A place worth staying. Wolf & South on designing outdoor spaces that are made to be lived in

"Our goal is simple," they explain. "To help clients design outdoor spaces they love using and living in."

That focus begins with how a space will be used. Before collections or finishes are discussed, attention turns to function. Is the space intended for dining, for relaxing, or for entertaining over long afternoons that stretch into evening? In New Zealand, these questions matter. "Proximity to the ocean or sudden temperature shifts can make durability essential," they note, which is why materials are assessed for performance as much as appearance.

"Materials matter," Kristina and Nicky say. "Our climate is harsh. Extreme temperature drops, salt air and strong sun mean choosing durable, well-made pieces is critical." But, durability alone does not define success. "Comfort is equally important. If you do not actually enjoy sitting outside, you will not use the space, no matter how good it looks."

Much of Wolf & South's approach is informed by European outdoor culture, where life outside is not reserved for special occasions. "Europeans embrace life outdoors," they explain. "They dine, entertain and truly live in their outdoor spaces." That way of thinking is increasingly influencing how outdoor areas are designed in New Zealand, with homeowners investing more deliberately in spaces that feel like a continuation of the interior rather than a separate zone.

Rather than importing European design directly, Wolf & South translate its values into a local context. Furniture is chosen for its ability to withstand New Zealand conditions while maintaining a sense of ease and refinement. The result is outdoor design that feels grounded, comfortable and considered rather than decorative.

Advances in outdoor textiles have helped shift expectations. "Fabrics are having a huge moment," they say. "Once outdoor textiles were plain and utilitarian, now we have velvets, outdoor leathers  and beautiful textures in adventurous colours." These developments allow outdoor spaces to feel layered and tactile, removing the need to compromise between practicality and style. "There is no longer a need to compromise. Outdoor furniture can be as stylish and layered as anything you would find indoors."

One of the most common mistakes Wolf & South encounter is leaving outdoor planning too late. "When people leave it too late, they panic buy," they explain, often selecting pieces that do not suit the space, do not last or are uncomfortable to use. In contrast, the most successful outdoor spaces are those considered early and shaped over time, with decisions made carefully rather than under pressure.

This approach aligns closely with what architects and designers are asking for now. There is growing interest in modular furniture and sculptural forms that can adapt to different layouts while working quietly alongside strong architectural lines. Flexibility, when handled well, allows outdoor spaces to evolve without losing coherence.

When asked what elevates an outdoor space beyond the basics, the answer is not a single hero piece. "Textures and layering," they say. Thoughtful additions such as lighting, rugs and cushions bring warmth and depth, encouraging people to stay longer. Their practical advice remains consistent. Heating, lighting and comfortable seating form the foundation of any outdoor space that is genuinely used.

Among their favourite pieces are Italian ceramic tables from Atmosphera, which they describe as "almost like artworks," and a recent Coco Wolf installation in Queenstown, where swivel seating proved particularly well suited to expansive views. These selections reflect a wider philosophy that runs through Wolf & South's work: invest once, buy well and choose pieces that will endure both materially and aesthetically.

By treating outdoor spaces with the same seriousness as interiors, Wolf & South are quietly reshaping expectations around outdoor living in New Zealand. Their work encourages a slower, more thoughtful approach, one where design supports how people live rather than how a space looks on day one. It is an approach that makes outdoor spaces not just beautiful, but worth staying in.

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