Easy outdoor space updates
Want to transform your garden so it’s all set for summer? We’ve pulled together handy tips on creating an amazing outdoor space for entertaining, chilling and more. It’ll feel like you’ve gained an extra room in the house. Before you start, give your garden, patio or balcony a little loving by setting the scene with some planters. They’re perfect for adding some colour and fragrance (think herbs or night-scented flowers). Choose pots in the same material (glazed ceramics or urban-cool concrete, for example) and experiment with different shades for a stylish look. Now, you’re ready to go! So, here’s how to declare your outside space ‘open for summer’ with minimum effort – and on a budget too.
Bring the inside out
Soft home accessories like cushions, throws and rugs can work just as well in your garden as they do in your lounge. Whether you’re a fan of bold and bright or coastal cool, throw a few cushions outdoors and grab a blanket for those cool summer evenings. You may need to bring them in when you retreat to bed (look for waterproof materials, if not), but they’ll help to easily translate your interior style to outside. A garden that feels more relaxing AND super stylish? Bonus. Our picks: Dawson Outdoor rug, from £68, Anthropologie; Pebble cushion in clementine, £25, John Lewis
Go for easy entertaining
We all love our Sunday-best crockery but dining outside doesn’t mean you have to dial down the style factor. If you lack entertaining space inside, move the party outside. Think lunch with family, dinner with friends… Avoid breakages by choosing durable melamine (or eco-friendly bamboo) dinner sets, along with hardy ceramic jugs, platters and serving bowls. Our picks: Poolside vibes melamine plates, £14 for 4, John Lewis; Le Creuset stoneware jug in teal, £23, Le Creuset
Add outdoor lights
When the sun goes down, don’t go in! Solar string lights are great to brighten up your beloved outdoor space and add to the chilled atmosphere. For your lanterns, complement your materials and colours. Try teaming coloured glass together. Light wood works well with on-trend pastel or bold shades such as duck egg or burnt orange. And darker rattan looks great paired with glass and metals such as copper. Our picks: Poolside cane weave candle holder, £40, John Lewis; Seagrass candle holder, £25, The White Company
Sit back and relax
While there’s still a place for matchy-matchy garden seating sets (if you’ve got the room for them), we’re loving the idea of one standout chair to show off your personality. It’s the perfect spot where you can laze in the sunshine, read a book or enjoy a few of your favourite tunes. And the best bit about these stylish, hardwearing chairs? Once summer has bid farewell, it’ll look just as neat nestled in the corner of your living room. Our picks: Salsa garden chair, set of 2, saffron, £140, John Lewis; Roberts Revival RD70 Bluetooth Digital radio, duck egg, £199, John Lewis All products are subject to availability
