Get set for outdoor living

There are many ways outdoor areas can be transformed, how you choose to have your space is completely up to you but it should reflect how you plan to use it.

One top tip for a great outdoor area is to consider your space an extension of your home. You want your interior and exterior space to connect and flow in to each other so they look like they belong. A great way to do this is by incorporating elements of your interior décor outside; this could be with a colour theme, key patterns or even by using similar materials.

Essential for outdoor living is outdoor furniture. It’s often becomes the focal point both aesthetically and functionally, for example the dining table will be the heart of dinner parties yet can also be a feature piece. Having a key piece outside, ties together a space and sets out your style, just like interior features do. When choosing a setting think about the material it is made from, ask yourself what style it evokes – a classic hardwood setting portrays a casual, homely feel whereas as concrete style table top adds a more industrial look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to create your own look – for example you could pair wicker chairs with a timber table to add a little intimacy and elegance to your areas. Some settings are modular, which means you can reconfigure the pieces for different occasions and dress them up and down with throws and cushions.

While style is important, don’t forgot also about your furniture’s purpose, if you’re planning on using your outdoor area for relaxation and lounging you’re going to want comfy cushions and settings that lend well to this. Think pod chairs, sun loungers and relaxed settings rather than bench seats and upright chairs, which are best for suited for dining – although with the addition of cushions you can add comfort and style. Remember to consider cooking space if you’re big into barbecues and extra seating if you’re an entertainer.

Shelter is another important consideration for outdoor living. Not only is it useful to guard against wind, rain and sun it is also a way to create privacy, and can help enclose your space to create the sense of a room. Shelter and seclusion can be added in many ways and don’t need to be bland. For seclusion, hedges and trellis can add a natural touch, if you’re adding trellis try growing climbing planters up them it’ll add both shade and an embellishment - plants are a great way to add dimension and splashes of colour throughout your outdoor area. Another way to make the space feel like a room without constructing upwards is to use pavers or edging to allude to separation between areas.

If you’re just after shade, a simple umbrella can work wonders, match it to your chosen colour palette to add a touch of sophistication. To save dining space opt for cantilever umbrella as they sit to the side of the table rather than right through the middle of it, plus you can also easily move them around as the sun travels.

There really is loads you can do to dress up your outdoor area. It’s a canvas you can have a lot of fun with as you’ve got garden pots and plants, hanging baskets, ornaments, and features created by water, carefully placed lighting and even outdoor heaters all to choose from, the hard part is knowing which one. Browse our Outdoor Living Collections here.