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IWe spend a lot of time looking after our interiors and getting them just right, but our outdoor spaces often deserve a little more attention when it comes to design.
Whether you have a small urban patio or a spacious lawn in the countryside, there are plenty of ways to create a characterful outdoor area for lounging and dining, with the amenities we love indoors.
Here, experts share their best tips and tricks for creating an oasis to enjoy all summer long.
“When creating an attractive outdoor space, you should start with a few basic pieces of furniture, made from highly durable materials such as galvanised steel and teak wood,” begins Bo Hellberg, marketing director at Swedish outdoor furniture brand Grythyttan.
Consider a stylish dining table and chairs set, and if space allows, add some plush daybeds or chaise lounges to give it the feel of a luxury hotel. Invest in a couple of parasols or a pergola to protect from the elements. “Then add warmth with soft furnishings, such as weather-resistant cushions, poufs and rugs,” says Hellberg.
David Harris, design director at textile and furniture house Andrew Martin, explains: “Think of your outdoor space as an extension of your indoor aesthetic. Choose garden furniture and décor that fits in with the overall look and feel of your home.”
This can be achieved by upholstering both indoor and outdoor furniture in the same shades or prints. Look for dual-purpose fabrics, which are resistant to fading and water damage outdoors, but are also perfect for upholstery in homes with a lot of pet traffic or small children.
Tom Howard, founder of the eponymous garden design studio, adds: “The garden is a fantastic place to have fun with colour and make bolder choices that you might want to make but wouldn’t do indoors. You can play with the colours of the flowers you’ve planted or take inspiration from your favourite holiday destination by recreating the aesthetic, such as using a deep sky blue and bright white reminiscent of the Greek islands.”
Try using wide striped fabrics to add a playful touch to dull corners. Check out fabric house Colours of Arley for a variety of bright colour combinations.
Remember that garden gatherings don't have to end when the warm weather arrives. Consider investing in an outdoor fireplace to make it extra cosy. Here you can roast marshmallows, host a large-scale barbecue or simply warm your feet, all year round.
Alexander Shepel, co-founder of design studio and bespoke furniture manufacturing company Shepel', says: “When designing an outdoor fireplace, I always recommend prioritising robust natural materials, such as stone or brick, so that they blend seamlessly with the façade of the house and the natural surroundings. Consider a circular bench with a rounded fire pit in the centre. This creates a cosy and meaningful gathering space, which is especially conducive to conversation.”
Finally, encourage your outdoor evenings to last well into the night with well thought-out lighting solutions. Just like indoors, garden lighting serves the dual purpose of creating ambiance and providing practical illumination.
Try placing sconces on the exterior walls of your home, illuminating your tables with small rechargeable lamps, and hanging some string lights or rattan lanterns from tree branches for a romantic touch.
