the wicker or frame matches my decor beautifully.

There are a few things you need to understand about outdoor furniture and how to look after your recent purchase.

Lets start with the frame which maybe Aluminium or timber and covered with Textilene or resin wicker.

Timber

Thing to note about timber is that its a natural product and usually needs help to survive the winter and the summer. Most timbers like Teak, Jarrah or Merbau are pretty hardy and only need minimal maintenance but these products are hard to find and usually expensive. Of course there are Recycled teaks that are pretty good and not so expensive. I suggest when you first put your table together you give the table a protective coat of Osmo oil  

The Osmo oil has a UV protection built in and also provides a coating for the table to protect it from stains etc. This needs to be done annually.

If through the winter you see discoloration in the timber this is usually due to mildew so a good clean will bring it back and maybe a light sand. If the table is under cover and protected much less maintenance is required.

Aluminium Frame – Textilene slings and Wicker settings.

Points about these products

• Rust Free Aluminium Frames
• UV Stabilised powder coated frames
• Light weight
• UV stabilised Slings and cushion fabrics
• UV stabilsed resin wicker.
• Tempered Glass

All of the above are great points but this does not mean the product is indestructible in the outdoors. UV which changes every year is outdoor furniture’s worst enemy. Breakdown can happen from 6 – 12 years depending on the UV its exposed to. The more you cover the product in the winter months when not in use the longer its last.

So it pays to buy a cover to place over the furniture in winter or simply place the furniture in the shed or under cover. If your product is outdoors and fully protected then its a different story. I have had my setting out door for many years (12) and its still looks like the day I purchased it.

Cushions are a different ball game.( Fully Exposed) Although we use UV stabilsed fabrics in polyesters and Olefin they will not last forever. Colours will fade if they are left outside all the time and they will eventually breakdown if exposed to UV all year round. Never leave cushions out all year round and expect them to last more than 4 – 5 years.

In winter again put your cushions away in a dry space. Never put away damp or wet as they will grow mold. Always wash your cushions down if by the pool, especially if the pool is Chlorine as the chlorine will destroy the stitching and the fabric. Hose off with fresh water. If you didn’t wash your bathing suits they to would fall part.

If you want to leave outside I highly recommend to Sure seal your cushions and make the water proof. The water will simply bead off and this protects the fabric and the cushion fill.

99% off cushions are not replaceable off the shelf so look after them. Getting them made here is an option but expensive. We make cushions to order using Warwick outdoor or sunbrella fabrics. These will last a lot longer than the Chinese made product that comes with the outdoor sets but again will not last forever.

• Look after your cushions
• Put away dry when not in use
• Don’t leave out in the sun exposed all year
• Water proof your cushions
• Buy covers to protect your cushions and setting.

If you have slings chairs then always cover if fully exposed when not in use.

So just look after your outdoor setting and it will give you many years of satisfaction and pleasure.

Bye for now – call us on 1300 665 635 if you have any questions or need help with your setting maintenance.

Sure seal Rug and Fabric protection

Our new exciting 2016 range of Outdoor furniture will be in store soon. We also have just launched our new range of Stainless steel products the Hawthorn collection, Dining, Bar sets & sofa sets are all available in any size your desire. Why, because we make them in house.

The new range compares to nothing currently available in the market. This product ticks all the boxes and offers durability, strength, flexibility in sizes and can be up graded at any time.

• Grade #304 Stainless Steel 1.2mm gauge
• Mod wood tops in two colours
• Tables sizes to suit your area
• Changeable cushions and slings so your chairs never get old.
• Sunbrella fabrics – easy to clean and long last UV stabilised.
• Your choice of fabric colours
• Coffee Table that converts to a fire pit. All year round use.
• delivery 21 days from date of order – Made in Melbourne

Easy to maintain

• As we use Mod wood you have the look of timber but without the maintenance. No oiling, sanding or staining
• Stainless steel cleaners available – German quality ” Suhner” products
• Great for the beach or pool side – no rust,Sturdy construction ( tea staining may occur)

Hawthorn dining sets

Hawthorn sofa set

We also will have an extensive range of new wicker designs, Teak and aluminium sling products.

Yes we are now in our new store in Nunawading and trading. Loads of great offers in store and online. Pop in and say hello. the store will stir your imagination in true Robcousens fashion. Our new store is right opposite the Bunnings entrance in Metropolitan Ave so its not hard to find and ample parking for all our customers.

Coming soon our exciting new Indoor collections. Stay tuned.

Give a Robcousens Gift card to someone

special or hard to buy for.

www.robcousens.com.au